Chicago golfer wins trip to Pebble Beach

Chicago resident Charlie Marks could hardly believe his luck when his named was called as the winner of St. Coletta's of Illinois' Lexus Champions for Charity National Championship raffle at the organization's 37th Annual Kennedy Golf Outing on August 17.

"I'm in shock," Marks said as fellow golfers gathered around him to offer congratulations. "I can't believe this."

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Marks, who participated in the sold-out golf outing at Crystal Tree Golf & Country Club in Orland Park, had purchased two chances to win the trip of a lifetime. His winning ticket was selected from hundreds of entries during the event's raffle drawing.

The raffle was sponsored by Lexus of Orland and Lexus of Merrillville, helping make the once-in-a-lifetime golf experience possible while supporting St. Coletta's mission.

As the winner, Marks and a friend will travel to Pebble Beach in December to participate in the 2026 Lexus Champions for Charity National Championship, a prestigious golf experience that brings together charity tournament winners from across the country.

While the prize was a dream come true for Marks, the raffle's impact extends far beyond one lucky golfer. Proceeds from the raffle and the Kennedy Golf Outing support St. Coletta's of Illinois and its mission to serve children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential.

"Seeing Charlie's reaction was such a fun moment for everyone at the golf outing," said Heather Benedick, CEO of St. Coletta's of Illinois. "But what makes this raffle truly special is knowing that every ticket purchased helps create possibilities for the people we serve. Our golfers and supporters came together to make a meaningful difference, and we are incredibly grateful."

Marks' winning ticket capped a day of fundraising, friendship and golf at the Kennedy Golf Outing, which brought together 143 golfers at Crystal Tree. The annual event raises critical funds that help St. Coletta's provide opportunities, services and support that go beyond what traditional funding can cover.

For Marks, the excitement of winning will soon turn into a trip he is unlikely to forget.

"I can't believe this," he said.

And thanks to his two raffle tickets, he'll soon be saying it from Pebble Beach.

To learn more about St. Coletta's of Illinois or how you can support its mission, visit St. Coletta's of Illinois or call 708-342-5200.