The B.O.B. Fund charity golf tourney saw golfers head out on the greens under brilliantly sunny skies recently – for a ninth year, raising money for the Because Of Bob Fund.
“We started it to do something in memory of our son, Bob,” said Jeff Hellings.
Bob Hellings was 25 when he lost his battle with cancer in 2010. The B.O.B. Fund raises money for Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre's Compassionate Fund.
“It helps cancer victims’ families,” said Hellings.
After nine years, Hellings knows the names of just about every golfer who comes out to play. “They’re family, co-workers, friends of ours, friends of our son,” he said. “They’re all friends of friends of friends.”
The golfers signed in at Harbourview Golf and Country Club in Gilford on June 14, then enjoyed a barbecue lunch before heading to their carts. Hellings was playing with a Rotary Club team, teeing off on the first hole after a shotgun start.
“We’re always striving for 100 golfers – if we get to 100, we’re happy,” he said, noting that goal was reached again this year.
It was a busy day on local golf courses.
Charity golf tournament helps local one year old
At the Bradford Highlands Golf Club in Bradford West Gwillimbury, the Bradford Children’s Fund Charity Golf Tourney, founded and organized by Luis Moniz of Century 21, was a great success, raising money for little Katelynn Fox.
Katelynn has Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome, a rare form of Distal Arthrogryposis Type 2A that includes developmental delays, club feet, hip dysplasia, and low muscle mass.
Just one year old, she has already had surgery to repair her legs and feet, and she wears a brace. She will need additional surgeries and devices as she grows and currently, the family’s life revolves around doctors’ and specialists’ appointments.
"It's 24-7," said Moniz, noting the golf tournament is hoping to ease some of the financial burden on the family by raising $20,000 for them.
He is still tallying up the proceeds, and encouraging additional donations to help support a little girl whose unquenchable smile captures the hearts of all who meet her.
"She's a little doll," Moniz said.
Donations can still be made by contacting Century 21 Heritage Group at 905-775-5677.
Coming up on the links:
Breaking the Silence for Randy memorial golf tournament, June 22 at the Bradford Highlands Golf Club. The annual tourney is held in memory of Randy Bagg, beloved son and brother, who died by suicide in 2014 at the age of 20. His family launched the tournament not only to raise money for MOBYSS, the youth mobile clinic operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association, but to open a dialogue on mental-health issues, and encourage those struggling to reach out and ask for help.
The Bradford Lions Golf Tourney takes place June 26 at Bradford Highlands, raising funds for Lions’ community projects. Tickets are $125 per person, for a barbecue lunch, 18 holes of golf, cart, competition, prizes, and dinner. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Rick Chowns at 905-868-2042 or Kathy Howitt at 905-960-2041.
Bradford West Gwillimbury's mayor and council hit the links for the annual Mayor & Council Classic Golf Challenge on July 4, at Bradford Highlands – a fundraiser for the town’s Community Grant Program which provides grants to community groups, organizations and events. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and tee-off is 9 a.m. To sign up or to sponsor the tourney, contact Karen Gill at 905-775-5366 ext. 1200.
The Nottawasaga Foundation Golf Tournament, Dinner and Auction takes place July 19, at the Nottawasaga Inn Resort near Alliston. The 27th annual fundraiser includes an 18-hole open tournament, a ladies’ nine-hole tourney with afternoon massage in the morning, barbecue lunch, buffet dinner, silent and live auctions, special awards and draws. Last year, the tournament raised $357,000 for charities that have included Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, Alzheimer Society, Children’s Aid Society, Community Living Foundation, Hospice Simcoe, Alliston & District Humane Society, Frederick Banting Homestead, and many more. See nottawasgaresort.com/foundation for more information.
