Sonja Zupevec - Winter 2013

Current residence: Chicago, IL

Occupation: Consultant

Yrs donated or played in tourney: I'm not sure - probably each year you had it in Chicago I'd think

Sonja was selected for the donor Spotlight because of her consistent support over many years of the Classic.  Sonja's foursome became a fixture of the Classic and their enthusiasm has only been matched by their graciousness. 

Do you have a connection in the fight against cancer?

 

One of my long-time friends lost her father to cancer a few years ago, and my father-in-law was recently diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer. 

How did you become involved with the KFM Cancer Classic?

I met Kevin through Nic Yoder, and began participating in the KFMCC when it moved to Chicago to both have fun with friends and support a great cause. 

Why do you donate to the KFM Cancer Classic?

 

I think it's a great cause, as it affects so many people.  Even a small donation helps to make an impact. 

What is your most memorable experience at KFM?

 

Attempting to play in a downpour in 2010 - we stuck it out and completed the course!

Do you have any advice for this year's players at the tournament?

As I likely won't be able to make the trip down to Champaign, have a great time!

Janet Lathrop - Fall 2013

Current residence: Arcola, Il

Occupation: RN

Yrs donated or played in tourney: I have donated for several years.  I was finally invited to play in the tourney 2 years ago.

Janet was selected as to the Donor Spotlight because of her association with the cause in personal and professional life.  She has made the Classic a family event in her annual attendance with her husband.

Do you have a connection in the fight against cancer?

 

I am a 15 year survivor of breast cancer.  My dad died as a result of prostate cancer.  I have been an RN for 40 years so I deal with it on a regular basis.

How did you become involved with the KFM Cancer Classic?

My son Alan and Kevin are childhood friends.  We started donating several years ago. After a couple of years of strong hints, we received an invitation to play.

Why do you donate to the KFM Cancer Classic?

 

Everyone has a family member or friend who has been affected by cancer.   There have been a lot of advances in cancer treatment, but there is still a long way to go.   I know that Kevin gives 100% of donations to the American Cancer Society.  I like having a Memorial to my dad on the course.  There are memorials for several Arcola people and it's good to stop and think about those people while we are playing. 

What is your most memorable experience at KFM?

 

Last year I beat my husband by 1 or 2 and that was pretty exciting.  I think I came in second as either an old person or purple rider.  I can't remember. It's just a fun day.   

Do you have any advice for this year's players at the tournament?

You better have your game on.   This year it is in Champaign near where I live.  I can practice on the course alot.   This may be my year to win it all. 

Steve Cardwell - Spring 2013

Current residence: Atlanta, GA

Occupation: IT Consulting

Yrs donated or played in tourney: Long time, ever since it moved to Chicago

Steve was selected because even after moving from Chicago years ago, he and his wife Katie have remained dedicated annual donors to the Classic.  Though Steve has accomplished much, he has cited this 'spotlight' as his greatest achievement in life.

Do you have a connection in the fight against cancer?

 

My connection is pretty direct.  My wife has had skin cancer and so have members of her family.  Luckily for us, it was caught early and she was fine.  However, it was a sobering experience that made us rethink how we behave and made us much more aware of the impact our donations to KFM make.

How did you become involved with the KFM Cancer Classic?

One day Kevin Monahan said that he did this like golf tournament to raise money for cancer.  I was sure that this must be incorrect that while Kevin is one of the funnier people I have met in my life but also highly immature, I was frankly uninitiated into the side of him that deeply cares about ACS and its mission.  As I learned more, I was ridiculously impressed by his will and determination to make KFM a success.

Why do you donate to the KFM Cancer Classic?

 

I know that all of my money goes straight to ACS and I know that even though I live in Atlanta, I know that folks in Illinois will have a great time and that Kevin will make sure of it.  It’s a point of pride to donate at this point.  We enjoy it and we love Kevin, even more than his brother Dave.

What is your most memorable experience at KFM?

 

When Katie (my wife) won the old-timer award with the lowest score by someone over 30.  That was the moment that Kevin changed the old timer age to over 40, which is even better because she is listed as a winner of this award and isn’t even 40 yet.

Do you have any advice for this year's players at the tournament?

Dress well.  Shoot well.  Drink well.  Stay to the end of the night at the bar and you might just get lucky.

Erin Nelson - Winter 2012

Current residence: Ann Arbor, Mi

Occupation: Graphic Designer

Yrs donated or played in tourney: Haven't played...YET!  This is my 10th year designing the t-shirt

Erin was selected because of her generosity, willingness, and excitement in designing the KFM Cancer Classic official t-shirt each year since 2004.  Erin lost her Dad to Cancer.

Do you have a connection in the fight against cancer?

 

I lost my dad to cancer, so the fight is very close to my heart.

How did you become involved with the KFM Cancer Classic?

I met Kvein through my sister and her husband.  Helping him out with the t-shirt was the very least I could do and it's been so fun to be a [very!] small part of the event.

Why do you donate to the KFM Cancer Classic?

 

It's a way to honor my dad. to help a good friend, and support a great cause.

What is your most memorable experience at KFM?

 

Last year's design challenge was memoriable... to include on the t-shirt a limo, Evil Knievel, and a man in a gorilla suit... oh my!

Do you have any advice for this year's players at the tournament?

Do whatever it takes to win the plaid jacket! 

Jim Moeller - Fall 2012

Current residence: Celina, OH

Occupation: Engineering Supervisor

Yrs donated or played in tourney: Donated every year and played twice ('01 & '04)

Jim was chosen for 'Donor Spotlight' because of his consistent support (one of about 2 dozen who have donated every year of the event) and his expressed interest and enthusiasm for the fight against cancer.

Do you have a connection in the fight against cancer?

 

Family, friends, and co-workers - I mean who doesn't have a connection to cancer. This awful disease affects so many people, that is why it is such a good cause.

How did you become involved with the KFM Cancer Classic?

I have known Kevin since our freshman year at UD and when he decided to put this event together, I wanted to be apart of it.

Why do you donate to the KFM Cancer Classic?

 

I think it is a great opportunity to give back and try to help fight a disease that affects so many people

What is your most memorable experience at KFM?

 

I won best dress in 2004

Do you have any advice for this year's players at the tournament?

I am a horrible golfer so my advice is donate a lot of money and have fun.

 

Bruce Hill - Spring 2012

Current residence: Orland Park, IL

Occupation: Civil Engineer

Yrs donated or played in tourney: I think 7-8 years

Bruce was selected for the 'spotlight' because of his close connection to cancer, his family's great efforts in the 'For Julie' Walk that has accomplished amazing things, and his enthusiasm for the KFM Classic.

Do you have a connection in the fight against cancer?

 

Yes, like most people I have had family members who have cancer now (my uncle with prostrate cancer) or have died of cancer (my cousin died at age 13 from leukemia almost 10 years ago).  The For Julie Foundation was created in my cousin's (named Julie) honor to raise money for research to hopefully find a cure for leukemia and to help out families with children who have leukemia who need money to continue their care.  I have had different levels of involvement in the different fundraisers that we have had.  Our biggest fundraiser is the 2 mile walk, dinner, and auction that we hold the last Friday of July in Orland Park.  If anyone has any interest, you can find out more info on both the walk and the Foundation at www.forjulie.org. 

How did you become involved with the KFM Cancer Classic?

I went to the University of Illinois with Alan Lathrop, good friends with Kevin from Arcola.  Through Alan I met Kevin one night while he was visiting from Dayton.  For some reason he wasn't wearing pants in the middle of Clybourn at the time.  A few years later, Kevin mentioned the Mini Golf Tourney that he runs, so I decided to give it a try.

Why do you donate to the KFM Cancer Classic?

 

The KFM Cancer Classic is a very well run and enjoyable event.  I am a big fan of smaller charities where you know the money is actually going towards the cause in their mission statement.  Not to mention playing in Mini Golf tournament is always a good idea. 

What is your most memorable experience at KFM?

 

A few years ago I won somewhere between $25-$30 playing $1 a hole skins with Alan.  Do the math, that is not an easy feat to accomplish.

Do you have any advice for this year's players at the tournament?

1) Always do a shot of Cognac when you make a hole-in-one

2) Don't bring your own personal putter or golf ball.  You never want to be THAT guy or girl.