2023 Bags for Wags Fundraiser Honors Outstanding High School Students

The Brian E. Wagner Scholarship Fund (BEWSF) hosted the 12th annual Bags for Wags charity event, the total proceeds collected at the outing was over $9,000. The BEWSF continues to fulfill their mission to encourage emerging young leaders to make a positive impact in their lives and the well-being of their communities through volunteer service. The cause commemorated the life of Brain Edwin Wagner who tragically passed away in an auto accident while attending York High School several decades ago. Although, he never had the chance to pursue his dreams in college, Brian’s ambition is remembered through the recipients of this scholarship. Those that receive it proudly carry on his legacy of excellence. The organization has bestowed this honor to over 35 college bound high school students from: Fenwick, IC Catholic Prep, Montini, Timothy Christian and York. The 2023 awardees will be announced this Spring. All will receive money to use towards tuition for college enrollment in the Fall.

The highly anticipated outing to reunite members of Elmhurst and the surrounding community to celebrate Brian Wagner’s memory received overwhelming support. A total of twenty-eight teams competed. Jack Walsh and Hector Covarrubias’s team called, Don’t Call it a Comeback finished first overall. Some of the past scholarship winner were in attendance including the: Carey, Doherty, Hoffman, Hill, Lawton, Pukala, Russ, Vreeland and Wede families. The BEWSF offers their gratitude to all the local businesses who gifted raffle prizes/silent auction items, and all attendees for their generous contributions. A special thanks goes out to: Guaranteed Rate, Visitation Parish, Giuliano’s Restaurant and Mama Maria’s who served as the event sponsors.

Theresa Stubitz BEWSF committee member stated, "I am thankful to be part of this event each year. Seeing the gratitude of college students in need, directed toward Brian E. Wagner who gave selflessly in his life, is such a great blessing and it is always a joy to talk with the recipients when attend this gathering. Education is a gift that lasts a lifetime and this memorial scholarship program provides a meaningful way to honor Brian while carrying his legacy forward to future generations of students.”

Students who wish apply for the scholarship award will have the opportunity to tell their personal stories and share experiences of how their leadership endeavors have affected their communities for the better. The ideal candidates will possess Brian’s most admirable qualities: fortitude, integrity and resilience. More information about the BEWSF can be found at http:// BrianEWagnerFund.org.