The Story
A little over a year ago, the Bryden family of Exeter, PA., lost their husband and father, Kenny
Bryden, to a ruptured brain aneurysm. The shock and grief that followed that loss is, sadly, all too
common to those of us who have been involved with this condition over the years. But the Brydens weren’t going to leave it at that. Not only have they already raised funds and awareness through local events such as Mama B’s cookies (that would be Ken’s wife, Debbie, who sold the cookies from her incredible restaurant in Plains Twp, PA) but on June 30, 2018, they hosted the first annual Kenny R. Bryden Jr. Golf Tournament for Brain Aneurysm Research, in memory of Ken, and I was lucky enough to attend!
The Tournament
Eighty golfers hit the course which featured sponsored holes (as planned) and a welcome breeze (welcome might be an understatement, as the temperatures that day were soaring into the ‘90’s!)
The breeze wasn’t the only thing that made the day a great one! We met all of the wonderful people who supported the event, and of course, the Bryden family – Debbie and Ken’s
kids, Danielle and Ken III, the mastermind behind the event! We enjoyed the Emanon Country Club, where the tournament was held – a beautiful course!
We were in awe of the energy and complete support for this family throughout the tournament and the dinner and auction that followed. The event blasted their target, raising over $4000! We were deeply honored that the Bryden family will be donating their entire proceeds to our shared cause. We intend to honor them, in turn, by putting their dollars to work with more research and awareness so that together we can elevate the profile of this condition, and start to make the difference that is so badly needed.
The After Party
On the last hole, a signature cutout of Ken Bryden, a creation of the Bryden family and a visible testament to their commitment to always have him with them. He was perched where he had perhaps the best view of the course and a peek of the Susquehanna. Ken, in cutout form, also joined the after-tournament party, where he occupied a place of honor. Ken’s wife Debbie, who recalls that Ken’s favorite saying was “Yeah, baby!” voiced that same sentiment knowing he watches our groups working together in his memory.
We look forward to joining them all next year!
Thank you again, from all of us, for everything.
-The Bee Foundation
