Byron Center, Michigan, June 23, 2026.
Paul Neu (left) and father, Dave Neu
What began in 2006 as a mother’s effort to honor the memory of her son has grown into a longstanding West Michigan tradition supporting individuals and families affected by epilepsy.
At this year’s 21st annual Paul Neu Memorial Golf Classic at Railside Golf Club in Byron Center, supporters surpassed a remarkable milestone: more than $1 million raised for the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan since the event’s inception.
The outing was established by DLN Integrated Systems, Inc. (DLN) following the death of Paul Neu, a founder of DLN who lived with epilepsy for more than two decades before passing away from complications of the condition in 2005 at age 38.
Determined to honor Paul’s memory, his parents, David and Johanne Neu, sought a meaningful way to support others affected by epilepsy.
Paul Neu Memorial Golf Classic held annually at Railside Golf Club
Johanne and Dave Neu, 2009
Johanne Neu, who had extensive experience organizing large community events through her involvement with Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts and other community organizations, became the driving force. She worked with DLN employees, family and friends to create what would become the annual Paul Neu Memorial Golf Classic.
“When she set out doing this, it really wasn’t about the money at all,” said Cindy Traylor, DLN office manager and a 21-year organizer of the event. “She wanted to do this in memory of Paul. Over the years, people have continued to come together because of the cause, the relationships and the opportunity to make a difference. Reaching this milestone is something everyone who has been part of the event can be proud of. Paul would be over the moon. I can just hear him saying, ‘Yes!'”
More than two decades later, the event continues to bring together employees, clients, vendors, sponsors, friends and family members in support of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan while celebrating the enduring impact of Paul Neu, a man remembered for his generosity, optimism, sense of humor and love of people.
This year’s event raised $113,000, bringing the event’s cumulative fundraising total to $1,039,000.
Phil Schaafsma, DLN Co-Founder (left) and Bob Clarkson, DLN President, 2026
“For all of us at DLN, this milestone is about much more than a fundraising total,” said Bob Clarkson, president of DLN. “It reflects the vision David and Johanne Neu had when they created this event in memory of their son and the extraordinary generosity of employees, clients, sponsors, vendors and friends who have supported it over the years. Most importantly, it honors Paul’s legacy and the values of service, community and caring for others that continue to guide our company today.”
The first outing in 2006 raised approximately $20,000. Since then, the event has continued to grow with participants, volunteers, sponsors and community partners.
More than 20 years after Paul’s passing, many of his high school friends continue to return to the outing each year, gathering in his memory and helping sustain a tradition in support of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, which has become deeply woven into the fabric of the DLN community.
“Paul had a way of bringing people together,” said Jon Baarda, a longtime friend who helped establish the outing alongside the Neu family. “He was funny, quick-witted, supportive and someone people genuinely enjoyed being around. When this event started, we hoped it would be a meaningful way to honor his memory. Twenty-one years later, seeing friends, family, colleagues and supporters still coming together each year is an incredible legacy. Paul would be proud of the impact the outing has made for the Epilepsy Foundation, but more than anything, he would love seeing people gathering, reconnecting and celebrating together.”
Winning Team, 2026. From Left: Nick Gary, Alex Holzgen, Bishop Wilds, Sam Wieneke
The Foundation serves individuals and families affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, support services and community programs. Funds raised through the outing help advance that mission and provide critical resources to people throughout the state.
“For more than two decades, the Paul Neu Memorial Golf Classic has made a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by epilepsy throughout Michigan,” said Andrea E. Schotthoefer, president of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. “Every dollar raised helps ensure that people living with epilepsy have access to education, advocacy, support, connection and programs that remind them they are not alone.”
Epilepsy affects nearly 110,000 people in Michigan. According to the organization, one in 26 people will develop epilepsy during their lifetime and one in 10 will experience a seizure at some point in their lives.
Andrea Schotthoefer and Jon Baarda
“Reaching the remarkable milestone of raising more than $1 million for the epilepsy community is a testament to the compassion, commitment and generosity of DLN and the many supporters who have made this event such an extraordinary success. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and the lasting impact it continues to have on the epilepsy community across Michigan,” Schotthoefer said.
The event’s continued success is made possible through the continued support of sponsors, volunteers, participants, community partners and members of the Neu family who have helped sustain the outing over the past two decades.
The 21st annual Paul Neu Memorial Golf Classic sponsors are lead sponsor DLN; major sponsor TREW; supporting sponsors Conveyor Concepts of Michigan LLC, Scott Tulloch and Dianne Neu, The Stout Family and Varnum LLP; lunch sponsor Allied Installations; yardstick-level sponsor Legacy Capital Planners LLC; eagle-level sponsors Doeren Mayhew and Koops Automation Systems; and prize sponsors Air Components, Inc., Fletchline, Inc., Fortna Conveyor, Spring Automation and Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors.
“This event has become an important part of DLN’s story,” Clarkson said. “It reminds us that success is measured not only by what we accomplish as a business, but by the impact we make in the lives of others. We are grateful to everyone who has helped make this milestone possible.”
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About DLN Integrated Systems, Inc.
DLN Integrated Systems, Inc. is a supply chain consulting, engineering and systems integration firm that helps organizations optimize distribution, warehousing, automation and material handling operations. As an independent systems integrator, DLN develops practical, data-driven solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs, from operational improvements to fully automated distribution systems. Founded in 2002, DLN is guided by a culture of service, collaboration and trusted partnership, helping clients across North America improve performance and achieve long-term success.
For more information, visit dlninc.com
About the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan
The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan improves the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research, and connection. Established in 1948, the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan is the only statewide nonprofit organization focusing on epilepsy. The Foundation strives to provide a number of important tools, resources and necessary support that have proven to be valuable in helping individuals understand epilepsy and seizures.
For more information, visit https://epilepsymichigan.org/
