On July 8, members of the Rimbey Charity Golf Classic Committee handed out this year’s funds.
The classic was held June 10 and once again was a success, raising money for two non-profit groups.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation received just more than $6,000 while the Rimbey Lions pool fundraising effort received more than $2,000.
Every year the golf classic makes substantial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, as well as a different local charity each year.
Since 2002 the event has raised more than $85,000 for the foundation since that time, as well as more than $22,000 for various local charities.
A volunteer committee runs the event, headed by tournament chair Dale Barr and tournament co-ordinator Tony Goode, along with 15 other committee members.
They’re not the only ones that make the event possible.
“We have about 15 to 20 volunteers at each one of the events that come forward to help out,” says Barr. Their participation involves cooking, posting signage and other tasks.
Area manager Michelle Sluchinski stopped into Rimbey to receive the cheque on behalf of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“There aren’t many events that continue year after year to contribute to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in such a substantial way so we’re very grateful for the support from Rimbey.”
Barr volunteers as tournament chair and sees benefits for everyone with the annual tournament.
“It’s a tournament to raise money for (the Heart and Stroke Foundation) but it’s also a way for us to promote our community to colleagues, professionals and industries.”
The event has been well supported over the years by volunteers, sponsors and participants.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation was selected as the charity of choice after the death of Dr. David Keyes.
“Heart disease and stroke are prevalent in our world and the research that the Heart and Stroke Foundation has done has resulted in great improvements in treatment for heart disease,” said Sluchinski, who is pleased with what she has seen from the community and the volunteer committee.
“It’s a well-oiled machine because this group knows what to do and how to do it and they just go.”
While 60 to 90 golfers participate every year, the focus certainly is not on winning the event.
“It’s all about fundraising, it’s not about golf,” says Barr.