First Illinois scores big with new event

HFMA’s First Illinois Chapter has provided more than $150,000 in scholarship funds to members and their children seeking higher education. The primary source of funding for the scholarships is the Chapter’s annual golf outing. When it came time to plan the 2024 event, however, they decided to switch things up a bit.

What was different

Previously, the event took the form of a scramble on a traditional 18-hole golf course. Foursomes were a mix of business partners and providers. In 2024, the Chapter hosted a Topgolf tournament instead. It took place August 23 in Naperville, Ill. Business partners and providers had separate foursomes, with providers competing for the Chapter’s first golf championship trophy.

Why the change

Matt Aumick, CHFP, CPA, controller for US Acute Care Solutions in Chicago and the 2024-25 president of First Illinois, said the Chapter felt the change would be beneficial for two main reasons. The first was allowing for more networking time.

“On an 18-hole course you’re really limited to your own foursome while golfing, so networking is limited to a short time before and after the event,” said Aumick. “With the Topgolf setup, however, attendees were able to mingle throughout the entire afternoon — both while golfing and during the networking sessions.”

The second reason was that an 18-hole course can be intimidating for non-golfers.

“We thought the Topgolf format would appeal to more of our members who might enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere,” Aumick said.

How it turned out

The changes paid off. According to Aumick, the Chapter met its three goals for the event: increased attendance, an even mix of providers and business partners and a positive net income to donate to the scholarship fund.

There were 103 attendees — roughly double the previous year’s attendance. About $15,000 was raised for the Chapter’s scholarship fund, meeting the annual goal. Funds were raised via general donations from attendees and via business partners’ purchases of hitting bays and other sponsorship opportunities, such as the registration table, lunch and donated baskets that were raffled off during the event. Providers also paid a small fee to enter a foursome.

Post-event survey feedback was positive, with a consensus to host another Topgolf event in 2025. In fact, it’s already scheduled for August 22. Aumick encourages other chapters looking for a new networking event to give the Topgolf format a try.

“We found the Topgolf setup an excellent opportunity to have a fun outing for all golf skill levels,” he said. “One of our favorite aspects was seeing how many new faces, and how many people in general, felt comfortable enough to come out and participate.”