LoveYourBrain Hosts Largest Annual Golf Tournament
Photo courtesy of Julie C Richards Photography
Burlington, Vermont — The LoveYourBrain Foundation, a Vermont-based national nonprofit, hosted the 4th Annual LoveYourBrain Open Golf Tournament on Monday, September 21st. For the first time, the Tournament took place in Chittenden County at Burlington Country Club. 120 golfers participated in the all-day event, which raised funds for LoveYourBrain’s community-based and online programs for people affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI).
“Bringing the community together for this annual event is something we look forward to each year,” said LoveYourBrain’s Executive Director, Adam Pearce. “This year we’ve been reminded of the isolation and very real challenges we’ve all faced since the onset of the pandemic, and recognize many of these challenges parallel the everyday reality of healing after brain injury. It’s an honor to bring many incredible companies and individuals together to raise money for our programs that support the TBI community, which is needed now more than ever.”
The day featured opening remarks from Adam and his brother, Kevin Pearce, a former professional snowboarder whose own TBI and healing was documented in the HBO film ‘The Crash Reel’. In 2014, the Pearce brothers co-founded the LoveYourBrain Foundation out of the global response to the documentary, which brought significant light to an often invisible injury. Before the start of tournament play, Katie Hannon, a LoveYourBrain program participant, spoke to her own TBI experience, the impact TBI has had on her life and her family, and the support she has found within the LoveYourBrain community.
The Tournament saw its most successful year, with increased support and participation. The Foundation is tremendously grateful to those who made it possible: Presenting Sponsor, Burton; Corporate Sponsors the ReArch Company, Spruce Mortgage, and Simon Pearce; Tournament Sponsors People’s United Bank, the NFL Players Association, LN Consulting, Athletic Brewing, Ben & Jerry’s, Bilodeau Wells & Co. CPA, Roger Webster and Northstar Financial, Twin Farms, Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, and NBT Bank. In-kind donations made gift bags, tournament takeaways, a silent auction, and incredible game prizes possible.
Like many organizations, LoveYourBrain has pivoted to create safe and COVID-compliant opportunities to support those affected by TBI. Earlier this year, the organization launched its first online program, the LYB Mindset, which delivers community-building support virtually, and is now able to reach participants across the world.
“Like our programs, our Tournament required innovation to create a fun and safe environment for all,” added Pearce. “We worked in close partnership and collaboration with Burlington Country Club to create a contactless event that still allowed people to come together and support our work.”