On the move
Popular celebrity golf event for Boys and Girls Club of Summerside moving to Mill River Resort
WOODSTOCK – The Boys and Girls Club of Summerside’s Novus Celebrity Golf Tournament is headed to the Mill River Resort.
The club’s executive director, Adam Binkley, said the 2019 golf tournament is July 14- 16. The event’s dinner gala, however, will be staying in Summerside at Credit Union Place.
The celebrity golf tournament, where each three-member team is matched with a celebrity, has grown into what Binkley believes is the largest team event golf tournament in Canada.
Mill River Resort owner Don MacDougall welcomes the hosting opportunity.
“I think it’s that kind of endorsement that takes it from words to reality,” he said in reference to the renovations the resort has undergone.
Ninety teams participated last year and nearly two dozen more were on the waiting list. Binkley is anticipating a similar response this
year, noting 20 new teams have already expressed interest.
“It’s starting to come where people are circling our event on the calendar and coming to Prince Edward Island,” Binkley said. “Last year we had every province represented and 14 states, with either celebrities or participants.”
He’s appreciative of all the celebrities who support the fundraiser, an event that netted $90,000 for the Boys and Girls Club last year. The brand champion is Vegas Golden Knights head coach and Summerside native Gerard “Turk” Gallant.
“There’s quite an amazing group of community celebrities, from your Jamie Kennedys and Forbie Kennedys and your Turks and (Heather Moyse) and others.”
New York Islanders draft pick Noah Dobson joins this year’s group of celebrities. Dobson, Binkley noted, was a Boys and Girls Club of Summerside staff member for four summers.
Binkley is also excited about continuing an association with Dallas Desjardins, who was recently named Mill River’s new director of golf.
“Obviously, Mill River is seen as one of the most beautiful golf courses on Prince Edward Island, so, obviously that is seen as a definite advantage,” he said, combined with all the other attractions at the resort, including the hotel and campground accommodations and other recreational activities on site. They plan to arrange evening activities to entertain teams that stay in the area.
Busing between Summerside and Mill River will also be arranged for participants and event volunteers.