FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2026
37th Annual DMSF Golf Classic Raises Record-Breaking $3.4 Million for Murphy Scholars
Historic Paddle Raise Surpasses $1 Million as 530 Golfers, 90+ Murphy Caddies, and 57 Sponsors Rally for Educational Opportunity
CHICAGO, IL — The Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF) proudly announces the tremendous success of its 37th Annual Golf Classic, which raised a record-breaking $3.4 million in support of Murphy Scholars, high-achieving students from under-resourced communities across the Chicago area and Lake County. Held across six premier North Shore golf courses, the event brought together 530 golfers, 90+ Murphy Caddies, and 57 generous sponsors, all united by a shared commitment to expanding educational access and opportunity for the next generation of leaders.
The day concluded at Exmoor Country Club with a celebratory dinner and program highlighting the impact of DMSF’s mission and the transformative power of investing in young people. Guests heard from Murphy Scholar Truth Hughes (St. Ignatius College Prep, Class of 2026), who shared reflections on his educational journey and the opportunities made possible through DMSF. His dedication as both a student and Murphy Caddie at Exmoor has earned him the Evans Scholarship, a full tuition and housing scholarship to college, which he will use to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Gies College of Business this fall.
A defining moment of the evening came during a historic paddle raise led by Murphy Alum Alex Ocampo (Concord Academy, Class of 2010). Inspired by Alex’s story and the lasting impact of the DMSF community, supporters contributed more than $1 million during the paddle raise alone, the largest paddle raise in Golf Classic history. Reflecting on his journey, Ocampo shared, “DMSF didn’t just give me a map. They handed me the pen to mark it up as I explored. It’s been 20 years since I received my acceptance letter, and I’m able to draw a direct line from then to now because of their support and belief in me.”
The event also featured DMSF’s newest mission video, showcasing the inspiring story of Murphy Alum Alex Ocampo and the lasting impact of educational opportunity, mentorship, and community.
Watch the mission video here: Building a Dream: Alex’s Murphy Scholar Story
“Every year, the DMSF Golf Classic demonstrates what is possible when a community comes together around a shared belief in young people’s potential,” said Cindy Hallums, Chief Executive Officer of DMSF. “This extraordinary support ensures that Murphy Scholars continue to have access to life-changing educational opportunities, meaningful programming, and the resources they need to thrive in high school, college, and beyond. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this record-breaking year possible.”
Now in its 37th year, the DMSF Golf Classic remains one of the largest charity golf outings in the country, bringing together business and community leaders to invest in the future of Chicago-area students.
Save the Date: The 38th Annual DMSF Golf Classic will take place on June 7, 2027.
To learn more or make a gift in support of Murphy Scholars, visit www.dmsf.org.
Media Contact
Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund
Jessica Ayala
Director of Marketing & Communications, Murphy Alumna ’13
(312) 455-7808
jessica@dmsf.org
About the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund
The Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF) provides high school scholarships and educational support to students from under-resourced neighborhoods in the Chicago area. Currently, DMSF supports 509 Murphy Scholars attending 89 leading day and boarding high schools across the city and country. Each year, the organization awards approximately 150 new scholarships to eighth-grade students with a median family income of $41.1K. Murphy Scholars maintain an average cumulative core GPA of 3.4, reflecting their determination and resilience. Since its founding, DMSF has supported 2,432 Murphy Alumni and continues to build a thriving community rooted in educational access, mentorship, and long-term success.
Through signature events like the DMSF Golf Classic and the generosity of its supporters, DMSF continues to help close the opportunity gap and empower students to pursue their fullest potential. Learn more at www.dmsf.org or follow @MurphyScholars on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
