2026 Bags for Wags Event Raises $10,000 for college scholarships

The Brian E. Wagner Scholarship Fund (BEWSF) held their 15th annual Bags for Wags bean bag tournament at Visitation Parish. The event raised approximately $10,000. All proceeds will benefit the scholarship award, which recognizes college-bound seniors who will graduate this year. The BEWSF’s mission is to encourage high school students to serve as leaders in their community by exercising sound judgment and committing themselves to volunteer programs that make a positive impact. The foundation was established in memory of Brian Edwin Wagner, an Elmhurst native whose life was cut short in an auto accident at age 16. Since that time, his legacy of resilience shines forth through the scholarship program that bears his name. Those who receive this award are commended for their accomplishments and are prepared for the demands of future college curriculum. The ideal candidates for this honor will embody Brian’s most admirable qualities: determination, kindness, and integrity.

The current board members of the BEWSF are: Barbara Wagner–Lackey, Mike Wagner, Ed Lackey, Rebecca Lawton-Wagner, Nicola Caso-Doherty, Brian Doherty, Jason Gentile, Michelle Gentile, Tom Hagensee, John Halloran, Theresa Stubitz and Pete Zamar. They have granted this distinguished scholarship to 48 high school graduates thus far from: Fenwick, IC Catholic Prep, Montini, Timothy Christian and York Community High Schools.

The long-standing tradition of uniting members of the Elmhurst community and surrounding suburbs celebrates Brian Wagner’s memory. In addition to the bags competition, thousands of dollars in silent auction items and raffle prizes were donated by organizations from the Chicagoland area. The Chicago Blackhawks skybox experience was the grand prize, which was generously sponsored by Republic Bank; this item raised $3,000. The first-place honors from the thirty teams that competed at the 2026 Bags for Wags tournament went to Stephanie and Kevin Vance.

Becky Lawton-Wagner (Brian's grade school classmate and sister-in-law) expressed, “Brian shared his talents with his: family, friends and community. Every year, we are lucky enough to see bits and pieces of him through the recipients of this scholarship. We are forever grateful for everyone’s commitment. I’d like to thank the Bags for Wags: board members, volunteers and participants; your support has given the opportunity to pursue their dreams and help Brian’s memory live on.”

The BEWSF graciously acknowledges its sponsors: Linda Roberts at Visitation School, John Noldan at Guaranteed Rate, Nancy Brook from Community Bank of Elmhurst, Mickey Weiss from Giuliano's Restaurant in Hinsdale and Phil Limonciello from Mama Maria’s Restaurant in Elmhurst. Students who wish to apply for the scholarship will have the opportunity to share their personal stories and leadership experiences to illustrate how they have impacted their own lives and the lives of others in a positive way. The deadline to submit is February 28. More information can be found at https://BrianEWagnerFund.org