Rockyview Invitational raises more than $1 million
Golf Tournament Raises More than $1 Million is not a headline you’re apt to have seen recently — nor will see anytime in the near future. Unless the tournament is the Rockyview Invitational ProAm Tournament held at Priddis Greens. Now in its third year, the must-attend tournament has raised $2.4 million for medical equipment at the Rockyview General Hospital — more than $1 million this year alone.
Given the economic challenges we are all facing, creating an event with such an outstanding outcome is incredible, indeed.
Yet, when you have captains of industry the likes of Plains Midstream Canada CEO Dave Duckett and Jayman BUILT chairman and CEO Jay Westman as the tournament co-chairs/ presenting sponsors, one can understand how such a magnificent milestone would be achieved.
Last year, Westman threw out a challenge to Duckett to determine which industry was tops — Real Estate or Energy. For the second year in a row, Real Estate took top honours and the coveted green jackets, which were awarded this year to: Ian Anderson Team on the Raven Course; and Scotia Wealth Management Team on the Hawk Course.
Even the weather gods smiled on the tournament as one of the few days of glorious sunshine all summer ensured a marvellous day on the links for all.
VIPs gathered on a previous evening at Barcelona Tavern to bid on auction items, sup, sip, see, be seen and get into the philanthropic — and competitive spirit.
For many, the highlight was the tournament itself, which featured: amazing hole-in-one prizes (think $500,000 toward your Jayman BUILT home or a trip for four to attend the Grand Prix in Sonoma, Calif., to name but a few); one-of-a-kind tee gifts and prizes; fine scotch and dining both on and off the course; terrific entertainment, including the surprise of go-go dancers; the Doctor Knows Best Trivia Challenge; and a heartfelt tribute to Plains Midstream vice-president and Rockyview committee member Mike Hallahan, who passed away in January.
A small army of volunteers gave of their time and treasure making the Rockyview Invitational one of the most — if not the most-successful fundraising tournaments in the country. So take a welldeserved bow: Deb Baker; Careen Chrusch; Brad Deets; Bobby Libin; Lee Rogers; Dan Silvester; Marc Staniloff; Jenny Then; Megan Starke; Elizabeth Byrne; Calgary Health Trust staff; Plains Midstream Canada staff; Jayman BUILT staff; and of course, Westman and Duckett.