Golf tournament to be held in memory of East Bay teen

MARTINEZ, Calif. (KGO) -- An East Bay family is still reeling from the tragic loss of their teenage daughter one year after she was hit and killed by a train. But on Sunday night, they're channeling their grief into a way to help others.

The memorial to Jenna Betti still stands on Howe road in Martinez, not far from the track tracks where she died. It's been a tough anniversary for Jenna's family but they are choosing to celebrate her life by helping others in need.

Amanda Zodikoff will never forget the girl with the big heart and bright smile "It seems like just yesterday I was just hanging out with her and we were having a lot of fun," Zodikoff said.

It seems like 14-year-old Jenna had a way of bringing the best out in everyone.

"Even if you were feeling down, you could text Jenna and tell her your problem. She'll make you laugh and cheer you up," Jenna's friend Becca Phelan said.

The popular eighth-grader at Martinez Jr. High was struck and killed one year ago by a freight train. Police say she ran back to pick up the cell phone she'd dropped on the tracks.

"Honestly, I feel like she walks with us every day," Jenna's mother, Dena Betti, said.

Dena has somehow managed to channel her grief into something positive, starting with the hashtag #hersmile.

"The idea of a non-profit was born. I knew I wanted to help people who were in a similar situation to what our family was going through," she said.

HerSmile.org has helped eight families with financial and emotional support and on Monday, the Jenna Betti Memorial Golf Tournament will be held at Franklin Canyon Golf Course in Hercules.

About $10,000 is expected to be raised.

"Jenna should not be forgotten. We all should remember Jenna and remember Jenna not for how she died or that she died, but for how happy she always was and who she was," Jenna's friend Kate Wohlford said.

Jenna's death has brought greater awareness about safety. "A lot of kids never go on train tracks anymore," Wohlford said.

A teen with an amazing smile's life now brings hope and strength to others.

For more information about the golf tournament and how to help please go to: http://www.hersmile.org/