More than 90 people took to the greens of Algonquin Golf Club, and their generosity raised more than $102,000 in scholarship funds for American Youth Foundation camp and leadership programs.

The Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament is the AYF’s largest fundraiser. It began 24 years ago in memory of Donald Danforth Jr., who served as AYF Board Chair from 1974 to 2001.

“Each year, whatever else may be going on, the players in our tournament show up to support the youth in our programs,” said Sandra George, Vice President of Advancement.

Nearly 20 volunteers supported AYF staff during the tournament, helping with tasks like set up, registration, selling raffle tickets, and overseeing competitions like straightest drive and closest to the pin.

“This tournament can’t happen without the hard work and enthusiasm of our volunteer community,” George said.

Nestlé Purina Petcare continued its longstanding partnership with the AYF, returning once again as the tournament’s presenting sponsor. “We’re so grateful to Nestlé Purina for their continued partnership,” George said. “Both our organizations share a common founder, William H. Danforth, and this connection has lasted nearly a century. We’re proud to see it continue into the next 100 years.”

The golfers returned to the clubhouse for an evening of drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and more fundraising through fund-a-needs, auction items, and raffles.

President Liz Marshall and Board Chair DD Danforth Burlin both welcomed and thanked the golfers for their continued support, and National Leadership Conference participant Emma Roberts made the biggest impact during the post-game program. She shared how her time at NLC helped her connect with a strong, caring community and inspired her to lead.

“Emma’s speech was a powerful testimony to the transformative nature of our programs,” George said. “We’re so grateful that she was able to join us and share her story with our supporters.”

If you are interested in sponsoring, participating in, or volunteering for the 2026 Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament, please email advancement@ayf.com for more information.

The post Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament raises more than $100,000 appeared first on American Youth Foundation.

The golf tournament began in 2001 to honor the legacy of passionate AYF champion Donald Danforth Jr. Though the pandemic forced its cancelation in 2020, the AYF and presenting sponsor Nestlé Purina PetCare were pleased to welcome golfers back for the 19th time at a new location, Algonquin Golf Club.

The golf tournament is the AYF’s signature fundraiser, raising more $1.5 million for youth to experience exceptional programming at Miniwanca and Merrowvista. The funds generated through the tournament provide financial assistance to inspire dozens of youth each year to discover their best selves.

Advancement Manager Annie Oliverio said the donors’ generosity was greatly appreciated. “The funds raised at this event open the doors to so many new opportunities for youth across the country who will be able to discover their best selves through programs at Miniwanca and Merrowvista, the National Leadership Conference, and our Community and School Programs,” she said.

Senior Director of Advancement Liz Marshall said it was wonderful to connect with so many supporters in person while also maintaining safe COVID-19 protocols at the open-air event.

“Many of the golfers and volunteers are lifelong Founder Friends who look forward to this tournament each year,” Marshall said. “It was such a pleasure to catch up with so many familiar faces and thank them personally for contributing to our mission.”

Participants also heard from new AYF board chair DD Danforth-Burlin and President Anna Kay Vorsteg before ceding the microphone to 16-year-old Miniwanca camper Jack Kuhlman.

Clad in his recently earned rugby, Kuhlman spoke to the attendees about how the AYF has affected his life and issued a dare to the assembled guests. “I dare you all of you to do something kind for a stranger. Give them a compliment, pick something up for them, or even just give them a smile to brighten their day – anything that will help spread that camp spirit just a little further.”

Vorsteg said she loved that Kuhlman challenged everyone to be their own best selves. “Jack’s speech was such a powerful example of the effect AYF programs have on youth – and the effect youth can have on us,” Vorsteg said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

The AYF hopes to return the Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament to its original month of May in 2022. Check out some of our favorite moments below:

The post Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament raises thousands for AYF scholarships appeared first on American Youth Foundation.