Mahoney Golf Classic Draws Record Crowd – and Energy was Contagious

Members of the Saint Viator and Sacred Heart of Mary Alumni Association and their guests turned out in big numbers Friday for the annual Mahoney Classic Golf Outing.

“This is the seventh year for the event – and the first year it sold out,” said Development Director Jeff Ardito. “We have 60 more people here than last year. There’s just so much positive energy here.”

Sticking to tradition, the scramble event took place at Old Orchard Country Club in Prospect Heights, with a shotgun start in the morning, a stop for lunch on the course, and culminating in a late afternoon reception, dinner, and auction.

The star attraction of the event, Coach Pat Mahoney, was there to welcome golfers and send them off with his traditional cheer: “Two bits, four bits, six bits a dollar; all for Viator stand up and holler!”

“When I heard this was a sellout, I almost cried,” Mahoney said. “I can’t tell you how thankful I am for this event and what it does for the school. You know, Viator has always been a second home to me. It’s such a loving and caring community.”

Saint Viator President Ryan Aiello was on hand to welcome golfers, and he mingled with them on the course.

“Coach Mahoney is such a legend in the Viator Community. This is such a great chance to celebrate his accomplishments and gifts to the school,” Aiello said. “Plus, when you have 144 alumni, from across 60 class years, it’s a special opportunity to reflect on a Viatorian education and all the ways it has shaped their lives.”

While the event has traditionally raised money for financial assistance and scholarships for students, this year the outing narrowed its focus to funding legacy scholarships that support second- and third-generation Lions.

“Currently, we’re helping 89 legacy students in the building,” Ardito said. “The scholarships acknowledge the legacy of the school and its alumni. By focusing on these scholarships, we’re looking to give the platform more teeth.”

Golfers on hand eagerly supported the event’s mission and welcomed the chance to gather with their classmates, their families, and friends. 

“Viator has been so good to my family and me,” said Jim Murray ’74, who got his foursome into the event off the waiting list. “Anything we can do to support the school, I’m happy to do. Besides, to celebrate Mahoney, well, it’s just a fun day.”

Rick Broeren ’73 and his sister Jane Broeren Lambesis ’78 have played with their respective foursomes nearly every year of the event.

“It’s the great history, great legacy, and great friendships that last forever,” Broeren said. “Plus, it proves we’re Lions for life.”

Katy Augustin LaMantia ’75 was one of 15 members of the class of 1975 playing in the outing, before they opened their 50th reunion that night.

“I’ve served on the Alumni Board and I know the importance of fundraising,” LaMantia said. “Helping legacy students is such a great cause. I’ve had children at the school and will have two grandchildren attend the school. I’m happy to join with everyone in supporting the cause.”

Dignitaries on hand included Mrs. Judy Amberg, Director of Alumni Relations Emeritus, and Fr. Charles Bolser, C.S.V., former President of the School.

In sending golfers off, he offered a prayer of thanksgiving: “Thank you, Lord, for all the men and women here who support this event, and thank you for all the Saint Viator students who are growing in faith and love.”