Hole in one ball drop to benefit Parkinson’s rehabilitation clinic
One thousand golf balls will be dropped from a helicopter onto a driving range in Niagara Falls on Thursday, with $10,000 up for grabs.
The event at Eagle Valley Golf Club is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., and will raise money for the Steve Ludzik Foundation, a cause dedicated to helping people living with Parkinson’s disease in Niagara.
Should no balls go into the holes, the closest to the pin will be determined by an official.
If more than one ball drops into the hole, $10,000 will be divided equally among the winners. A ball can be purchased for $20. For tickets, call the St. Paul Avenue club at 905-374-2110.
The event will also feature food from Tide & Vine, and raffle prizes, including four Whirlpool Jet Boat passes; four, 18-hole Eagle Valley passes; a one-night stay with Canadian Niagara Hotels Inc.; and Titleist swag.
“A helicopter is going to take off from Niagara Helicopters, and come across the golf course, so it will be quite a sight,” said Ludzik, who battles Parkinson’s disease.
“A gentleman is going to shimmy down a rope, unzip a bag with 1,000 golf balls in it, and they will be dropped onto the driving range. People can come and watch it.”
He said the goal is to raise $20,000 for the foundation.
Money will go towards the Steve Ludzik Centre for Parkinson’s Rehab at Hotel Dieu Shaver.
Ludzik, a former National Hockey League player and coach, said it’s because of events such as the ball drop, roasts of hockey legends, and golf tournaments, that the clinic is free to anybody suffering from Parkinson’s in the region.
Delia Iafrate, owner of Eagle Valley, said the event will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with the ball drop scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
“It’s our first year doing it. We want to make it a big annual event,” she said.
Iafrate said people don’t need tickets to come to the event, but will need one if they want to participate in the the ball drop.
She encourages those interested to buy their tickets before the event to ensure they get a ball.
Ludzik said Iafrate is a supporter of those battling Parkinson’s disease, and has started programs and