Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana celebrates third annual ‘Fore the Region’ Golf Classic at Lost Marsh Golf Course

On Monday, October 6, Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana hosted its third annual “Fore the Region” Golf Classic at Lost Marsh Golf Course in Hammond. The event brought together business, community, and philanthropic leaders from across the Region for a day of golf, camaraderie, and support for local students.

Dan Kozlowski, executive director at Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana, emphasized the importance of the annual golf outing as an opportunity for the community to come together and learn more about the organization.

“This year is our largest group yet,” Kozlowski said. “We have over 135 golfers playing today. It’s wonderful for us to see so many familiar faces, along with many new friends, to learn about our mission and the students we serve here in Northwest Indiana.”

Josh Hale, president and CEO of Big Shoulders Fund, has seen tremendous growth in this event over just three years.

“Whenever you’re starting something new, there’s all the hope and optimism of what it can be,” Hale said. “We want as many people as possible to be part of the mission. Here in the Region, people have really embraced that and have helped add to the greatness of the community by working together towards better outcomes. It’s very rewarding to see this event grow as a reflection of that shared commitment.”

The Golf Classic also serves as a fundraiser for the Founders Advisory Council Scholarship, which provides critical tuition assistance to Northwest Indiana families by ensuring access to high-quality educational opportunities. This is why Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana began hosting the “Fore the Region” Golf Classic name in 2023.

“This is all about supporting children,” Hale said. “’We never lose sight of that because they represent the future for our region, our state, and our nation. By providing scholarships and access to mentoring and the other opportunities, we are able to achieve the ultimate goal of investing in the children.”

Kozlowski is grateful for all the event’s sponsors who have played a part in this annual tradition. One of the outing’s biggest supporters is Wintrust Bank. Curt Bowers, vice president of commercial, healthcare, and nonprofit banking, looks forward to this event every year and continuing Wintrust’s partnership with Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana.

“The biggest thing for us is that Big Shoulders Fund not only provides access to education, but ensures that it is a quality education,” Bowers said. “Through their work with the school choice program, more children have access to a high-quality, values-based education that provides the best opportunities possible.”

Since its expansion into Northwest Indiana in 2019, made possible by a generous gift from the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, Big Shoulders Fund has continued to grow its impact. Today, Big Shoulders Fund supports 20 schools in Northwest Indiana 70 more in the Chicago area. 

“There are so many dedicated educators working to make sure students have access to the programs and experiences they need for future success,” Bowers said. “The one thing you can’t take away from somebody is their education. The fact that we can support that through something as enjoyable as golf is incredible, and it’s great to see the line of carts increase every year.”

While the educational opportunities that are made possible through events like this are the most important part of the golf outing, the day also provides a chance for networking and fellowship.

“I always look forward to driving around the course, meeting everyone, and thanking them for their support,” Hale said. “Their continued encouragement and enthusiasm in inviting more people to be a part of our mission is very fulfilling.”

For more information on Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana, you can visit bigshouldersfund.org/NWI.