The 6th annual Paul Rushforth Real Estate Golf Tournament was another huge success. The weather was perfect, everyone had a ton of fun on the golf course, and we raised more money for our charities than ever.
While the numbers are still being finalized, it looks like this year’s total will fall somewhere between $40,000 – $50,000.
Paul Rushforth noted what a fantastic time everyone had. “People kept coming up to me saying this is the most fun they’ve ever had at a charity golf tournament. Usually tournaments either raise lots of money or they’re fun, but not both. Liam McGuire (our auctioneer) said it best: ‘you’ve mastered how to raise as much money as possible for charity while still having a great time.’”
The line is already forming to attend next year’s tournament. “About 80% of the room wanted to sign up for next year right there,” Paul laughs.
Supporting Two Great Local Charities
All proceed from the tournament will go to two charities who are in urgent need of funding:
- The Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre. The OCCRC helps hungry families get healthy food. It also provides counseling services, education for children up to 6 years old, and many more essential programs for people in need of all ages.
- The Ottawa Senators Foundation. The Sens Foundation is dedicated to helping kids and teens stay physically and mentally healthy through a variety of wellness programs.
We encourage you to support these causes that benefit kids, families, and seniors in the Ottawa area.
Tournament Highlights
Some of the funniest moments from the tournament came from golfers interacting with the life-size cutouts of Paul made by K6 Media.
“There was one of me in a ballet dress, and people had fun using it for target practice with a Nerf gun,” remembers Paul. “There was also me in a towel, and also one of my head peeking out of a sand trap.”
Winning Teams
Rob MacLean, Claudio Escobar, Serge Fachoun, and Todd Pearson won the tournament, with a final score of -16.
The team from Sobey’s claimed the Best Dressed Team award, with their matching lime green and yellow hats, shirts, pants, and golf balls.
While no one has ever won the Million Dollar Shootout, this year someone came within 10 feet of claiming the prize. To win, eight top golfers get a chance to make a hole in one from 150 yards. If no one wins right away, the two finalists get a second chance from 175 yards.
There were lots of other hole in one prizes throughout the course. Up for grabs were $10,000 cash from RBC, a Ford Mustang, and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. No one won them this year, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed for next year!
VIPs Galore
Magic 100’s Angie Poirier did a fantastic job as MC and hockey jersey model. “I had to warn the room to keep the flirting to a minimum, as her boyfriend is a very big guy,” laughs Paul.
TSN 1200 did a live broadcast from the tournament from 4 – 6 PM, hosted by Lee Versage. Ian Mendes, Sens broadcaster Gord Wilson, Paul, and Alan Foget (from title sponsor Sobey’s) joined in the fun.
Amazing Prizes and Auction Items
Every year the sponsors try and outdo themselves. This year’s prizes included:
- A $20,000 dream backyard from Brival Landscaping, Permacon, Lavergne Home Improvements, André Taillefer, and Robert Plant.
- 2 tickets to anywhere from WestJet.
- A Club Bell Suite for 6 with buffet and valet parking from Jani King Ottawa.
- A Kevin Haime Golf Club package from the Kevin Haime Golf School.
- A Muskoka Golf getaway weekend with two rounds of golf and hotel for 4 from ClubLinks.
- A Blue Jays Experience package with 4 tickets to a 2018 game, 4 ball caps, and an autographed Aaron Sanchez jersey from Jani King Ottawa.
- A Lakers jersey autographed by NBA superstar Magic Johnson from Paul Rushforth Golf.
- An autographed jersey from superstar goalie Carey Price from Paul Rushforth Golf.
Special Thanks
It takes the work of hundreds of people to make a golf tournament like this one happen.
Paul says, “I’d like to mention our amazing sponsors who really came through for us. There was our title sponsor Sobey’s, Brian Valiquette from Brival, and dozens more. We couldn’t do it without you.”
As you can see from our sponsors page, there are a lot of good hearted businesses in Ottawa.
“I’d especially like to thank Steve Cooper and Kevin Pryce from my team, as well as Suzanne Wert and Cindy MacKay from the OCCRC,” says Paul. “They worked incredibly hard and did a phenomenal job organizing this.”
We’ll See You Next Year!
Next year’s tournament date is set for Friday, July 6th, 2018. Many of this year’s sponsors will be returning. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, start checking the tournament website in February.
