Golf Tournament Raises Money For EVOLVE

The 8th Annual Families FORE Kids Golf Tournament grossed over $50,000 for the first time in its eight year history.

The tournament took place on June 25, 2018 at Royal Golf Course in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. This year, EVOLVE saw record-breaking numbers.

Nancy Lyner, Development Director at EVOLVE shared that the tournament was “Delightful and meaningful.”

The tournament was followed with dinner and a program. First, the Eiselt family shared their experience adopting five times through EVOLVE. Then, they each shared a little about themselves and why they think their family is special. “I think our family is special because even though we’re adopted, we treat love the same” said Sierra, age 11.

Jim McDonough, Ramsey County Commissioner, shared with guests his passion for children and his dedication to ending sexual violence, fighting drug addiction, unplanned pregnancy, and ending homelessness.  “The work that EVOLVE is doing directly targets these issues, if we can find the root of the problem, we can solve it at it’s source.” McDonough pointed out that when children age out of foster care, they are significantly more likely to encounter one of these problems. “When children age out of foster care, the chances of them encountering one of these problems doesn’t increase just a little, it increases significantly.”

McDonough is right. According to the National Council for Adoption, only 58% of kids who age out of foster care graduate high school by 19 and only 3% graduating college by 25. One in four will be involved in the justice system within two years. 71% of young women who age out of foster care will experience pregnancy by 21 and more than one in five will face homelessness. 

Aging out of foster care has detrimental impacts to a child’s well-being. They are left without proper skills to support themselves on their own.

“This is why the work EVOLVE does is so important.”

Then, CEO, Nicole Deters, shared that EVOLVE understands that a strong, loving, and secure family is essential for a child. Therefore, EVOLVE continues to provide adoption services even though 20% of the cost is not covered by those wishing to grow their families through adoption or foster care.

In the next few minutes, golfers raised an additional $10,500 for EVOLVE.

Between the money raised through golf, the silent auction, raffles, and this fund-a-need, the tournament exceeded expectations. The money will go directly to ensuring that EVOLVE can be as affordable as possible for families.

“We are honored by the generosity of others. EVOLVE is dedicated to finding forever families for children and because of that generosity, we can continue to do so.”

EVOLVE plans to host the 9th Annual Golf Tournament in June of next year.