Golf tourney for kids sends all funds raised to charities

What started as a chat over coffee has evolved into a hugely successful golf tournament. Like-minded individuals felt the need to support less-advantaged kids in our city and decided to start the Business Fore Calgary Kids annual golf tournament 12 years ago. Since its inception, more than $2 million has been raised for the benefit of organizations the likes of Hull Family Services, EvenStart, and Between Friends, to name but a few. That the tournament founders pay all the expenses results in 100% of funds raised going towards the charitable organizations.

The 12th annual tournament, held recently at the Glencoe Golf and Country Club, saw 152 golfers take to the links and succeed in raising $277,500 for YMCA Strong Kids Program, Distress Centre and Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter. Kudos to title sponsor Western Materials Handling on stepping up again this year. The tournament would not be the success it is were it not for your outstanding support.

Golfers having a wonderful day on the links this day included: tournament founders Joe Klassen, John Fitzsimmons, Tim Morgan, Allan Payne, Rob Rakochey, Jerry Roy and Pat Ottman, to name but a few; philanthropist extraordinaire, Gary Nissen; Len Bellingham; platinum sponsor, Lumina Management Consultants team Bryan Krause, Darryle Hawkings, Jason Braun, Kyla Lawson, Eric Inthof, Aaron Gill, Sonja Sage and Deanna Ott; tournament chair Tasso Chondronikolis and his team of Dale Orton, Darren Shaw and Tyler Theberge; platinum sponsor Red Dog Systems team Russ Howden, Peter Aldrich, Dave Howden and Joey Greco; Peter Smed; Lorne Peterson; Kelly Morstad; past tournament chair David Elzinga; longtime tournament supporter, Global’s Gord Gillies; Cory McLean; Mike Jamieson; Darren Plausteiner; Jack Gordon; Gerry Wood; and Randy Mowat.

You’ll want to mark your calendars for the 13th annual tournament which is scheduled for June 4, 2018.

PHOTOS: BUSINESS FORE CALGARY KIDS The annual Business Fore Calgary Kids golf tournament, held recently the Glencoe Golf & Country Club, was a resounding success and raised $277,500 for select charitable organizations. From left, are Dale Orton, Darren Shaw, Tyler Theberge, and...

Pictured, from left, are platinum sponsor Lumina Management Consultants team Bryan Krause, Darryle Hawkings, Jason Braun, Kyla Lawson, Eric Inthof, Aaron Gill, Sonja Sage and Deanna Ott. The SRO tournament raised an impressive $277,500 for Inn from the...

Pictured, from left, are Cory McLean, tournament founder Jerry Roy, Mike Jamieson and Darren Plausteiner.

Pictured, from left, are Jack Gordon, Gerry Wood, Randy Mowat and tournament founder Pat Ottman.

Pictured, from left, at the annual Business Fore Calgary Kids golf tournament are platinum sponsor Red Dog Systems’ team Russ Howden, Peter Aldrich, Dave Howden and Joey Greco.

Pictured, from left, at the annual Business Fore Calgary Kids golf tournament are Peter Smed, Lorne Peterson and tournament founders Joe Klassen and Tim Morgan.

Having a great time at the tournament are Kelly Morstad and past tournament chair David Elzinga. This year’s tournament raised an impressive $277,500 for selected charitable organizations.