A warm October morning, a beautiful fall day, and a community coming together for a great cause made the 24th Annual Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament & Auction one to remember!
As the Special Education Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year, the tournament brought together golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and generous supporters, sharing a commitment to making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities throughout St. Louis County.
From the first tee time to the final auction bids, the day was filled with friendly competition, memorable experiences, and incredible generosity. Whether on the course, participating in the auction, or joining us for the happy hour buffet, supporters found plenty of ways to have fun while supporting a meaningful mission.
The excitement extended beyond the golf course, too! Our silent auction, exclusive experiences, sports memorabilia, and other unique packages gave everyone an opportunity to join in the fun and support SEF—even if they didn't pick up a golf club.
This year’s Fund-A-Need paddle raise helped support SEF’s programs, providing critical resources for students and educators served by the Special School District and its 22 partner districts. Contributions help make possible:
- Classroom Innovation Grants — giving educators resources to bring creative, hands-on learning opportunities to life.
- Emergency Assistance — helping students and families access essential items and services, including clothing, adaptive equipment, and other supports.
- Scholarships and Camperships — opening doors to higher education, leadership opportunities, and inclusive summer camp experiences.
- Programs That Make a Difference — supporting the many ways SEF responds to needs that fall outside other available funded resources.
A special thank-you to the Toombs family for their extraordinary generosity and $25,000 matching gift! Their support inspired even greater giving and helped amplify the impact of every donation.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who sponsored, golfed, volunteered, bid, donated, and helped make the 24th Annual Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament & Auction a success. Every contribution helps SEF continue its mission of assisting students with disabilities in St. Louis County in achieving success in ways not supported by tax dollars. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
Congratulations to the Winning Teams:
We are still tallying the final results, but one thing is certain—this year’s tournament was a hole-in-one, but the students of the Special School District are the real winners! Stay tuned for more results and full tournament photos to see, download, and share.
A heartfelt thank you to our Friends of SEF—golfers, sponsors, donors, volunteers, committee, and vendors—your support makes this event possible each year and helps SEF continue to make a lasting impact on students and families across our community. Save the date for next year— Monday, October 11, 2027!
