Second Annual Jamie Berkley Memorial Golf Tournament.
By Jason Berkley
It's hard to believe that it has almost been a year since the First Jamie Berkley Memorial Tournament.
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Jason in form![/caption]
To say I felt overwhelmed planning and organizing the inaugural event is an understatement. Overwhelmed, also describes how I felt from the outpouring of support we received, the money we raised, and the awareness created for Angelman Syndrome. Last year’s tournament was held on September 23rd, which is also Jamie’s Memorial Day, and Angelman Syndrome Day in Iowa.
Through persistence and the generosity of others we raised over $9,000; all of which was donated to FAST in Jamie’s name. Jamie’s memory was not the only focus that day, many angels that have left this earth too early were also honored with a namesake display at each tee box. It was very important for us to share this day with those families too.
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Cindy Berkley & FAST Chairperson Paula Evans[/caption]
I am often asked the same three questions; Why a golf tournament? Why FAST? and how did you come up with the logo for the tournament?
Firstly, I chose a golf outing because I love to golf and knew I could involve many of my family and coworkers in the event. I have been to many golf fundraisers and know that they can raise a decent amount of funds for a one-day event.
Secondly, we chose FAST because they give our kids their best chance at a more “normal” life. The all-volunteer Board of Directors work tirelessly to seek out new therapies and ultimately a CURE for those affected by Angelman Syndrome. I had the honor of presenting the Angelman Family Gratitude Award at last year's Gala to FAST Board Member, Debbie Guagliardo, and in my speech I said something I believe with all my heart - FAST brings our families HOPE;
- HOPE that our kids one day will not only walk , but run
- HOPE that our kids one day will not only talk , but sing
- HOPE that one day seizures will be a thing of the past and
- that someday in the not too distant future, I will be able to tell Becca and Kayla what Angelman Syndrome was, not what it is…..
Last but not least, the logo... Well, I had an idea floating around in my head for quite a while. The first rendering was done on a small chalkboard in the girl’s neurologist's office while we waited at an appointment, the second was done in the special needs classroom where when Cindy and I had stopped in for a visit at school, I gathered a group of the kids and asked them to draw a butterfly for me using the letters J and B, and what you see is its final shape.
My very good friend Tom Ackerman asked me that same question just a month ago, how did the logo come about? The funny thing is, the more I am asked about the logo the harder it is for me to explain. Initially, all I wanted was something with wings and the cursive J and B shaped like butterfly wings. Tom Ackerman shed a very different light on the logo, and I couldn’t have agreed with him more...
All of us who care for people affected by Angelman Syndrome are the true butterflies, I know I am. I didn’t want to change who I was, I simply had to. The caterpillar doesn’t want to change, it has to change. We all had to become something different than we had originally planned on, we all led very different lives before Angelman Syndrome - different circles of friends, and very different lifestyles. Would I change who I am now? Not a chance, no way, no how. I am such a better person, husband, and father now than I was before Angelman Syndrome. I thank Jamie for transforming my “caterpillar” self into the “butterfly” that I am now.
This year, we hope the Second Annual Jamie Berkley Golf Tournament is an even bigger success than last year.
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Jason & Jamie[/caption]
The event will take place September 22nd at Toad valley Golf Course in Pleasanthill Iowa. For more info go to www.jamieberkleymemorialgolf.blogspot.com