May 27, 2010

Cause For The Course

By Lisa Kestenbaum Daily Journal Staff Writer Koeller, Nebeker, Carlson & Haluck hosted its 2nd annual Golfing for a Cure tournament and reception Friday at the Ridge Golf Club in Auburn. The fundraiser included a silent auction and raffle that helped raise more than $35,000 for the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST). Event chairman Chad N. Dunigan organized the tournament on behalf of his 4-year-old son Jaxson, right, who was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome when he was 10-months-old. Angelman Syndrome, or AS, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that severely impairs speech, cognitive functions, movement and balance. Jaxson's diagnosis was a shock to Dunigan and his wife, who did not know what AS was. Dunigan, a partner in the firm's Sacramento office, says he realized most people were unfamiliar with the disorder and saw the tournament as a way to educate others and raise money for research. The inaugural tournament raised roughly $30,000 to benefit FAST. This year Dunigan and his firm were pleased to see an even greater turnout, despite chilly weather. 92 golfers played in teams of four on the 18-hole course before dark clouds gave way to hail in the late afternoon. Inside, guests enjoyed the raffle and silent auction during the reception. David Segal, associate professor in the Pharmacology Department and Genome Center at UC Davis, gave a presentation about AS and the research being done to find a cure. The chairman of FAST, Paula M. Evans, told the crowd exactly how their donations from last year were spent. During an award ceremony, Dunigan presented prizes for "Closest to the Pin" and "Longest Drive." The success of the event was on par with last years' and Dunigan says they will be "doing it all again" in 2011 - all of it except the hail, of course.