Chamber Swings Golf Clubs for a Good Cause

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting its on Monday, Aug. 8 to support a cause that benefits so many Attleboro area children and their families. 

Now in its 13th year, the Charity Open is being held in a partnership with the Julia Cekala Foundation, which supports Julia's Garden and Playground. 

"In years past we have partnered with organizations like Community VNA and The Arc of Northern Bristol County and this year we are partnering with the Julia Cekala Foundation to help support Julia’s Garden and Playground, at the World War I Park in North Attleborough for all of the local families to enjoy," Chamber President Jack Lank said. 

Families from Attleboro, North Attleboro, Plainville and as far away as Warwick, RI have visited Julia's Garden and Playground to laugh, play and remember Julia Cekala. 

Cekala died on on May 23, 2003 after battling autism, renal failure and seizure disorder. After spending nine months at Children's Hospital where Cekala celebrated her ninth birthday, she lost her battle to hemorrhagic pancreatitis.

Because Cekala loved to play and often helped her mother, Lynda Cekala, with gardening, the family decided to create the Julia Cekala Foundation, which focuses on recreation, education and medical assistance. 

In Spring 2007, the family broke ground and implemented their design of a garden and park that included all of Julia's favorite things: earthworms, butterflies, unicorns, waterfalls and slides. 

Since then, the family has added additional features and flowers to the park, but expansion and maintenance can not be done alone, according to Julia's parents, Wally and Lynda Cekala.  

"There are still open spots available (for the Charity Open) so please contact the Chamber if you are interested in participating," Lank said.

In addition, a Butterly 5k race to benefit the Julia Cekala Foundation will be held Sunday, Aug. 21.