A Topgolf fundraiser in Naperville on Friday, Sept. 25, will raise money for Synapse House, a Downers Grove nonprofit that helps stroke and brain-injury survivors rebuild their lives.
The Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the "Falling 'Fore' Synapse House" evening at Topgolf Naperville, according to the Chamber's event listing. Doors open at 7 p.m., with cocktails and dinner from 7:30 to 9 p.m. A presentation begins at 8:30 p.m., followed by an hour of Topgolf play for registered participants.
A silent auction is also part of the evening. Bidding opened at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, and closes at 10 p.m. Friday. People can bid without attending in person.
The presentation will feature a Synapse House member describing their path from the organization's Clubhouse day program to its employment program and a job with Open Doors Organization, according to a Synapse House LinkedIn post promoting the event.
About Synapse House
Synapse House operates out of 3130 Finley Road, Suite 520, in Downers Grove. The nonprofit serves people recovering from traumatic brain injuries, strokes, epilepsy, concussions, brain tumors and progressive conditions such as Parkinson's disease.
Founder and Executive Director Deborah Giesler, a former speech pathologist and brain-injury team leader at Lutheran General Hospital, launched the organization. Its Clubhouse Day Program serves eight to 15 people daily in a five-hour structured setting that includes computer skills training, meal preparation, community outings and exercise groups.
Proceeds from Friday's event support four programs: the Clubhouse Day Program, Community Support Services for Veterans, the Supported Employment Program and the KNZ Neuro-Fitness Gym. The gym offers daily exercise classes for $10 per session, in person or virtually.
The veterans program provides life-skills coaching and employment assistance. The organization describes itself as the only Clubhouse in Illinois combining group support, employment programming and veteran services in a structured weekday format.
Synapse House reported total revenue of $655,801 for the fiscal year ending in December 2024, including $290,084 in grants and contributions, according to CauseIQ.
What's next
Residents who want to support Synapse House beyond Friday's event can mark Monday, Oct. 5, for a dine-out at Culver's in Downers Grove, 2500 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Mention Synapse House before ordering between noon and 8 p.m., and 20 percent of the proceeds goes to the nonprofit.
