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.

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The Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament has taken place nearly every year since 2001 in memory of lifelong AYF supporter and avid golfer, Donald Danforth Jr. This year, more than 100 golfers, volunteers, and AYF staff came out to enjoy a beautiful day and support the AYF mission at Algonquin Golf Club.

Presented by Nestlé Purina PetCare, the golf tournament is the AYF’s signature fundraiser, having raised more $2 million for youth to experience exceptional programming at Miniwanca and Merrowvista in the history of the tournament. The funds generated through the tournament provide financial assistance to inspire youth each year to discover their best selves.

In addition to sponsorships, attendees also gave back through fund-a-need contributions and a robust raffle for prizes like a St. Louis Blues game day package, an AYF Swag Bag collection of branded merchandise, and a St. Louis Cardinals game day package that included special perks with KMOX Sports Director and tournament emcee Tom Ackerman.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who came out to support the AYF mission and the kids we get to serve,” said Director of Development Jessa Glick. “So many kids will get to experience the magic of Miniwanca and Merrowvista thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, volunteers, and golfers.”

After a day on the greens, golfers enjoyed a cocktail hourand learned more about the life-changing power of AYF programs when camper Mary Ruth Sanders shared how her experiences at Miniwanca each summer have helped shaped her today.

AYF President Anna Kay Vorsteg said it was wonderful to hear from Mary Ruth. “I love telling supporters about the good work we do, but nothing can compare with a young participant sharing their personal story about how AYF programs have impacted them,” she said.

The Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament will return in 2024. Check out some of our favorite moments from this year’s tournament below.

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The golf tournament has taken place nearly every year since 2021 in memory of lifelong AYF supporter and avid golfer, Donald Danforth Jr. This year, nearly 100 golfers, volunteers, and AYF staff came out to enjoy a sunny spring day of sport and fundraising at Algonquin Golf Club.

Presented by Nestlé Purina PetCare, the golf tournament is the AYF’s signature fundraiser, raising more $2 million for youth to experience exceptional programming at Miniwanca and Merrowvista over the history of the tournament. The funds generated through the tournament provide financial assistance to inspire youth each year to discover their best selves.

After a day on the links, golfers and volunteers enjoyed a cocktail reception, where they pledged contributions to fund specific AYF needs and entered to win raffle items like St. Louis Cardinals and Blues game packages, a cash bouquet and pearl bracelet, and more.

“The generosity of our supporters never fails to amaze me,” said Advancement Manager Annie Oliverio. “Thanks to their contributions, dozens of children and teens will experience summer camp, community and school programs, and the National Leadership Conference at Miniwanca and Merrowvista.”

President Anna Kay Vorsteg said one highlight of the day was hearing from brothers Liam and Gabriel Grundy, who shared their personal experience with AYF programs.

Liam Grundy completed Wayfinder in 2021 and will return to Miniwanca for Voyageur and his first year of NLC.

“My experiences at Miniwanca have shaped me to be a more patient and tolerant individual, as I learned to get along with cabinmates, meet new people, and make new friends,” he said. “Multiple years at camp have caused me to take the Four Folds much more seriously in my life and who I am, especially at home.”

After five years in-camp as a Seeker and Challenger, Gabriel Grundy will embark on his first Four Trails trip this summer as an Explorer. He said he appreciates how the AYF continues to evolve as an organization.

“If you know me well, then you know that I’m a strong believe in openness, inclusion, and diversity,” he said. “The ways that AYF has been working on changes in the words we use, the cultures we honor, and the people who get to come to camp really matter to me. I’ve seen the way that camp has been working to be its best self in the past few years, and I think it will continue getting better tomorrow.”

The Grundy brothers’ words moved attendees and Vorsteg. “We can share the importance of the mission and the value of our programs, but hearing directly from youth about a powerful AYF experience resonates so much more than any staff presentation ever could,” she said. “Inspiring youth to go out and share their strengths with the world is at the heart of what we do, and Liam and Gabriel exemplified that perfectly.”

The Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament will return in 2023. Check out some of our favorite moments from this year’s tournament below:

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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:

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