PAWS Chicago Golf Open 2025

Kelsey Munson on Jul 25, 2025

At BBA, we believe a home is more than just a structure; it’s where life unfolds. It’s where families grow, and for many of us, that family includes our beloved pets. That’s why we were proud to support the PAWS Chicago Peter Fasseas Golf Open on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the beautiful Westmoreland Country Club.
This annual event brings together animal lovers and community-minded businesses for a day of fun, fundraising, and awareness, all in support of PAWS Chicago’s mission to save the lives of homeless dogs and cats. As many members of the BBA team have turned to PAWS when adopting our own furry family members, the event was a meaningful way to give back to an organization we love, and we were honored to be part of it.

     
BBA associate Jack McGowan was on hand as the firm sponsored the driving range, where guests warmed up their swing before hitting the course. Principal Ed Twohey and our guest Sam Osika of Assurd Corp. represented our firm on the green. They were paired in a foursome with Gerlad J. Rixie of Bank of America and PAWS board member Barbara Rinella and enjoyed a day filled with spirited competition, photo ops with adoptable pets, and shared passion for animal rescue. Also joining in on the fun was PAWS alumni and frequent office pup Mr. Darcy, whom Principal Gary Beyerl's family adopted in 2018.

“When Mr. Darcy became part of our family, he bonded with our daughter, Grace, instantly. The minute she walks in the door, he runs to her and demands to snuggle with her on the couch. He loves coming into the office, too, often snuggling up on Jack’s lap during meetings,” notes Beyerl. “We can’t imagine our life without him now, or what might have happened had PAWS not stepped in and helped him find his way to us. That’s the wonderful thing about organizations like PAWS, they help people and pets find their way home. And at BBA architects, (though our clients are usually a lot less furry), we strive to build houses that everyone loves to call home.”  

Although they didn’t make an appearance at the event, the trio of beautiful felines who call the Twohey residence home certainly deserve a mention. Ed and his family adopted their cat, Mr. Fenwick, from PAWS and have also taken part in the organization’s feral cat trap-neuter-return (TNR) program, which humanely manages and protects Chicago’s outdoor cat population. Their other two cats, Mel and Judas, were part of the TNR program and were also adopted by the Twoheys. These lucky cats enjoy the best of both worlds: the freedom to roam and help keep the neighborhood’s pest population in check, along with a warm, dry place to sleep, consistent medical care, and the love of a devoted family.

Whether we're designing high-end residential homes or supporting efforts to find loving homes for animals in need, we share a common goal with PAWS: create spaces where families can thrive, four-legged family members included.

Big thanks to PAWS Chicago for putting on such a fantastic event and for everything they do to help animals in need. We loved being part of the day and connecting with so many people who care as much as we do. Here’s to creating a future where every animal—and the humans who love them—has a place to call home.

To learn more about PAWS Chicago’s No Kill Mission or find a pet in need of a forever home, visit pawschicago.org