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A First Pitch, a Lasting Impact— How One Auction Win Became a Gift from the Heart

man swinging a golf club on a course

Although we are looking ahead to the 23rd Annual Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament and Auction, last year’s Tournament is still positively impacting lives in St. Louis County today.

Brad Hagemeyer, owner of Custom Coatings, Inc. and a steadfast supporter of the Special Education Foundation, the Special School District, and the Dan McLaughlin Golf Tournament for over a decade, was the winning bidder on two of the evening’s most exciting live auction items: a St. Louis Cardinals Party Suite and the ceremonial First Pitch Experience. Both packages were generously donated by the St. Louis Cardinals organization, offering an unforgettable night at Busch Stadium.

Photos courtesy of Will Saulsbery, Scoops Sports Network

But Brad didn’t keep the experience for himself. In a beautiful gesture of generosity, he decided to donate the First Pitch Experience to Karah Kuhlman, a friend of Mr. Hagemeyer, who is currently battling a rare brain tumor.

On game night, it was Karah’s 8-year-old son, Finley, who stepped proudly onto the field and threw out the first pitch in honor of his mother Karah—a moment of pure joy and pride that will be remembered forever.

Click here to read more about Karah and Finley and their night to remember at Busch Stadium from Will Saulsbery of Scoops Sports Network.

Stories like these remind us that the Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament and Auction is about far more than a fun day on the course. It’s about bringing people together to open doors, create memories, and support the needs of students with disabilities across St. Louis County. Funds raised through sponsorships, foursome registrations, and auction bids directly fuel the Special Education Foundation’s mission to remove barriers and give every student the chance to thrive.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this year’s impact.

The 23rd Annual Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament and Auction returns to Norwood Hills Country Club on Monday, October 13, 2025.

Click Here for Sponsorship/Golf Registration

The Golf Tournament offers a wide range of sponsorship levels to fit every budget and commitment, from our Premier sponsors to our Kid-to-Camp sponsors and everything in between.

No matter the level, sponsors receive valuable exposure leading up to the event, recognition at the tournament, and the satisfaction of knowing their support directly benefits students with disabilities in St. Louis County. Whether you sponsor, play, or do both, your involvement helps create brighter futures and unforgettable experiences. Join us this October—register today to sponsor or tee up for a great cause!

For more information about Sponsorships and Golf Registration, contact SEF Events Manager Jill Salinas jill@sef-stl.org| 865.405.4420

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