2024 Brian E. Wagner Scholarship Annual Fundraiser Raises $9100!

The Brian E. Wagner Scholarship Fund (BEWSF) held their 13th annual Bags for Wags bean bag tournament at Visitation Parish. The event raised approximately $9100. All proceeds will benefit the scholarship award which rewards exemplary high school seniors who are college bound this fall. The BEWSF’s mission is to encourage motivated young leaders to make a positive impact in their lives and the members of their communities through volunteer service. The cause was established in memory of Brian Edwin Wagner who tragically passed away in an auto accident more than 30 years ago. Since that time his legacy lives on through this scholarship program.

Those that receive the award have shown potential in their accomplishments thus far and are headed towards a successful college experience. The current board members of the BEWSF are: Barbara Wagner–Lackey, Mike Wagner, Ed Lackey, Becky Lawton-Wagner, Nicola and Brian Doherty, Jason and Michelle Gentile, Debbie and Tom Hagensee John Halloran, Theresa Stubitz, Misty Zamar and Lance Belew. They have granted this distinguished honor to 41 high school graduates thus far from: Fenwick, IC Catholic Prep, Montini, Timothy Christian and York Community High Schools. The ideal candidates for this scholarship capture Brian’s most admirable qualities: determination, kindness and integrity.

The first place finishers of the tournament were the team of Sandy and Steve Smith. The long standing tradition of reuniting Elmhurst and the surrounding suburbs every winter to celebrate Brian Wagner’s life received overwhelming support and encouragement. In addition, to the bags tournament thousands of dollars in silent auction items were donated by businesses from the Chicagoland area. The Chicago Blackhawks skybox experience was the grand prize in the live auction. Thanks to the generosity of Republic Bank $2800 was raised for the winning bid.

Larry Reedy (Brian's childhood friend and teammate) expressed, “I remember Brian as a hard worker, the kind of person that everyone loved and wanted to be around. His positivity was infectious and the times we spent together serve as memories that helped me become the
person I want to be. The BEWSF is an honor to his life, legacy and a reminder to everyone that striving for our goals and dreams brings out the best character in all of us!” The committee gives special recognition to their sponsors: Linda Roberts at Visitation Parish, John Noldan
at Guaranteed Rate, Nancy Brook from Community Bank of Elmhurst, Mickey Weiss from Giuliano's Restaurant in Hinsdale and and Phil Limonciello owner of Mama Maria’s Restaurant in Elmhurst.

Students who wish apply for this scholarship in the future will have the opportunity to share their personal stories and leadership experiences to demonstrate how they have impacted their own lives and the lives of others in a positive way. The deadline to submit is February 29. More information can be found at https://BrianEWagnerFund.org.