The 2027 Charlie Long/WDSRA Golf Classic will be held Monday, June 7, 2027
Information posted is from the 2026 Outing. Watch for 2027 details and registration in 4/1/27.
Teeing Up An Incredible Day!
What a day to remember—on and off the course!
With great weather, a beautifully kept course at Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton, and more than 200 golfers ready to play, the 2026 Charlie Long/WDSRA Golf Classic delivered an unforgettable experience from start to finish.
Monday, June 1st was a true celebration of community, connection, and inclusion, and we’re so grateful to everyone who made it possible:
- Our Golfers – Your enthusiasm, camaraderie, and support brought the course to life. Thank you for making the day so special for our participants and families!
• Our Sponsors – Your generosity continues to create opportunities for inclusive programming and meaningful experiences for individuals with disabilities. Your impact goes far beyond the green!
• Our Volunteers – From the first arrival to the final putt, your dedication and energy made everything run seamlessly. We couldn’t have done it without you!
And finally… thanks to everyone’s generosity, more than $64,000 was raised to support participants and families! Thank you!
Photos will be posted on our Facebook page.
Funds raised go directly to support the quality community-based programming on which our families & participants rely and may be used to support programming needs, purchase sensory materials, scholarships, and more.
2026 Charlie Long Award Honoree: Mark Barnick
In front of a crowd of friends, supporters, and fellow golfers, Mark Barnick was named the 2026 recipient of the Charlie Long Award. The moment was made even more meaningful as Mark’s family and friends were there to surprise him and share in the celebration.
The Charlie Long Award honors individuals who embody Charlie’s belief in leaving the world better than they found it. Mark Barnick is a shining example of that mission in action.
Mark’s journey with WDSRA began with a simple desire to give back to his community. What followed has been more than a decade of transformational impact. From 2014 through 2025, Mark served on the WDSRA Foundation Board, helping to shape the organization’s growth and future.
His contributions have been both broad and deeply meaningful:
- Championing signature events like the BASH
- Recruiting donors, staff, and volunteers who strengthen our mission
- Playing a key role in growing the Golf Classic
Even as his formal board service concludes, Mark’s commitment continues. Each year, he brings nearly six foursomes to the outing, while also serving as a dedicated donor, advocate, and leader.
Mark understands what matters most—the power of inclusion, connection, and the opportunities we create together for the individuals we serve.
His leadership, generosity, and unwavering belief in WDSRA have left a lasting impact. In honoring Mark Barnick, we also honor the legacy of Charlie Long—and the challenge he set for all of us: to leave the world just a little bit better than we found it.
Congratulations, Mark, and thank you for everything you do!
Award Winners
Best Foursome – 29 (43) – George Van Denend, Jay Coppoletta, James Baboulas, Todd Schoeffer
Best Mixed Foursome – 20 (52) – Aimee Harris-Newon, Renee Brady, Carrie Matlock, Natasha Giraldo
Closest to the Pin Women
• West – Sandy Martin
• South – Sandy Martin
• East – Katie Cobb
Closest to the Pin Men
• West – Nick Kempski
• South – Joe Rutgens
• East– Marty Friel
Long Drive Women
• West – Renee Brady
• South – Sandy Martin
• East– Jen Bara
Long Drive Men
• West – Matt Barton
• South – M. Barton
• East – Jan Ronzheimer
Longest Putt
- East – Mike Carl
- South – Bill LaGesse
Interested in Being a Sponsor?
Contact Lea Jackman at leaj@wdsra.com or 630-681-0962 ext580. View the 2026 Sponsorship Form here.
Monday, June 1, 2026
8:30am Check-in and breakfast
10am Shotgun start
11am-2pm Lunch at the Trolley
3-5pm Appetizers, awards, and happy hour
TEE UP TREATS!
- Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar
- Giveaways
- Contest Holes
- Raffles
- On-course Beverages
- More!
Event Location
Arrowhead Golf Club, Wheaton
26W151 Butterfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189
Event Cost
$225 per golfer
$900 per foursome
Dinner Only option $50 per person
Add-Ons
IMPORTANT – Everyone is encouraged to register early and to purchase all your extras online at the same time. This will ensure a quicker, smoother registration for everyone. There will be a 2 putt maximum per hole; or no worse than a bogey.
Survival Kit – Individual – includes 1 rope, 1 mulligan, 1 grenade, 1 kickout
Survival Kit – Foursome – includes 2 ropes, 2 mulligans, 2 grenade, 2 kickout
Split the Pot – 5 for $25 OR 15 for $50
Raffles – 5 for $25 OR 15 for $50
BE PREPARED – Available on the course – CASH ONLY!
Birdies for Bottles – putt for the chance to bring home a bottle – 1 for $10 or 3 for $20
Event Details
Includes the following:
- Driving range & putting green
- 18 holes with cart
- Scramble format
- Contest hole prizes
- Breakfast, Lunch & Happy Hour
- Golfer awards
- Cash bar
Charlie Long and the Charlie Long Award
Charlie Long was a shining example of someone who understood the meaning of community, philanthropy, support, and dedication. He was also an outstanding advocate for WDSRA. Charlie lived his life in an admirable way and as a result, left this world a better place than how he found it. We are proud to have been a part of Charlie’s family and he will always be a part of the WDSRA family. Charlie Long was a long time friend to WDSRA. His son Andy has been participating in WDSRA programs since 1977.
Because of the profound affect he had on the WDSRA family, in 2009 the Golf Classic was renamed in his honor and the Charlie Long Award was created to celebrate those individuals who continue to live their lives in the remarkable fashion that Charlie lived his.
We are proud to have been a part of Charlie’s family and he will always be a part of the WDSRA family.
Learn more about Charlie Long here.