Kevin’s Giving Fund honors the life of Kevin Braden by raising and donating funds to important charitable causes. Formally organized as The Kevin G Braden Giving Fund, NFP, an Illinois Not For Profit Corporation, Kevin's Giving Fund is a public charity recognized by the IRS under IRC section 501(c)(3). Kevin's Giving Fund is operated by volunteers so every penny raised goes to charitable causes permitted under section 501(c)(3) or to defray the expenses raising those funds.  (link to information here).

​

​

WHO IS KEVIN BRADEN?

Kevin Braden, the namesake of our charity was, in life, a person of many achievements, professional and personal. (see bio page here) But the legacy Kevin's friends, coworkers, family, and acquaintances remember most is one of friendship, loyalty, mentorship, compassion, and philanthropy. Kevin passed away in 2016 at age 32 and is missed by the many he touched, but his legacy of compassion and philanthropy continues through Kevin's Giving Fund.

​

OUR IMPACT

Following Kevin's passing, Kevin's friends and family came together for a summer golf outing to honor Kevin and celebrate his life. The event raised funds for donation to charity in Kevin’s honor and was so successful that it turned into an annual event (see picture gallery here) that has, over the years, raised almost $400,000 to fund:

​

​

--  Northwestern Memorial Hospital

​

--  Memorial Sloan Kettering Center for Adolescent and  Young Adult Cancers 

​

--High school tuition scholarships for underprivileged adolescents.

​

--The Lurie Cancer Center’s Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Program at Northwestern University Hospital

​​

In 2025 funds raised will again be donated to the Lurie Center, which provides support to adolescent and young adult patients undergoing invasive cancer treatment. (see Lurie Center here) This community is badly underserved as Kevin and his wife, Megan, learned during Kevin’s treatment, so we are delighted to partner with this group again this year, as we did in 2023 and 2024. As noted, every penny donated in 2025 will go to support this charity.

​​

JOIN US FOR FUN AND A GOOD CAUSE!

The annual golf outing has become a wonderful gathering of people that knew (and never had the chance to meet) Kevin that want to join in a celebration of his life and support a worthy cause. This year’s event (see event page here) will begin with a cocktail party hosted by Russell and Halie Braden at their home in Kenilworth IL, a Chicago north shore suburb on the evening of Friday, August 22.  The luncheon, silent auction, and golf tournament will be held on August 23, 2025 at the Wilmette Golf Club, Wilmette IL just outside of Chicago. All are welcome and the event will begin with the silent auction and luncheon. Lurie Center representatives will be on hand to give a presentation on their program successes. Golf is NOT required. In fact, many attend only the luncheon and the luncheon is followed by vigorous games of bags (cornhole), put put on the putting green, childrens' bouncy house, and great comradery. Of course, refreshments are available throughout. Register early as spots fill up fast! (see registration here)

​​

DONATE!

Donations of cash and auction items are gratefully received year round. Cash donations can be made by Zelle, major credit card, or check. Auction item donations include but are not limited to sports memorabilia, gift certificates for merchandise, spa treatments, etc., use of vacation/second homes, sports equipment (new), jewelry and other items of value in new or good condition. All donations are tax deductible, and we would be delighted to add you to our list of supporters! (see donations page here)