For the past 20 years the Links for Learning Golf Classic has raised money to support students with special needs such as dyslexia, ADHD and hearing loss, among other challenges, in the Jewish day school system.
The golf tournament has raised over $4 million in the past 19 years to help more than 1,700 students enrolled in Jewish day schools access the specialized, often expensive programs and services they need to remain in the day school system.
The success of the fundraiser is due in large part to the vision of Holocaust survivor Max Guttman, who believed no child should be left behind, or miss out on the benefits of a Jewish education, because of a disability. After he passed away, sons Craig and Sean started the golf tournament in his honour.
Special education is complex and spans a wide spectrum of needs that require a range of supports, including individual classroom assistants, support staff such as social workers and consulting psychologists, and specialty programs to help students learn and grow. The Links Fore Learning Golf Classic helps fund the supports these children need to succeed, within the day school system.
(L-R) UJA Immediate Past Chair Bruce Leboff, and tournament Chairs Craig Guttmann,
Ron Steiner, Perry Steiner and Sean Guttmann hoist the Guttman Memorial Trophy
and display the cheque for $750,000 in funds raised at the tournament.
“I think being a Holocaust survivor ingrained in him the need to save every child. We know Jewish education is costly, so when you add Special Education costs, the money needed can be overwhelming. Parents are embarrassed that their children need assistance . . . but hearing feedback from the schools’ principals and directors of education, and spending long hours on the phone with parents, shedding many tears hearing their heartbreaking stories and desperation, is the fuel that keeps us going,” explained Craig Guttman.
Sean Guttman, Craig’s brother, agrees that helping all children benefit from a Jewish education is critically important. “My dad believed first and foremost that kids must remain in the Jewish day school system. When you talk to the parents you really understand how special education is saving lives.”
This year’s Golf Classic is taking place Monday, August 12th, 2019 at the Lambton Golf and Country Club. To register for the tournament, and a chance to win the Max & Sheila Guttman Memorial Trophy, or to learn more Click Here.