Swinging for Hearts: Glenview Open Celebrates Fifth Year with Record-Breaking Donation

GLENVIEW, Ill. – The crisp August air carried more than just the scent of freshly cut fairways at Old Orchard Country Club on Saturday, August 22, 2026. It carried the sound of cheering, the clinking of putters, and the unmistakable energy of a community united for a cause that hits closer to home than most realize.

The Fifth Annual Glenview Open charity golf outing teed off under brilliant blue skies, bringing together 127 golfers organized into 32 foursomes, dozens of dedicated volunteers, and a constellation of local and national sponsors who transformed what began as a small gathering between childhood friends into the event's most successful year to date.

By the time the final putt dropped and the last raffle ticket was sold, organizers Alex Przybylo and Drew Hauber stood shoulder-to-shoulder, beaming with an accomplishment neither could have fully imagined when they first dreamed up this outing from across the street in their Southgate neighborhood years ago. The tally: $29,615 raised for The Children's Heart Foundation – a record-breaking sum that eclipsed all previous years and sent a powerful message about what grassroots community action can achieve.

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A Long Putt, A Bigger Purpose

For Glenview's Luke Vitti, the day started with a moment of pure golfing glory. Amid a field of more than 100 competitors, Vitti sank one of the longest putts of the tournament during the opening mega putt competition, tying for the win and earning high-fives from fellow golfers throughout the afternoon.

"I couldn't be happier with the putting contest and especially for a great cause," Vitti said, still riding the adrenaline of his performance hours later.

But the competition didn't end there. As the day progressed, foursomes navigated Old Orchard's meticulously maintained layout, with the team dubbed the "Fairway Bots" – consisting of Sean Lee, Nick Stevens, Billy Hersiott, and Erik Dieschbourg – ultimately claiming first place honors. Their victory earned them not just bragging rights, but the permanent inscription of their names on the Glenview Open Cup, a trophy they'll proudly display for the next 12 months.

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From Childhood Friendship to Community Movement

To understand the soul of the Glenview Open, one must first understand the bond between its co-founders. Przybylo and Hauber have been friends since the seventh grade, a connection that was cemented when Przybylo moved across the street from Hauber in Glenview's Southgate neighborhood.”

"We have known each other since he moved across the street from me in Southgate," Hauber recalled, the warmth of decades-old friendship evident in his voice. "We've stayed close ever since. Alex is a great partner to have in putting this together."

But the Glenview Open is more than just a reunion of old friends. It's deeply personal, rooted in Hauber's own journey as a survivor. Born with a congenital heart defect, Hauber underwent three open-heart surgeries before his third birthday – a harrowing experience that has shaped his perspective and fueled his commitment to the cause.

"Drew is a heart warrior," Przybylo said simply, the weight of the statement carrying the respect and admiration of a lifelong friend. "His story is a big part of why this outing means so much to us and to everyone who participates."

Hauber's survival story is not just remarkable; it's emblematic of a larger truth. Congenital heart defects remain the most common birth defect in the United States, affecting one in every 110 babies born. Yet, according to The Children's Heart Foundation, research funding for these conditions lags significantly behind the prevalence of the disease. Since its founding in Illinois in 1996, the Foundation has contributed nearly $20 million to congenital heart defect research and collaborative efforts – but the need remains vast.

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A Day of Sun, Swings, and Celebration

The weather gods smiled upon the Glenview Open this year. After four previous years held at Chick Evans Golf Course in Morton Grove, the decision to move to Old Orchard Country Club proved serendipitous in more ways than one.

"We were definitely blessed with the weather," Hauber said, glancing skyward as if to acknowledge the perfect conditions. "It turned out to be a beautiful day – sunny with a nice breeze, which was perfect for golf and made the whole event that much better."

The venue change was motivated by more than just aesthetics. "As the outing continues to grow, we wanted to move to a course with an event space on-site so we could keep everyone together and host an after-party immediately following golf," Hauber explained. "Old Orchard gave us the opportunity to do that this year."

And what an after-party it was. Approximately 150 people – including golfers, volunteers, spouses, family members, and friends – gathered to celebrate the day's achievements and the collective impact of their efforts.

"We had 127 golfers, about 12 volunteers, plus spouses, family members, and friends who joined us for the after-party," Hauber estimated, the turnout exceeding expectations and filling the event space with a palpable sense of community.