The Union Democrat
Thursday, June 3, 1999
Son's memory is growing legacy
By Jennifer Johnson
MURPHYS- For Darlene and Bob Sanders, the eighth annual Jeff Sanders memorial Golf Tournament means keeping the memory of their son alive through promoting the things he loved to do the most - sports.
The Tournament, Saturday at Forest Meadows Golf Coarse, raises funds for scholarships given in Jeff Sanders' name each year to two graduating Bret Harte High School seniors.
Jeff died in 1990 at the age of 28 after catching a very rare flu virus.
"The doctors said he had a better chance of being struck by lightning than contracting this virus," Darlene said.
The virus was especially serious because he was born with a blood condition that resulted in the removal of his spleen when he was 12: He simply could not fight off the virus.
Scholarship Fund: The Sanders' wanted a way to keep their son's spirit alive and initiated a scholorship fund at the high school. The scholarships were awarded for two years before a friend suggested a golf tournament which could potentially ensure the survival of the scholarship fund.
Beginning this year, money raised for the scholarships is being invested and managed through Sonora Area Foundation.
Unsure of how to start a tournament, Bob and Darlene sought the help of golf pro Jimmy Dillashaw who arranged a five person scramble the first year, which has continued to be the format. This year's event has received the help of golf pro Norby Wilson.
'A good sport': Their son was a 1980 graduate of Bret Harte High School and was very active in sports growing up.
"He played football, basketball, and baseball," Darlene said.
She said he once ran track in place of a runner who didn't show for a race and placed, even though he had never done it before.
"He was a good sport'" she said.
Darlene said her son didn't spark an interest in golf until his college years, but said he loved the sport and played as often as he could.
According to Darlene, the scholarship committee looks for students who show participation in sports, student government or leadership, good citizenship, and someone who is a good friend.
"Those were Jeff's qualities." she said.
Scholarship recipients are chosen at the end of the school year and are given at graduation.
Union Democrat photo by Matt Thurlow
IN MEMORY of their son, Bob and Darlene Sanders will host the Jeff Sanders Memorial Golf tournament Saturday.
According to Darlene, the scholarship committee looks for students who show participation in sports, student government or leadership, good citizenship, and someone who is a good friend.
"Those were Jeff's qualities." she said.
Scholarship recipients are chosen at the end of the school year and are given at graduation.
Still room to play: Although the deadline for the tounrnament has passed, there is still time to enter. Twelve teams have entered with room for up to 22 teams.
"This happens every year, but it usually does fill up," Darlene said. "Last year we were one team over the limit."
Cost to enter is $60 per person, which includes green fees, two carts per team, a tee prize, dinner, and awards. Extra meals can be purchased for non-golfers at $10 per person. The meal is prepared by the Sanders family and friends.
Sponsors are also welcome. A fee of $100 includes entry fee,carts, prizes, dinner, awards, and advertisement.
For more information call Darlene Sanders (795-8045 on weekdays, and at 736-4351 evenings and weekends).