The Royal City Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of New Westminster continue to put the fun into fundraising!!
The two New Westminster Rotary Clubs partnered yet again to hold the 25th Annual Rotary Pot of Gold Charity Golf Tournament on August 24th at Mayfair Lakes Golf Club in Richmond, BC.
The two New Westminster Rotary Clubs partnered yet again to hold the 25th Annual Rotary Pot of Gold Charity Golf Tournament on August 24th at Mayfair Lakes Golf Club in Richmond, BC.
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| The above photo was taken at the tournament by Gabor Gasztonyi, Rotarian. The “Payne Stewart-wannabe” in orange plus-4s and tam with Felions Darby and April-Lynne is none other than Royal City Rotary’s one and only, current President, Roy Prevost, who blessed us with some haute couture on the day. |
The tournament had originally been scheduled for July, 2020 but had to be cancelled due to the pandemic rules.
This year, everything seemed to work in our favour. Planning started 6 months earlier, not knowing how the pandemic might play out in the meantime. Our timing was impeccable, holding the tournament just before the new restrictions were announced by the Provincial Health Officer.
And it was a great day on the course! About 120 golfers teed off in a shotgun start on a warm, sunny day. The course was in fabulous condition. Four par 3 holes offered hole-in-one prizes totalling $250,000 on the day. And it can be done!! One year, a lucky golfer aced the contest hole and took away a $15,000 diamond engagement ring. Some golfers came close this year, but will have to try again next year.
Other on-course activities included the usual long drive, straightest drive, closest to the pin, and putting contests, as well as a chipping contest run by 2 of the BC Lions’ Felions. Excellent on-course food offerings included Kelly O’Bryan’s, Me-N-Eds pizza, Save on Foods lunches. The golfers, volunteers and guests enjoyed a delicious post-golf buffet at Mayfair Lakes, and appreciated an early night.
The tournament raised approximately $30,000 this year from the generosity of our sponsors, donors and golfers. Since the first Pot of Gold golf tournament in 1996, we have raised $600,000 for charity. Proceeds will be used by the two Rotary Clubs to fund youth programs in our community (RYLA, Youth Exchange, bursaries and Adventure programs). Partial proceeds are also donated to Salvation Army (New Westminster) and Lower Mainland Purpose School, a specialized school for students who face challenges in the public school system.
Mark your calendars for next year
Our 26th Annual Pot of Gold Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled for July 12, 2022 at Mayfair Lakes. We invite all Rotarians as well as family and friends to participate in making fundraising fun.