Second annual Rotary golf tournament surpasses fundraising expectation

It was ideal golfing weather as the more recently established Rotary Club of Saugeen Shores hosted its second annual Golf Tournament on August 16th with a full roster of golfers at Westlinks Golf Course.

                                                                             Ready to head out
                                                   The annual ball toss – for larger view, Click on Image

The day started out with the annual ball toss and, in addition to getting out on the links, it  included lunch, silent and live auctions, prizes and a roast beef dinner.

Rob Fawcett was all smiles as he won the ball toss

Several VIPs also attended, including Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, OCNI President Bill Walker, Bruce Power’s President & CEO Mike Rencheck and Director of Communications John Peevers, Special Olympian medal winner Jeremy Kranenberg and Lamont Sports Park fundraising committee co-Chair Rob Stanley and committee member Michael Martin as well as Town of Saugeen Shores Councillor and staff.

 

   (L) MP Ben Lobb, MPP Lisa Thompson, Bruce Power Pres. & CEO Mike Rencheck and Director of                                                                Communication John Peevers

For larger view, Click on Image

Although Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson missed the day of golf due to several prior commitments, she arrived in time to commend the Rotary Club for its work and financial commitment to the Lamont Sports Park. “It is so important to support what matters to us locally and what a wonderful way for this new club to make its mark than to contribute $100,000 to the Lamont Sports Park.  I wanted to be here to thank all of you for supporting such an important club.  Always have Rotary at your heart because this is an important community organization that truly does make a difference.”

The Tournament was one of those where fun and FUNdraising are the goals for Rotary and both were accomplished.  The live auction by Club President Pat O’Connor and auctioneer raised approximately $9,700.

One of the largest bids of the evening was by Councillor and Police Services Board Chair Dave Myette.  Myette and his wife, Melinda, will be on their way to Ottawa after his winning bid to be guests of Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb.

The trip includes a private tour of the House of Commons, Luncheon at the Parliamentary Restaurant, Gallery Seating for Question Period and Luxury Accommodations at the Fairmont Chateau … all for only $900.

 

“Even though this was only our second Golf Tournament, it has become one of our largest fundraisers,” said Club President Pat O’Connor.  “We have to thank all our sponsors, and businesses who so kindly donated the many auction items and, of course, we want to thank all those golfers who came out in support of the day and Rotary, we couldn’t have done this without any of them.”

Overall, the second annual tournament raised almost $37,000 and, after expenses, netted $26,000 for the Rotary Club of Saugeen Shores.  All the net funds raised will go back into Rotary community projects.