EUGENE, OR – Auction employees, dealers, and vendors rallied around one of their own at “Golf Challenge 2009” held at Langdon Farms Golf Club on May 29. Participants enjoyed a beautiful day on the course, located in Aurora, Ore. The Golf Challenge is an annual event hosted by Brasher’s Cascade and Brasher’s Northwest Auto Auctions, and as in years past, the challenge had as its primary beneficiary nine-year-old Natasha Melton.

Proceeds from the tournament were put into a medical trust for Natasha, who has worked to overcome the affects of spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs in one out of every 1,000 live births in the United States. The youngest daughter of Mark Melton, general sales manager at Brasher’s Northwest Auto Auction, Natasha is an energetic and captivating third-grader who, according to a company spokesperson, despite 18 surgeries so far in her young life, is determined not to let spina bifida slow her down. In spite of the attendant disabilities as a result of her condition, she is active, learning to be independent, gets around with the help of leg braces, arm crutches and a wheelchair, and has even learned to enjoy skiing.

The tournament and the “Natasha” Benefit auction that concluded the day’s activities raised a total of $14,500 to help defray Natasha’s medical expenses.

“The Melton Family would like to express our appreciation to Brasher's and all those that helped and participated in the Golf Tournament this year,” said Mark Melton. “This is a family affair, and it is such an honor to be able to meet everyone and let Natasha personally thank them for their concern and generosity.”