Golf outing benefits WDSRA programs
It never takes Tom Corrigan long to round up a few buddies for a day of golf — even after more than 15 years of recruiting, even when he shares the per-golfer cost.
All he needs to do is explain what it means to his daughter Claire and her friends, what it has meant to them and their families through the years.
It means Claire, who has a disability, is able to play sports and go on outings. It means Claire has experienced challenges and triumphs, and grown from both. It means Corrigan and his wife have been able to watch their daughter develop new skills, both athletic and social.
It means the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association will continue to provide such opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.
WDSRA offers programs such as summer camps, sports and arts camps, adapted sports teams, and inclusion services to children and adults in the Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield park districts. The nonprofit organization is a cooperative effort of the park districts, funded through a combination of donations from the member districts and donations made through the WDSRA Foundation.
Each year, more than 4,500 children and adults participate in more than 1,500 programs, trips, and special events. WDSRA's offerings include Special Olympics and adapted sports programs, dance and art programs, social clubs and camps.
Claire Corrigan began taking part in WDSRA programs when she was just 4 years old. Now 21, Claire continues to enjoy her activities.
And Corrigan continues to recruit golfers for WDSRA's annual golf outings. This year's Women's Outing and Classic Outing both are scheduled for Monday, June 27.
Today, Corrigan of Wheaton tells us more about his family's ties to WDSRA.
As usual, I had no problem rustling up a foursome for a scramble in this year's event. Whether it is a slice, a hook, up the middle or a whiff, every swing you take at the WDSRA golf outing makes another person's life more fun. How can you beat that?
My wife, Jonie, and I were introduced to WDSRA when our daughter, Claire, participated in her first WDSRA recreational experience when she was 4 years old. She is now 21. Seeing the fun Claire experienced at her first WDSRA event was my catalyst to become involved in this wonderful organization, including playing every year in the annual golf fundraiser.
Having a child with a disability caused me to very quickly discover just how vast the numbers are of individuals with disabilities in our community. It creates the need for parents to redirect their lives in significant ways because short-term and long-term decisions involve consideration for that child. Even more important is the understanding and acceptance that the responsibility for the child is not temporary.
What might surprise most about living with a disabled child is that it comes with a whole lot of joy and satisfaction. Our daughter's unconditional love and our joy in seeing her accomplish success in all areas of growth have not been unlike our experience watching our older daughter develop and succeed. It is just different.
WDSRA has contributed to Claire's achievements and this is what leads me to share my feelings about the organization. The calendar of events for both children and adults with disabilities offers a variety of quality activities that provide an opportunity for growth and an opportunity to enjoy life through recreation. What WDSRA indirectly provides to families also deserves our respect and appreciation, and that is the comfort of knowing that our children are safe. There is no substitute for safety with regard to the disabled.
If you haven't had the opportunity to participate in one of WDSRA's golf outings, give this year a try. You will have fun even if you aren't a golfer since the scramble format takes care of that. I can assure those who do participate will feel good about it and that they will be contributing to a valuable cause. In addition, you will have the good fortune to meet some of the finest professionals in DuPage County, the WDSRA staff and volunteers.
If you go
If you go
The Western DuPage Special Recreation Association hosts two golf outings to raise money for programs such as summer camps, sports and arts camps, adapted sports teams and inclusion services. Register at wdsra.com.
Women's Golf Outing
When: Registration at 7:30 a.m. Monday, June 27; caddy auction at 8:15 a.m.; shotgun start at 9 a.m.
Where: Arrowhead Golf Course, 26W151 Butterfield Road, Wheaton
Details: Male Caddy Auction features community celebrities who offer prize packages and golf expertise for the winning foursomes
Cost: $85, includes nine holes, cart, breakfast and lunch
Charlie Long/WDSRA Golf Classic
When: Registration at noon, Monday, June 27; shotgun start at 1 p.m.
Where: Arrowhead Golf Course, 26W151 Butterfield Road, Wheaton
Details: Event features prizes, raffle and silent auction
Cost: $130, includes 18 holes, cart, lunch and dinner