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 of 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 your generous support for Kevin's Giving Fund.

​

OUR IMPACT

Following Kevin's passing, Kevin's friends and family came together for a golf outing in the summer of 2016 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 $350,000 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 (the "Northwestern AYA Program").

​​

It's hard to believe that this year marks the tenth celebration of Kevin's life. The success of this event is attributable to one thing: the many exceptional memories Kevin left us and the desire of our many supporters to come together and celebrate those memories, enjoying the camaraderie Kevin was so well known for. This year, funds raised will again be donated to the Northwestern AYA Program, 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 the Northwestern AYA Program again this year, as we have since 2023. As noted, every penny donated in 2026 will go to support this charity and we can't thank you enough for your support!

​​​

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 21,2026.  The luncheon, silent auction, and golf tournament will be held on August 22, 2026 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 at 11:30 am. Northwestern AYA Program representatives will attend to give a presentation on their successes and take questions at the luncheon. Attendees are also encouraged to share their fond and fun memories of Kevin. Golf is NOT required and follows the luncheon with a 2:30pm shotgun start. Many attend only the luncheon, which is followed by vigorous games of bags (cornhole), putt putt on the putting green, bouncy house for children, and other fun! Drinks and food are available throughout at the clubhouse. This tenth anniversary year we are also sponsoring a casino night beginning at 7:00 pm at the Club following the golf tournament and all are welcome to try their hand at casino table games, with proceeds going to Kevin's Memorial Fund! 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)