Tournament08

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Seventh Annual Michael J. Berkeley
Memorial Golf Tournament

September 15, 2008

The seventh annual Michael J. Berkeley Memorial Golf Tournament at Winged Foot Golf Club on September 15, 2008 continued a tradition of fun, friends, family, and fundraising! Tender moments were shared by all as participants remembered Michael and Audrey Berkeley… their love for the game and their passion for life.

The tournament’s return to the illustrious West Course of Winged Foot Golf Club was heralded by warm sunshine, summer-like breezes, and sweet anticipation. As both new and returning participants received their premium gift bags, jokes and challenges were made as each group quietly purchased their mulligan tickets. The 150 golfers were anxious to play the prestigious fairways and fast greens that have challenged PGA TOUR and LPGA professionals alike over the years. Winged Foot Golf Club is a respected championship course where “the grass is greener, more manicured, than you ever imagined and the overall grandeur of the place strikes at you.” (The Country Club Magazine Jan-Feb 1995)

We were delighted that Winged Foot, the cradle of Mike’s passion for golf, hosted the Berkeley Memorial Golf Tournament for the second year in a row. Michael began caddying at Winged Foot at the age of 12. He was the first recipient of the Gene Hayden Outstanding Caddie Award. He caddied at Winged Foot for approximately eight years. The Club nurtured Michael’s passion for golf, lifetime relationships with peers and members of the Club, career opportunities and overall character development as an honest and respectful human being. One of his lifetime dreams was to become a member of Winged Foot.

The morning and afternoon shotguns began with a very special welcome from Lourdes and Jason Berkeley followed by a brief moment of silence in Mike’s memory and for all families of loved ones who perished on September 11, 2001. Some golfers played both rounds while others enjoyed cocktails and casual conversation on the terrace.

The MJB Foundation continued its Caddie Competition tradition within the Berkeley Memorial Golf Tournament in which foursomes of caddies from Winged Foot Golf Club, Atlantic Golf Club, Hudson National Golf Club and Westchester Country Club competed among themselves for the best gross score. Congratulations goes to our winning caddie foursome -- Atlantic Golf Club with a score of 61!

After the golf tournament came to a close, participants were treated to a private cocktail reception on the Club Terrace followed by a delicious sit-down dinner in the Winged Foot Dining Room. The Foundation presented prizes to our contest and tournament winners where everyone was recognized for their efforts and their determination both off the golf course and on the golf course... even those who ventured into the rough! The evening highlighted the friendly competition and camaraderie that Michael loved so much.

The Foundation continued its tradition by presenting the Audrey P. Berkeley Spirit Award to Ms. Anucha Browne Sanders. Ms. Browne Sanders clearly reflects the strong moral character and heartfelt core values which Audrey exhibited throughout her life. Audrey’s passionate yet nurturing demeanor touched everyone who knew her. She had an uncompromising commitment to inclusion and tolerance, and she encouraged others through her ambitious pursuit of education and professional achievement. Just as Audrey continues to inspire her family and community, Anucha Browne Sanders recognizes that this award does not mark the end of a job well done. It is a milestone on a lifetime journey. Anucha’s efforts in sports, education, and gender equality have made her a candidate befitting this Award. She continues to demonstrate success by leading others and living her life as an example of professionalism and true moral strength. Congratulations to our Audrey P. Berkeley Spirit Award recipient… Anucha Browne Sanders! We were also honored to have six 2008 MJB Scholars attend and participate in the Berkeley Memorial Golf Tournament at Winged Foot. These scholars were only a few of the 24 scholars who were awarded a $3,000 scholarship for the academic year 2008-2009. The MJB scholars not only excel inside the classroom but also in life, where many would argue it counts the most. They are a diverse group with two things in common; love of golf and their personification of the values and virtues that Mike exemplified throughout his life.

Present at this year’s tournament were scholars James Cox, a Junior at Jackson State University, Justin Ford, a Senior at Clemson University, Kyra Moore, a Freshman at Spelman College, Lisa Newton, a Senior at Florida State University, James Petty, a Senior at Florida A&M University and Justin Walters, a Freshman at La Salle University. Each scholar expressed their gratitude and fortune in being an MJB Scholar and having experienced the Berkeley Memorial Golf Tournament at the prestigious and legendary Winged Foot Golf Club. Many told the audience their educational and professional goals and how the MJB Foundation has helped them in all aspects of their lives. Some jokingly (and seriously) asked for internships and employment opportunities from our sponsor representatives. Now that’s ambition!

Participants enjoyed the Silent Auction offering beautiful original artwork, threesomes and foursomes at prestigious golf clubs across the country, autographed sports memorabilia, a private dinner with a personal chef and wine sommelier, golf clubs and much more. Thank you to all of our sponsors and donors who helped make this a tremendous success, and equally important, thank you to all of our winning bidders.

The Foundation is forever grateful for the leadership of this year’s Berkeley Memorial Golf Committee. We thank the many corporate and individual sponsors/donors of the event, the Board of Directors, and the staff at Winged Foot Golf Club for their assistance, attention to detail and cooperation in preparing and executing a flawless event! Congratulations and thank you to all involved. As Mike would say “stay tuned” and “golf your ball” at the next Berkeley Memorial Golf Tournament!