39 teams. 160 golfers. It all adds up to one amazing sold-out tournament on July 6, 2018 that raised over $35,000 for the Orléans-Cumberland Resource Centre and the Ottawa Senators Foundation.
Co-founder and agent Steve Cooper says it best: “It’s a fun day.”
Celebrating on the course. All photos taken by event photographer Sarah Bradley.
Our Success Is Made Possible By Our Sponsors and Participants
We can’t say thank you enough to all our sponsors, including our title sponsors Allan and Eric Foget of Sobeys. We’d also like to thank everyone who golfed, dined, and participated in our auctions.
“The fact that we have the great support of businesses and individuals… it’s amazing,” says Steve.
Goofing around with ‘Allan’ and ‘Eric’.
We also have to thank the Orléans-Cumberland Resource Centre and the Ottawa Senators Foundation. “This event wouldn’t happen without the support of the organizations we raise funds for,” Steve said. “It’s a true partnership.”
Gifts, Prizes, and Players Galore
“Golfers started arriving around 9 AM,” Steve says. “Every year we have a red carpet, music, drinks, a barbeque for lunch.”
An eager crowd ready for a day of golfing.
Every golfer received a gift – this year they had the choice between a jacket and belt, or some electronics.
“From there they start golf around 11 AM, and it’s about 6 hours,” Steve explains. “There’s food and beverages at every second hole.” This included mimosas and more barbeque.
Other holes had some truly awesome prizes if you got a hole-in-one, including $10,000 and a Sea-Doo.
Speaking of hole-in-ones: did anyone get close to winning the Million-Dollar-Shootout this year? The Million-Dollar-Shootout happens at the end of the tournament, and is sponsored by GGFL Chartered Professional Accountants and Ark Construction Ltd. 8 finalists tee-off 150 yards away for a chance to win.
“No,” Steve laughs. “No one has in the 7 years we’ve been doing it – but there’s always next year!”
No millionaires were made this year – but they all had fun trying!
Tons of Special Guests
“We had a lot of local celebrities attend,” Steve says. “Former Ottawa Senator Chris Phillips, Ian Mendez and Brett Wallace from TSN, our emcee Angie Poirier, Steve Gregory, and the return of Stuntman Stu from Bell Media.”
All grins from Paul and local radio personality Stuntman Stu.
And – of course – this tournament wouldn’t be complete without some Paul Rushforth cutouts!
Fore, Paul!
Off the Course
Off the course, there was a silent auction comprised of over 50 items and the ever popular live auction run by Liam McGuire.
Live auction items included:
- Calabogie Race SENS experience – donated by Calabogie Raceway & Ottawa Senators Foundation
- Club Bell Suite + buffet + valet parking – donated by Jani King Ottawa
- KevinHaime Golf Club Package value of $2,000+ – donated by Kevin Haime Golf School
- Muskoka Golf get-away weekend with two rounds of golf & hotel for 4 – donated by ClubLinks
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who donated something for our auctions, which were a resounding success.
Paul, emcee Angie Poirier, and Liam running the show.
Planning All Year-Round
Planning this tournament takes a lot of work and a lot of people. Steve says 9 people sat on the committee this year. “People see the benefit…and they want to be involved,” Steve says.
The day of the tournament is a day of learning for Steve. “Every year is an opportunity to improve. I go around and talk to people, ask what they’d like to see next year. What did they like? What didn’t they like?”
This helps Steve plan for the next tournament – and he starts early.
“We’ll have a recap meeting in late July while everything is fresh. We’ll start reaching out right away to people and sponsors, with the sponsorship kits going out the first of the year,” Steve explains.
But he still takes plenty of time to enjoy the fun, the fundraising, and the socializing. “We all have a good time doing it.”
A Hit Since Day 1
It was seven years ago that Steve approached Paul with the idea of a charity golf tournament. “I had an idea that we should do something for the community,” says Steve.
Even though it’s grown in size and popularity, the tournament is not much different than when it first started.
“It’s pretty close to what it was in year one. It was a great success from the start,” he says.
Steve believes part of that success comes from the fact that many sponsors and participants work together all year.
“As much as this was built to give back to the community, it’s an opportunity to talk to your business partners too,” Steve explains. “Many of these people we work with all year but never get to have a real conversation. The tournament connects you to people.”
We can’t wait to connect with you all again in 2019!
