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Welcome to “Good Morning, Illini Nation,” your daily dose of college basketball news from Illini beat writer and AP Top 25 voter Scott Richey. He’ll offer up insights every morning on Brad Underwood’s team and college basketball at large:
Kendall Gill has returned to Champaign nearly every summer for more than three decades. He’ll do so again Monday as his annual golf outing celebrates its 36th year as a fundraiser for Cunningham Children’s Home. In 3 1/2 decades, the annual benefit has generated $850,000 in proceeds.
“Year after year, our supporters’ step onto the greens for an unforgettable day of golf and good works,” said Ginger Mills, Cunningham Director of Advancement. “They know the benefit will provide a challenging round of golf but more importantly, an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for those who need it most.”
Gill and two special guests will speak before both waves of the outing at the University of Illinois Golf Course in Savoy. Also scheduled to address the golfers are Illinois men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood and Illinois assistant women’s basketball coach Emily Durr.
“We do this for a reason — to raise money for the kids,” Gill said. “And year after year that’s why our supporters come back, because they see the results of the outing helping the kids at the home.”
The Kendall Gill Golf Benefit is supported by Wespath Institutional Investments, Kirby Wealth Management Group/Northwestern Mutual and Evergreen Roadworks. Their financial backing allows more of the registration fees and sponsorships to go directly to Cunningham Children’s Home in support of its programs. The Kiwanis Club of Champaign-Urbana also assists with volunteer efforts for the outing.