Mother McAuley’s Annual Golf Outing Pays Tribute to the Tom Hopkins Foundation

Mother McAuley High School will host the school's annual Fore the Macs: Playing  it Forward Golf Outing on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Ridge Country Club. The annual fundraiser benefits the Tradition of Excellence Scholarship at McAuley with nine holes of golf. The 2024 event raised more than $130,000 in scholarships for the incoming Class of 2029.  

At this year’s event, McAuley is honored to present the 2025 Caring Heart Award to the Tom Hopkins Foundation, recognizing its commitment to giving back to families affected by cancer and supporting youth athletics. Much like Caroline Griffin ‘12, who the Caring Heart Award honors, Tom 'Papa Hops' Hopkins was known for living life to its fullest, with a larger-than-life presence and a profound impact on the South Side community.

Tom fought a courageous battle against cancer for more than 30 years, remaining positive and determined until his passing. In his honor, his children established the Tom Hopkins Foundation in 2014, which has since raised over $1 million to assist cancer-affected families and local youth sports programs. The foundation’s flagship event, the Papa Hops 16” Softball Tournament, began with just 16 teams and has grown to include 32 teams, drawing thousands of supporters every year.

“Tom Hopkins loved life and inspired his family and friends to do the same,” said Carey Temple Harrington ’86, President of Mother McAuley. “His legacy lives on through the work of the Tom Hopkins Foundation, and we are proud to honor their ongoing efforts to support, inspire and uplift others.”

What makes this tribute even more special is the personal connection between the Hopkins family and McAuley. Anne Hopkins ‘13, Tom’s daughter, was not only a standout lacrosse player at McAuley but now serves as the varsity lacrosse coach, leading her team from the turf field beneath the Papa Hops Scoreboard, which was funded in part by the foundation. It’s a full-circle moment that celebrates Tom’s love for life, his commitment to his family and his enduring impact on the community.

For more information on how you can support this event, including by joining us for the AFTER PAR-TEE and purchasing raffle tickets, please visit our event website.

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