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Record of Over $130,000 Raised for Local Programming supporting Youth, Military and Inclusive Initiatives; Michael Wamsganz Named 2026 Game Changer of the Year
July 17, 2026 - LARKSPUR, CO — The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the Colorado PGA Section, proudly hosted its Annual REACH Invitational on July 14th and 15th. The premier two-day fundraising event successfully raised over $130,000 to fund vital programs aimed at fostering growth and connection across its three foundational pillars: Supporting Our Military, Youth Development, and Inclusion.
The tournament’s grand success was made possible through the collective generosity of Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals, Foundation Trustees, corporate sponsors, amateur participants, and dedicated volunteers. The funds raised will directly impact the lives of over 15,000 individuals served annually by the Foundation across Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
The event launched with an unforgettable opening night reception hosted at Vectra Bank, featuring world-renowned trick-shot artist and World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Dennis Walters as a special guest. Walters, who has inspired millions by continuing to play and perform after a life-altering accident, shared his message of perseverance and overcoming adversity, perfectly setting the tone for the event's mission.
The emotional pinnacle of the evening came through the Foundation's continued partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation, marking a monumental milestone with the presentation of their 13th mortgage-free home. This year’s deserving recipient was former U.S. Army Sergeant Padge Mattaliano, a decorated combat veteran who served honorably from 2008 to 2014. Inspired to enlist after the events of 9/11, SGT Mattaliano served as an Infantry Squad Leader, completing a combat deployment to Afghanistan with the 2nd Infantry Division and later serving four years with The Old Guard at Fort Myer. For his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for valor, as well as two Purple Hearts. In a life-changing moment during the reception, SGT Mattaliano was presented with the deed and keys to a brand-new, mortgage-free home—providing a secure foundation for his family as he completes his degree in computer science.
"We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support we received at this year's REACH Invitational," said Steven Bartkowski, CEO/Executive Director of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation. "The funds raised will make a profound difference in the lives of the individuals we support each year. Additionally, having Dennis Walters share his story and presenting Padge Mattaliano with a mortgage-free home made for a truly special kickoff that embodies the spirit of giving and gratitude that defines our event."
Following the inspiring opening night, the action moved to The Golf Club at Bear Dance (Home of the Colorado PGA) for tournament play. Winning the 3-2-1 Net Shamble team competition was the team supported by Foundation Trustee Mike Connolly, which included Katie Scheck, Stefanie Shelton, Kevin Ikenberry, and Gabby Ikenberry. This team posted a 37-under par score, edging out the team from The Golf Club at Bear Dance by 2-strokes.
The $130,00 plus raised (which is above and beyond the money raised to sponsor a mortgage-free home) will directly support the Foundation’s three core pillars: Supporting Our Military, Youth Development, and Diversity & Inclusion. These funds ensure the expansion of life-changing programs like PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), which introduces golf to veterans as a form of physical and emotional therapy, alongside initiatives that provide golf access to over 15,000 youth and diverse individuals annually across Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
Closing out the two-day event was the presentation of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Game Changer Award. Established in 2023, this prestigious annual honor is voted on by the Board of Directors to recognize an individual who goes above and beyond to ensure the Foundation can execute its mission of positively impacting lives through golf.
The 2026 honor was awarded to Michael Wamsganz (formerly of CityWide Banks and today of UMB Bank). Since joining as a Trustee in 2024, Wamsganz has been instrumental in turning the Foundation’s dream of the Junior Golf Pathway Tours into a reality, providing a major investment that keeps tournament costs affordable, provides a skills pathway for junior golf parents, and funds Play Golf Grants for children in need of equipment or entry fees. Under his visionary leadership as Title Partner, the Junior Golf program has experienced astronomical growth, going from 600 junior members playing in 50 events annually to over 1250 junior members playing in over 90 events annually.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our incredible 2026 REACH Invitational Partners and host facilities—your generosity and involvement were instrumental in making this event such a tremendous success. Special recognition goes to: The Golf Club at Bear Dance, Vectra Bank, Tito’s Vodka, Jack Daniel's, Corona Premier, GOLFTEC Ahead, UMB Bank, Hole Hecklers, Flyway, RBC Wealth Management, Sill-TerHar Motors, Thor Lundgren, Colorado Renaissance Festival, Military Warriors Support Foundation, Plum Creek Golf Club, Colorado National Golf Club, Colorado AvidGolfer, Hole-in-One U.S.A., and Winston Collection. Your support not only enhanced the tournament experience for participants but directly contributes to changing lives through the game of golf.
About the REACH Invitational: The REACH Invitational Fundraising Golf Tournament is an annual event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for programming that supports youth, military personnel, and inclusion initiatives. Through the generosity of participants and sponsors, the tournament aims to foster positive change and provide valuable resources to those in need.
About the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation: The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating opportunities and community support for youth, military veterans, and diverse populations through golf. By utilizing the network and expertise of Colorado PGA Professionals, the Foundation maintains top-tier charitable rankings on both Candid and Charity Navigator while positively altering life trajectories through sport.
