If you live in Northwest Indiana, you know that Strack & Van Til offers the best selection, top-quality products, unsurpassed customer service and items to make customers’ lives easier.  But did you know that Strack & Van Til has a history of giving back to the communities they serve?

Its Annual Strack & Van Til Charity Foundation Golf Outing is one of the largest events the grocery chain hosts to raise funds. Not only is the outing an opportunity to connect and engage with vendors, but it’s also a great way to show support for the community.

The event took place on Aug. 17 at the White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point. A tradition for more than 50 years, it started out small and grew to 317 golfers and more than 111 hole sponsors this year. Executive Sponsors this year included Smithfield, Focus Sales & Marketing Inc., Anthony Marano Co. (AMC), CIBC and Brown & Brown Insurance.

The Strack & Van Til Charity Foundation supports multiple organizations and charities throughout Northwest Indiana, which vary from year to year. In addition to golfer participation and sponsorships, the event also featured a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and a putting contest to raise additional funds.

For the 2021-2022 season, the Strack & Van Til Charity Foundation Golf Outing benefited the Alzheimer’s Association, Humane Indiana, Hospice of the Calumet Area, St. Agnes Adult Day Care, Hammond Parks & Recreation, Elim Christian Services, Crown Point Rotary Club, VNA of NWI Valparaiso, Noon Kiwanis Club, Opportunity Enterprises, St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home, Gary Rotary Club, Calumet College of St. Joseph, Chasing Dreams, Mommy’s Haven, American Heart Association, Porter County United Way and the Optimist Club of Hammond.

So why is it so important for Strack & Van Til to give back?

“It has always been in Strack & Van Til’s company fabric to give back to the communities we serve,” said President and CEO Jeff Strack. “Nick Van Til and Ernie Strack believed that giving back was just good business, thought it was the right thing to do and believed that we are all better when our communities are better places to live.”

Strack says the collaboration among the company, the customers and the vendors are key to the company’s success.

“I liken it to a three-legged stool — with customers, vendors and our employees representing each leg — and that stool needs all three legs to stand upright,” Strack said. “I appreciate all of our vendors’ and partners’ support and everything they do for us. I hope to continue to help organizations and events that elevate the quality of life in Northwest Indiana for many years to come.”