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Despite a severe recession, a relatively new, local, annual fundraiser has already crossed the $1-million milestone.

Active Charity reported that its 4th annual "Drive for the Cure" golf tournament last Friday on behalf of the local chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) raised over $250,000.00 dollars, pushing the organization's total to over $1 million in just four years.

"The generosity in tough economic times is amazing," said Jason Skeoch, one of the four co-founders of Active Charity.

The golf event, dinner and evening celebration was held at Wente Vineyards in Livermore. One of the highlights of the event was the testimony of four young people who live and deal with juvenile diabetes, every hour of every day.

"It's like a monster living in your closet every day," said Sam Madden, of Pleasanton, the 8-year son of Joe Madden of Pleasanton and grandson of NFL Hall of Fame Coach John Madden. The Madden family and its Tri-Valley based charitable foundation are active supporters of the JDRF.

Sam Madden was joined on stage by three other children with type 1 diabetes: Tyler Bealmear, 18, and Kendall Horalek, 15, both of Alamo, and Louise Marshall, 10, of Danville.

Money raised from the "Drive for the Cure" went to the JDRF to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Chevron and Tri Valley Bank were major sponsors.

Active Charity was founded by Jason Skeoch of San Ramon, an executive with TriNet Communications in Livermore; Dan Michie of San Ramon, who works at Peterson Tractor in San Leandro; Ryan Ashburn of Danville, who works at ADP in Pleasanton, and Rob Nowacek of Danville, who works at Front Line Heavy Equipment in Danville.

For more information about Active Charity, check the organizations Website at www.ActiveCharity.com.

Mark Curtis, Jeb Bing

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