Events/Programs

Passport to Dining

The highly anticipated Passport to Dining event enables ticket holders to tour and sample food at participating downtown Downers Grove restaurants. The journey begins at the restaurant indicated on each participant's Passport. Grove Foundation board volunteers are stationed at each restaurant to stamp the Passport. Tickets for this unique event are only $30. Prizes are awarded.

For information about Passport to Dining, click here.

Golf Outing

This fun event has been held every year since 1992 at the beautiful, historic Downers Grove Park District Golf Course. Typically held the Saturday after Labor Day each September, the outing is a great way to support the Foundation. Local merchants donate prizes, catering is provided by Skuddlebutts, and the Downers Grove North girls' golf team volunteers.

Mark Your Calendars for the 28th Annual Golf Outing in 2021
The Grove Foundation 28th Annual Golf Outing & Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, September 11th, 2021, with a 2:00pm shotgun start, at the Downers Grove Park District Golf Course. The entry fee is $60, which includes 9 holes of golf, golf prizes, a drink ticket and a dinner served by Skuddlebutt's. Golf prizes include: Low Gross Foursome, Low Net Foursome, Jim & Judy Russ Sr. Team Putting Champions, Women's Long Drive, Men's Long Drive, Women's Closest to the Pin, Men's Closest to the Pin & a Chipping Contest. The outing also includes a raffle with great prizes and Betting Hole. As an IRS 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, a portion of your entry fee may be tax deductible. Please mark your calendar and plan to join this fun and charitable event in 2021!  Watch our website for registration information starting in August.

For the most recent Golf Outing registration form, click here.

Helping Children Grow

Although the Grove Foundation is known mostly for its ability to support and sustain others, it has one unique program of its own that has greatly impacted dozens of young recipients. In 1998, The Grove Foundation started a recognition program called Helping Children Grow for fifth grade students in two District 58 schools.  Since that time, it has expanded to include all 11 grade schools, plus St. Mary of Gostyn School.

"Helping Children Grow" is an award given to one fifth grade student in each classroom to recognize unique qualities not always present in traditional school awards such as work ethic, positive attitude, friendliness, and other character attributes.  As one 5th grade teacher wrote:  "The award comes at a perfect time when students are still figuring out things about themselves.  It helps them learn about who they are and their impact on others of all ages.  The award gives direction and motivation to boys and girls who may never experience the opportunity to realize their uniqueness."

Students are nominated by their teachers.  Recipients receive a framed Award Certificate and book selected to fit their interest and reading level, which is purchased along with a gift card from Anderson's Bookshop in Downers Grove.  Members of The Grove Foundation visit the schools to present the award, with the student often being surprised at a school assembly in front of peers, teachers and parents. The Foundation has received many letters of gratitude from both the winners and their parents.