Golf outing raises more than $3,000 to support local youth
Published 10:33 am Wednesday, July 12, 2017
- From the left, Courtney Eifler, Dylan Catalano, the JAM scholarship winner and Jeanne Blank, the event's organizer pose for a photo. (Submitted photo)
An avid youth sports coach and passionate teacher at Berrien RESA, Jason Arnold was know for seeking to help students reach their potential in the classroom or out on the playing field.
Arnold was a 1979 Niles High School graduate, who also dedicated his time to community service. After Arnold passed about seven years ago, family and friends decided to help carry on his legacy.
For its seventh annual year, the Jason Arnold Memorial outing took place to raise scholarship funds for local youth.
Scholarship winner Austin Curran, of Niles is pictured on the left. (Submitted photo)
The golf outing took place June 24 at the Brookwood Golf Course, 1339 Rynearson St. in Buchanan and raised approximately $3,200, after costs of the event were deducted. Since the event began seven years ago, approximately $11,000 in scholarships has been awarded.
For event organizer Jeanne Blank and those who were close to Arnold, the scholarship helps to commemorate Jason’s passion for helping young people.
“Because Jason was a teacher and was so involved with youth, we feel like it is going to keep his memory alive and we can give a deserving student,” Blank said. “We want to keep him memory alive by doing something we know he would approve of.”
Blank said that Arnold had a way of helping students feel cared for.
“He took them under his wing,” Blank said. “He was just a big teddy bear. The students just adored him. He was an amazing man.”
Each golf participant pays to play, contributing toward the funds raised. Participants also have the chance to join in a prize raffle, which also raised funds. The money not put toward scholarships goes toward next year’s event, Blank said.
Dylan Catalano, of Buchanan, and Austin Curran, of Niles, were selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship each. Catalano is the son of Bill and Kelly. Curran is the son of Todd and Debbie. Both Catalano and Curran will be continuing their studies at Michigan State University.
Blank said the students are not just selected for the award on academic merit. Students who exemplify dedication to their community and bettering those around them, much like Arnold was known for, are ideal candidates for the scholarship.
While the funds raised this year were slightly lower compared to previous years, Blank said overall, the community support throughout the event’s seven years has been appreciated.
“The community support is tremendous,” Blank said. “It is amazing. It is like Christmas in July.”
