Proceeds from the second annual Heart of Gold Golf Tournament will be designated to prevent heart disease in children and teens in honor of Jonathan Respess.

The 16-year old Fayette County High School student died unexpectedly last year due to a heart attack after basketball practice.

His parents, Mike and Beth Respess, and a large group of area teens have formed "Team Jonathan" to raise money in Jonathan's name to fight heart disease in teens and to educate teens and parents on heart disease.

The organizers of the tournament, Gold's Gym Fayette and Gold's Gym Peachtree City, are hoping to raise over $10,000 to fight heart disease in children and teens.
Last year's event received rave reviews from golfers. "We have made things even more fun and expect it to be much better this year," said one of the organizers, Deborah Bonner, manager of Gold's Gym Peachtree City.

This year Pittsburgh Steeler and local resident Greg Lloyd will play in the tournament. Many other local celebrities are signing on to fight the number one killer of Fayette County residents, heart disease and stroke.

Lunch will be provided by Chic-fil-A, Kroger and other sponsors. Hennesy Jaguar is giving a Jaguar for a hole-in-one and is donating the use of a Jaguar for a weekend for the closest to the pin. Bulldog Supply is also donating a golf cart, on display at Gold's Gym Peachtree City West, for a hole in one.

Last year, prizes were numerous and this year, "We will wow everyone with our great prizes again," said Jason Flynt, another event organizer.

The tournament will be at Whitewater Country Club Sept. 19. Registration begins at 11 a.m., lunch is at noon and the shotgun start is at 1 p.m.

There are a few hole sponsorships left at $100 and prizes and goody-bag donations are welcome.

Those volunteering to help with the Heart of Gold Golf Tournament also will be walking in the upcoming American Heart Association's Heart Walk in November. Gold's Gym is also assisting Team Jonathan with a local Walk and Health Fair Sept. 30 at Fayette County High School.

For information or for team registration information call Deborah Bonner or Jason Flynt at 770-631-9901 or go to www.JmacSnippets.com/Heart_of_Gold.htm. For information on the Heart Walk or the Team Jonathan Health Fair, contact Janet McGregor at 770-631-9503 or Mike or Beth Respess at 770-719-0828.

About Jonathan Respess: A little over a year ago, Mike and Beth Respess suffered a tragedy no parent should ever have to live through - their son, 16-year-old Jonathan Michael Respess, died. Jonathan, a member of Fayette County High School's junior varsity basketball squad, practiced with the team, come home, spent time with his family and went to bed. While he seemed a little tired, neither he nor his parents, nor his coach, noticed anything to raise their concern.

Jonathan died unexpectedly in his sleep of a sudden cardiac arrest due to heart arrhythmia.

Jonathan was in the Beta Club, played trombone and the piano and was active in his church, the Community Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Fayetteville. He was a popular and well-respected student.

Parents who lose a child channel their grief in many different ways. Mike and Beth Respess and their two daughters have chosen to do what they can to prevent other families from facing the same tragedy. They have teamed up with the American Heart Association and are getting involved.

Mike has joined the board of the local Fayette County American Heart Association and is spearheading "Team Jonathan." He has enlisted the aid of a large group of Jonathan's friends and teammates to help raise money and awareness to fight heart diseases.

Jonathan suffered from a disturbance of the electrical system of the heart something that is happening with increasing frequency in young people who appear to be healthy, just as Jonathan did. All of the funds being raised by Team Jonathan will be used to support research in heart arrhythmia and increase the public's awareness of the effect of heart arrhythmia on young people.

Some conditions can be detected with tests, such as EKGs, and can be treated with medications. Education and research save lives. Team Jonathan is currently working with Fayette Community Hospital, Occumed Medical Management in

Peachtree City, the Fayette County Board of Education and other volunteers to host a number of events in Fayette County to raise money and raise awareness.

For information on Team Jonathan, phone Mike or Beth Respess at 770-719-0828.

Heart of Gold Golf Tournament Benefit for Team Jonathan and American Heart Association September 19th Whitewater Country Club Registration: 11:00 a.m. Lunch: Noon Shotgun Start: 1:00 p.m. Registration & information: Gold's Gym Peachtree City - 770-631-9901 or www.JmacSnippets.com/Heart_of_Gold.htm

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