Putts and Pups: Golf Open Spotlights Community & Close Friends

Jul 16, 2024

PAWS Chicago’s 4th annual Peter Fasseas Golf Open was the most exciting one yet, with special guests in attendance and lifesaving in action. Passionate animal lover, and Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren served as the keynote speaker. And Barstool Sports’ Jersey Jerry welcomed a new family member—an 8-month-old, parvo survivor named Ruffles.

It’s been said that relationships are formed and strengthened on and around the golf course, and PAWS Chicago proved that adage at its 4th annual Peter Fasseas Golf Open in early June.  

After 144 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day on the links, Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren served as the event’s keynote speaker at Westmoreland Country Club in Wilmette, IL. Warren, a passionate animal lover and the owner of a mixed breed dog named Luna, didn’t take long to prove his affection for animals, nuzzling several adoptable PAWS pups on the way to his seat. During his remarks he admitted that perhaps the Bears needed a team dog at Halas Hall, where the team offices and practices are located. 

Warren then took several questions from PAWS supporters. He spoke about the importance of community, coalition building, and how the Bears could be an important partner in the post-pandemic economic development of Chicago. During the event’s live auction, Warren also raised his paddle to make a personal donation to PAWS. 

The competitive group from Barstool Sports also attended the Golf Open and made a meaningful impact. PAWS already enjoys a relationship with Dan “Big Cat” Katz of Barstool Sports and his Stella Blue Coffee brand, named after Katz’s dog, Stella, whom he adopted from PAWS in 2013. Stella Blue donates a portion of its proceeds to PAWS. While at the golf course, Barstool’s Jersey Jerry fell in love with an 8-month-old, brown-and-white dog named Ruffles. He adopted her the very next day and, that night, hosted his streaming show “Jerry After Dark,” turning the program into a fundraiser for PAWS. The show, including a match from Big Cat, raised over $13,000 for PAWS, in honor of alums Ruffles and Stella. 

Warren, Jersey Jerry, and other PAWS supporters were greeted by CBS anchor/reporter Suzanne LeMignot, a long-time friend of the organization who once again welcomed golfers and guests as the dinner’s emcee. LeMignot, a member of the PAWS board, launched the CBS2 PAWS Pet of the Week more than 20 years ago to spotlight adoptable PAWS dogs and cats. The golf outing was featured on the CBS2 evening news to discuss the importance of raising funds during the current national shelter overcrowding crisis impacting Chicago. 

The golf open is proving to be not just an important fundraiser for PAWS, but also a key factor in building and expanding engagement throughout our animal-loving community.