Brightway Living & Learning’s 26th Annual Golf Classic raises more than $245K
Smithtown-based Brightway Living & Learning, formerly known as Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), has announced that its 26th Annual Golf Classic, the first under its new name, raised more than $245,000 to benefit the individuals and families it serves.
Golf committee co-chairs Victor Dezelic and Sean Finn welcomed over 140 golfers to the Muttontown Club in East Norwich, where golfers enjoyed breakfast before taking to the course. Golfers participated in several contests, including “Beat the Pro,” “Closest to the Pin,” and a putting green challenge. The day ended with a cocktail reception, dinner, and celebration of the event’s impact.
“For 26 years, this event has brought together a remarkable network of supporters committed to making a difference,” said Dezelic and Finn. “We are honored to continue that tradition and help ensure that Brightway Living & Learning can provide life-changing opportunities, resources, and support for all who rely on this care every day.”
Artwork from the Main Street Masterpieces art gallery was on display and available for purchase. Proceeds from art sales go directly back to the artists themselves, participants in Brightway’s programs. The event was covered by Brightway’s Beyond Barriers Network, which is hosted by reporters in the Adult Day Program.
“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and our community, whose generosity made this year’s Golf Classic such a success,” said Joseph W. Schmidt, board chairman of Brightway Living & Learning. “Driven by the belief that progress is always possible, the funds raised through this event support enriching programs and services for the children and adults at Brightway.”
The 2026 Golf Classic was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Corporate Synergies, Rockmore Contracting, JMF Contracting Corporation, The Rosen Consulting Group, Medford Chemist and many others.
Special thanks were extended to the dedicated Golf Committee members: Matt Becker (BDO), Michael Breunig (Harbour Financial), Rocco J. Cirigliano, CPA, Victor Dezelic (Corporate Synergies), Sean Finn (Rockmore Contracting Corp.), Don Gallant, Jr. (DRP Solutions), Craig Marino (CleanCo Distributors), Robert Rosen (The Rosen Consulting Group), Phil Veneziano (Broadridge Financial Solutions), Tim Kelly (Suffolk County Police Dept. Ret.) and Joseph W. Schmidt, Esq. (RowanTree Law Group).
Brightway’s annual Walk & Wellness Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena in Brentwood. To learn more, visit brightwayny.org.
