This week the spotlight is on Rick Kerper, the father of sixth grader, Olivia and third grader, Anna.  Rick and his wife, Lisa, recently traveled to London where Rick participated in his fourth Transatlantic Cup Golf Tournament. Just a little history, the Maccabia Games, which are the Jewish Olympics, are held every four years opposite the International Olympics.  In 1995 the men's golf teams from the US and Great Britain decided to start a tournament that would be held every two years using the same format as the Ryder Cup.  Since then, the Cup has alternated between the United States and England.  The US has won the cup 5 times to Great Britain's 4. This summer the Cup was held at the Coombe Hill Golf Club in Surrey, England and Rick won 4 out of 5 of his matches to help the US Team win the 2010 Cup!

An accomplished golfer, Rick was selected as the first alternate on the 2000 US Men's Jewish Olympic Team.  Though Rick has yet to travel to Israel, he has sponsored several fellow teammates in their quest to medal.   Now that his girls are older, Rick is ready to travel and is working to make the team once again.   Lisa is very excited and appreciates how the experience enriches their family.  "One of the best parts of the experience is reconnecting with good friends and their families, and making new friends along the way.  These interactions also create great opportunities for our kids to learn more about their dad's religious upbringing and heritage, which is important to us in our blended family.  We're very proud of Rick", says Lisa.

Way to go Rick - your Westlake family is proud of you too!