Main photo: Committee members (from left) Steve Foley, Gareth Cockwell, Michael Churchman, Sandra Parker, Katherine Craine, Vicki Hill, Patsy Tousignant, Dawn Rigby, and Paul Smith. Absent from the photo: committee chair Gary Hollo, Julie & Paul Carroll, Judy Lilliman, Barb Burton, Cheryl Pecore-Malone, Kris Nicholls, and Craig Lindy.
Submitted by the Huntsville Hospital Foundation
The annual Huntsville Downs Tournament took place on Friday, September 13, 2019, and was a huge success. More than 80 golfers enjoyed 18 holes of golf, lots of fun on the course, prizes, silent auction and prime rib dinner.
This annual tournament is run by a group of committed volunteers, and Gary Hollo is the committee chair. Gary says: “I have always believed that working together we can do so much more. Providing leadership for the Huntsville Downs annual golf tournament offered my committee the chance to give back to our community. For over 30 years my focus has been on raising funds for the Credit Valley Hospital Foundation, The Headwaters Health Care Centre and now the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. Raising money for The Huntsville Hospital Foundation is a ‘universal gift’….it touches everyone in our community.”
Steve Foley, committee member, adds: “When I retired, one of my goals was to become a regular golfer. My first summer in Muskoka, I joined the Tuesday morning Men’s League at the Downs and I was hooked. At the end of that year I became a member. Everyone at the Downs from the ownership, management, club house staff and grounds crew are all fantastic. They really make you feel at home and the course is always in tip top shape. At my first Hospital Foundation Tournament at Huntsville Downs I was a single golfer. I was teamed up with three other Huntsville Downs members and we continue to play three times a week―three years later. When asked to become a tournament committee volunteer I happily joined up. Having a great hospital in our area is imperative to all of us. So I get to enjoy one of my favourite things and do my part to give back to our community. Hats off to everyone who supports our annual tournament, the results are astounding. I am proud to be part of it.”
Vicki Hill, club coordinator and golf instructor at Huntsville Downs says: “The tournament was started back in 2014 to allow our local members to participate in an event that would also support our local hospital. I am so pleased about how much it has grown over the years and how well supported it is by all the local businesses here in Huntsville. I had no idea we had raised $144,000 since we began five years ago. And rumour is we are sold out for next year! I am very proud to be part of this event and looking forward to our 2020 tournament.”
Patsy Tousignant, committee member adds: “As a member of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation golf tournament committee for the last five years, I find working on the committee and the tournament day a very rewarding experience. All members give their time with enthusiasm and a smile on their face. All the work that goes into the planning is worth it when we hear golfers tell us they had a great day and when we make our substantial donation at the end.”
The Huntsville Hospital Foundation relies on third party fundraising events like this one to meet its fundraising goal each year. The 2019 Huntsville Downs Tournament raised $33,000, and to date has raised over $140,000 for priority equipment at Huntsville Hospital. Thank you to the committee, the event sponsors, the event volunteers and to Huntsville Downs Golf Course for your continued support of healthcare for life, here.
Shout out to all the event sponsors: Algonquin Orthodontics, All About Kitchens, Bullock’s Independent, Dwight Lumber, Festing Toyota, Fireplace King, Fountain Tire, Greenside Electric, Hammond Well Drilling, Huntsville Downs Golf Course, Hutcheson, Reynolds & Caswell Ltd., Kimberly Clark, Lake of Bays Brewhouse, Lindgren Mini Storage, Main Street Dental, McDonalds, Panolam Industries, Ryan & Lewis Professional Corp., Splat Pest Solutions, Sutton Group, Tall Trees Restaurant, Taylor Carpet One, Tebby Air Conditioning & Heating, Tuff Tube, Wilson’s The Paint Store, Withey Insurance Brokers Ltd., Wooden Penny, and Z Retail Marketing Inc.
The planning committee is actively looking for additional sponsors for the 2020 Tournament on Friday, September 11, 2020. Please contact Sandra Parker at 705-571-5472 or [email protected] for further details and how you can get involved in this great local event!
Huntsville Hospital Foundation is a fundraising organization dedicated to improving healthcare services for residents of Muskoka and East Parry Sound. A registered charity since 1984, its mandate is to provide ongoing capital and education resources for Huntsville District Memorial Hospital. This will ensure our hospital and medical professionals have the technology and equipment they require to provide exceptional care. Find out more about the Foundation by visiting huntsvillehospitalfoundation.ca.
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