The Special Education Foundation is excited to begin preparations for the 23rd Annual Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament and Auction. On Monday, October 13, 2025, this highly anticipated event will once again take place at the prestigious Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis, MO, bringing together golfers, sponsors, and community supporters who are committed to making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities.
Each year, this tournament serves as a vital fundraiser, helping SEF provide essential programs, services, and opportunities that empower students within the Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis County. Each dollar raised plays a direct role in ensuring that students with disabilities have access to the tools and resources they need to reach their full potential.
Signing up as a golfer is more than just an opportunity to enjoy a round at one of St. Louis’s premier golf courses—it’s a chance to be part of something truly meaningful. Participants will enjoy a day of friendly competition on a championship course, complete with on-course refreshments, skill challenges, and prizes.
Beyond the game, our golfers will have the opportunity to network with other community members and business leaders who share a passion for supporting students with disabilities.
Sponsorships are critical to the success of the tournament and provide businesses with a unique opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the community. Sponsors gain visibility through event signage, promotional materials, and recognition at the tournament, all while knowing their contributions are directly benefiting SEF programs.
Whether supporting as a corporate sponsor or an individual donor, every sponsorship helps fund programs that provide adaptive equipment, scholarships, and classroom innovations for students with disabilities.
How SEF Uses Tournament Funds
The proceeds from the Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament are instrumental in sustaining and expanding SEF's initiatives, which empower students with disabilities by providing them with the tools they need to succeed.
These funds support a variety of programs, including:
- Adaptive & Assistive Equipment: Providing augmentative communication devices, assistive equipment, hearing aids, and eyeglasses to help students become more independent.
- Arts in the Classroom: Bringing arts and music programs to schools to enhance self-esteem, increase social interaction, improve language skills, and foster a greater awareness of the arts.
- Autism Independence Project: Helping students improve independence by increasing social skills and expanding their meaningful life aspirations.
- Classroom Innovation Grants: Funding innovative projects conceived by Special School District educators to enrich learning and social interactions for students with disabilities.
- Critical Needs Program: Providing immediate financial assistance to students to secure essential daily needs, ensuring they can meaningfully engage in their education.
- Fred Saigh Leadership Academy: Exposing high school students with disabilities to local leaders and institutions, teaching them the importance of community involvement.
- Kid-to-Camp: Covering tuition for eligible students to attend camps that help maintain educational and social skills during academic breaks.
- Scholarships: Recognizing college-bound seniors with disabilities who have excelled in school while displaying resiliency, courage, and determination.
By participating in the tournament, you directly contribute to these programs, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for students with disabilities.
SEF is looking forward to another incredible tournament and the opportunity to continue changing lives through this event. We invite you to join us in making a lasting impact by golfing, sponsoring, or donating. Your support is essential in helping us create opportunities for students with disabilities to thrive.
For more information about this year’s tournament, please contact SEF’s Events Manager Jill Salinas jill@sef-stl.org | (865) 405-4420
