Ben Friedman, 13, Raises $33.5k for Ken Flach Foundation & Baby Beau Fund

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On October 14th, Oakland's Sequoyah Country Club hosted the 6th Annual Vida Blue Celebrity Invitational to benefit Northern Light School (NLS). Ben Friedman, 13, who participated in the golf tournament since its inception, exceeded his original fundraising goal of $15k – adding $33.5k to the foundations set up to honor the lives of his twin brother and stepdad.

Friedman was born a twin back in August of 2006. On Christmas morning of that same year, his parents found his twin brother, Beau, unresponsive in his crib. To honor his life, the family set up the Baby Beau Fund with NLS to ensure his memory inspired other children.

Christina Flach, the twins' mother, said, "When your child dies, you search for meaning. It can be tough to find, but I was lucky enough to have my remaining children by my side. Together, we established the Baby Beau Fund to create meaningful change in the lives of the children who get to attend Northern Light School because of Beau."

In previous years, Friedman played the tournament alongside his stepdad, Ken Flach. Ken was a professional tennis player and Olympic Gold Medalist – famous for his doubles game, and renowned for his 36 titles. Although he spent many years playing professional tennis and coaching youth on the court, golf had become Ken's respite. Together, they raised thousands of dollars for the Baby Beau Fund.

In early 2018, Ken died suddenly due to a sepsis infection. At just 54, Ken lived a healthy and active lifestyle, and his death came as a shock to his friends and family. To honor Ken's memory, and his affinity towards NLS's mission of providing comprehensive education to children regardless of their socioeconomic status, his widow, and Ben's mom, Christina, established the Ken Flach Foundation to benefit NLS.

This year, Friedman set out to do more – in honor of both his brother and his stepdad. He set up shop on the 5th hole, where he dared participants to "Challenge the Kid." Each challenger paid $20, and in return, they got to challenge Friedman in a tee-off. The challenger got to choose which shot they'd play the hole off of (usually, Friedman's was closer to the hole). They were also entered into a raffle to win a Stay-and-Play weekend at Schaffer's Mill Golf & Lake Club in Lake Tahoe.

When asked how he felt about embarrassing all the pros, Friedman shared, "It feels great!" He did offer them some consolation, adding, "I've been playing since I was four." And he provided some advice with a smile, "Just hit it closer."

To donate to the Baby Beau Fund or the Ken Flach Foundation, note the fund you'd like to contribute to, and mail your check to:

Northern Light School
ATTN: Michelle Lewis
3710 Dorisa Avenue
Oakland, California 94605

To learn more, contact Christina Flach at (415)717-9864.

SOURCE Baby Beau Fund