Atlanta Junior Bridge and Jerry Helms - A Perfect Match!

[03/05/08] Renowned bridge author, teacher, and player, Jerry Helms, conducted a fund-raising bridge seminar on February 26th to support Atlanta Junior Bridge’s youth efforts. The results? Resounding! Over $10,000 was raised as 128 local bridge players laughed, practiced and sharpened their skills during the five-hour seminar.

Jerry Helms is well known in Highlands, Lake Toxaway, the Hamptons and his hometown of Charlotte, NC where his two or three day seminars seem to fill up faster than he can offer them. The Atlanta fund-raising seminar was held at the Episcopal Church of the Atonement (ECA) on High Point Road.

Jenny and Dick Cannon hosted a reception at their home the evening before the seminar for Jerry Helms, Atlanta Junior Bridge teachers and event organizers, Jenny Cannon, Julie Gregory, Betty Hall, Jackie Henry, Allison Spears, Julia Stewart, Cathy Totis and Gailyn Thornton.

Door prizes were supplied by several local businesses: Café at Pharr, Carter Barnes on Paces and Julio Cesar Salon and Spa. Additional items were offered in a silent auction. Jessie Smith, a local artist, donated a hand built teapot and Lush Life supplied flowers to accompany a dinner for sixteen created by Jenny Cannon and Gailyn Thornton.

Patty Tucker spoke to the benefits of teaching bridge to children. “In today’s busy world, where many parents struggle to find quality after-school care, bridge provides an opportunity for their children to meet new friends, play a game and talk - all in a safe, controlled environment. What’s more, the game of bridge knows no geographic or socio-economic boundaries. There are no age or gender concerns. No physical or intellectual requirements. Any child can learn and enjoy it. Along the way, children are improving their concentration, as well as their math, problem solving and logic skills. What more can we ask for?”

With so many local youth benefiting from the efforts of Atlanta Junior Bridge, Atlanta can only say “Thank you” to Jerry Helms and all of the volunteers who made this event possible.