17th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Wrap-up:

A Day to Remember

Just over 100 golfers gathered at the majestic Blackhawk Country Club Falls Course on Tuesday, September 24th to enjoy a day on the green in support of George Mark Children’s House, a Bay Area pediatric palliative and hospice care center that’s been serving seriously ill children in the community for the past 15 years. The day began with breakfast, Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar, and our annual putting contest, followed by a club-side BBQ lunch, some golf course shenanigans, cocktail hour, silent auction and a special presentation from George Mark Children’s House founder Dr. Kathy Hull.

Dr. Hull called to the stage Santa Clara Sherriff’s Department Sergeant and Public Information Officer, Reggie Cooks, to share his connection to GMCH.

Reggie and his wife Kristalle were the proud and loving parents of Jabari Ethan Cooks, their baby boy who was born during the NBA Finals in February of 2011. A big fan of basketball, Reggie was hoping some of the NBA magic would rub off on his son. He had big dreams for his boy. Tragically, those dreams were never realized. Soon after his birth, Jabari was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the most common genetic cause of mortality in infants. The Cooks family was approached by a social worker who directed them to GMCH.

Reggie spoke about what a blessing GMCH was for his family. The house gave them a warm and comforting place to say goodbye to their son. It allowed them to stay there and care for him like they would in their own home.

“George Mark Children’s House is not a place to end life,” said Reggie. “It’s a place that celebrates life.”

It’s stories like Reggie’s that inspire us to continue our golf tournament tradition. We hope it inspires you to join us in the years to come. Thank you to everyone who showed up to support us and who gave so generously to George Mark Children’s House. Together, we were able to raise nearly $30,000!

For those of you who were unable to join us, if you would like to learn more about the charity, please visit their website: https://georgemark.org/

The Winner’s Circle 

Congratulations to the following players:

1st Place: Mike Hall, Will Wollesen, Larry Payne, Kim Moor
2nd Place: Joe Bonadona, Al Albarran, John Bessiere, Don Vales
3rd Place: Brett Walinski, Joel Heyne, Branden Laidlaw, Kye Huff
Closest to the Pin: Dan Vales
SuperTicket Scratch-off Winner: Therese Johnson
Longest Drive (Male): Jim Pistolesi
Longest Drive (Female): Lisa Im
Closest to the Pin (Male): Justin Oertel
Closest to the Pin (Female): Therese Johnson
Putting Contest: Paul Crawford
Marshmallow Drive: Kim Moore

View all of our photos from the event here!