“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” -Desmond Tutu

This October, The Owen Banks Memorial Fund will host the inaugural Gianna's Ray of Hope Golf Classic, and we are inviting our community to help us give Gianna—and other children—a little more hope.

Gianna is a remarkable little girl who has worked incredibly hard for every milestone. Born with a rare genetic condition, MPPH Syndrome, and a complex brain malformation called Polymicrogyria (too many small folds in the brain), she faces challenges affecting her development, movement, communication, feeding and independence. From the beginning, Gianna’s family knew she needed more than what was typically available. They made it their mission to search for the right doctors, therapists, intensive treatment programs and equipment to give her every possible opportunity to thrive. Gianna’s journey is a testament that sometimes the greatest breakthroughs begin with simply refusing to give up hope.

That commitment has made a meaningful difference and Gianna has made extraordinary progress. Milestones that once seemed out of reach are now becoming possible. She is working toward greater mobility and independence, finding new ways to communicate, and continuing to show everyone how much determination and potential she possesses.

Gianna’s journey, however, is far from over.

The specialized therapies and intensive programs that have helped her move forward come at a tremendous cost. Adaptive equipment, medical treatments and necessary home modifications create additional expenses, yet each can make an invaluable difference in her ability to participate more fully in everyday life. Every child deserves every opportunity to reach their fullest potential. With the support of our community, we can help Gianna continue to make progress while bringing greater hope to other children facing similar challenges.

Funds raised through Gianna's Ray of Hope Golf Classic will help support Gianna's ongoing therapies, intensive treatments, adaptive equipment and home modifications.

Through our partnership with The Owen Banks Memorial Fund, a registered 501(c)(3) non profit organization , a portion of the event's charitable impact will also help other children and families facing similar challenges. In this way, Gianna's journey can become a source of hope for others.

We invite local businesses, organizations, families and community members to help make this inaugural event a success by not only participating in the golf event but also becoming sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities range from $75 to $10,000, allowing supporters at many levels to make a meaningful difference. A sponsorship is more than a financial contribution, it is an investment in Gianna’s continued progress, a source of encouragement for her family and a way to bring hope and opportunity to other children facing neurodevelopmental disorders who deserve the chance to thrive. Together, we can turn hope into possibility.

Thank you for supporting the inaugural Gianna’s Ray of Hope Golf Classic. Every contribution at every level will help create a meaningful and lasting impact.

Together, we can help Gianna shine—and create a ray of hope for others.
We would be incredibly grateful to have you be a part of this journey.

With gratitude,
Gianna's Ray of Hope Golf Classic