The Rays the Mark Foundation will host its annual charity golf tournament on October 3 in the Chicago area, timed to coincide with the APTA TRANSform Conference & Expo.

This year's tournament honors Emily DeVito, a member of the public transportation family whose story has moved colleagues across the industry — and with only a few foursomes remaining, organizers are encouraging companies and individuals to register soon.

Raising the Mark

DeVito, 33, is a wife, daughter, sister, and mother of four-and-a-half-year-old twins from Albany, New York.

A former WNYT journalist, she now serves her community in public service at the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). Outside of work, she gives her time to St. Pius X Church in Loudonville, the Capital District Food Pantries, and Donate Life of New York.

DeVito is facing kidney failure caused by polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a hereditary condition. With her kidney function declining rapidly, she will begin hemodialysis in the coming weeks and is urgently in need of a living kidney donor. She is listed for transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital. A life-saving transplant would give her the chance to watch her children grow up and continue the community service that defines her.

"Emily is one of our own," said Ray Melleady, co-founder of the Rays the Mark Foundation and President & CEO of Ster Seating. "Our industry talks a lot about connecting people and communities — this is a chance to live that mission. Whether you sponsor, play, or help share Emily's story, every bit of support matters."

Support for the Event

The tournament has drawn strong early support from across the transit community, with sponsors including Lamar, TransPro, Ster Seating, GILLIG, Genfare, Clever Devices, Mitsubishi Electric, Q'Straint, Stacy and Witbeck, and others. A limited number of foursomes ($1,250) and individual player spots ($300) remain, along with select sponsorship opportunities ranging from $500 hole sponsorships to premium packages.

Industry colleagues attending TRANSform in Chicago are especially encouraged to arrive early and take part.

To register, sponsor, or learn more about Emily's story, visit raysthemarkfoundation.com/events.