Berberich Tournament Raises $26,000 for Children - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

Berberich Tournament Raises $26,000 for Children

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The 18th Annual Jeff Berberich Memorial Invitational Golf Tournament, held for the second year at Wyndham Bay Point Resort's Bay Point Golf Club in Panama City Beach, proudly announces over $26,000 raised to support Guardian Ad Litem & Advocates for Children. 

Now in its 18th year, this charity tournament, built around the legacy of the late Jeff Berberich, a beloved son, brother, friend & golfer, has collectively raised in $600,000.

Funds raised each year are used to support Guardian ad Litem programs which are designed to protect children who are neglected, abused or abandoned.  The Guardian Ad Litem program works to see that the children's best interests are represented in courts throughout Florida by providing them with a voice in court, foster care and many other basic needs.

 "Guardian ad litem," which in Latin means "guardian for a suit," got its start in Florida as a protective agency for children when the state Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1974 was passed.  The Annual Jeff Berberich Memorial Invitational continues to be a primary funding source for Advocates For Children,Inc supporting Guardian Ad Litem in Bay County.

"In these current economic times, I continue to be amazed and overwhelmed with the generosity and support of our friends, tournament participants & supporters, stated Chuck Berberich, Tournament Director. "Presenting this check to Advocates For Children, Inc. and knowing the good they can do with it is a very special moment for me & my family."

Funds raised each year from this tournament help children in the 14th Judicial Circuit by meeting common needs such as appropriate clothing, toiletries, dental care, school supplies.  Monies raised are used to support the Guardian Ad Litem and have funded, among many other initiatives, the development of "Jeff's Room" at the Bay County Courthouse which is a kid friendly oasis for children testifying at hearings and court proceedings. 

In addition to the Annual Jeff Berberich Memorial Golf Tournament held each April, a scholarship fund born from Jeff's legacy has been established at Florida State University, Panama City.

To learn more about Guardian Ad Litem or Advocates For Children, Inc., contact Chuck Berberich at chucksr@jbmi.org or visit www.jbmi.org.

To request an invitation to the 19th Annual Jeff Berberich Memorial Invitational Golf Tournament to be held at Bay Point Golf Club on April 26 – 28, 2013, contact 850-230-0199 or 850-235-6950.