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Yellow oak trees tower above a carpet of lush green while a small white dimpled ball rolls toward a cup dropping off into blackness. It falls in. This feeling can be sensational. For some, like Rabbi Mark or Julie Webster, it can even be … holy.
A few years ago, Julie Webster was introduced to Beit T’Shuvah when her son Bobby was admitted into the drug and alcohol program. Bobby has two years sober now and is doing great. But laughing, Julie remembers when Bobby was the guy “least likely to get a year,” because he was here to “learn how to regulate his weed use.” She says BTS was kind, warm, and welcoming from the start and all the way through; “I loved services! It was a great way to see Bobby every Friday!”
About twelve years ago, in a time of stress and pain, Julie found golf. She fell in love with the sport. She’d found her saving grace; a healthy, therapeutic release, that fuels and feeds her to this day.
Last spring, Julie attended the BTS annual golf tournament. By the end – after hearing the stories of the other families, and the story of the key speaker – Julie felt compelled to help. So, she spoke with Avia Rosen – the Event Coordinator of Beit T’Shuvah. The two have a special bond. Avia’s husband Doug was Bobby’s therapist at BTS and was extremely instrumental in Bobby’s recovery.
Knowing Julie wanted to give back, Avia asked, “What do you like to do?” The answer was simple. “Golf!” she said. And with that, Julie became a committee member for this year’s Crush the Crisis Tournament. She’s helped organize the event – bringing in donors and players, even recruiting an executive foursome. She’s hoping she can aid in a much greater capacity for next year’s tourney.
To wrap up, some stats: Julie has a 9 handicap – 7.5 index. That’s 10 to 15 over par, depending on the course. “Do you think you could beat Rabbi?” was a question on cue for this interview. But after hearing those stats, and given Rabbi’s self deprecating take on his own game, the answer was clear. To this, Julie laughed out loud (Sorry, Rabbi). In addition to the therapeutic value of golf, Julie loves the competition.
Some inspiring words to leave you with from Julie. “Never give up. You don’t know what can happen. Keep fighting!” She learned this about life. But, she learned it from golf.
To register for the tournament or for questions please contact Avia Rosen at (310) 202-2289 or arosen@beittshuvah.org.
