Brightway Living & Learning, formerly known as Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), a leading Long Island provider of services and supports for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, is proud to announced that its 26th Annual Golf Classic, the first under its new name, was a tremendous success, raising 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 for a day of golf, camaraderie, and philanthropy. The event began with breakfast, before golfers took to the course. Throughout the day, they enjoyed popular contests, including “Beat the Pro,” “Closest to the Pin,” and a putting green challenge. The day concluded with a cocktail reception, dinner, and celebration of the event’s impact.
Artwork from the Main Street Masterpieces art gallery was on display and available for purchase. All proceeds go directly back to the artists themselves, participants in Brightway’s programs. Additionally, the event was covered by Brightway’s Beyond Barrier’s 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, Esq., Board Chairman, 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.”
Golf Classic Co-Chairs Victor Dezelic and Sean Finn added, “For 26 years, this event has brought together a remarkable network of supporters committed to making a difference. 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.”
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).
The Golf Classic has generated significant support for the children and adults in Brightway’s care throughout its 26-year history. An impressive $.91 of every dollar raised goes directly toward programs and services, helping create meaningful opportunities for people with autism and other developmental disabilities.
