Elmhurst is a proud and faithful community made up of people like Marty Schiller and Bob Spahn.
Both families have not only been dedicated to their community, but have been – and are passionate – about the well-being of others. Schiller, lifelong Elmhurst resident, describes Elmhurst as “a special town where people look out for each other and take the time to build relationships with families and those within their community.”
It was no surprise when thirteen years ago Schiller started supporting a non-profit in Elmhurst called Ray Graham Association (RGA), an organization that offers a variety of innovative programs to individuals with disabilities.
“Ray Graham Association is important to me for many reasons. Long before my introduction into Ray Graham, I always felt giving people purpose through employment and other programs is a system that works,” Schiller said. “Empowering disabled people so they thrive and contribute to society, and work along the general population, is a good idea. It was a simple choice for me to support Ray Graham. Their programs work.”
Robert Spahn, Jr. has a more personal connection to RGA. His son, Trey, who has Down syndrome, began to receive services from RGA in 2003. A couple of months later, Spahn, Jr. participated in what was then called “Ray Graham Association’s Annual Golf Benefit,” along with his father, Robert F. Spahn. Robert F. Spahn was a huge supporter of RGA. Not only because his grandson was receiving services, but because he believed in the program.
When Robert F. Spahn passed away, Ray Graham Association approached the Spahn family to ask for their permission to re-name the golf outing, “Robert F. Spahn Memorial Golf Classic,” in honor of a man and family that had put so much work into ensuring that the organization would continue to thrive.
Both Schiller and Spahn have been long time supporters of Ray Graham Association, and longtime members of the volunteer committee that plans the annual golf outing. They both know the cost of operating a 23 million dollar organization like Ray Graham Association, especially with challenges that a lack of budget from the State of Illinois brings to a non-profit.
On Monday, May 22, they will be hosting and participating in this year’s Robert F. Spahn Memorial Golf Classic at the River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst. Foursomes and sponsorships are on sale now. Support your community and those supported at Ray Graham Association by attending this fun-filled day, benefiting a good cause. Visit rgagolf.org to purchase tickets or to donate.
Ray Graham Association provides residential, employment, life skills, recreational and family support services to nearly 2,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout DuPage County. For information visit raygraham.org.
