Golf courses in Grande Prairie are just starting to open up, but it’s already time to start signing up for the KMSC Law Golf Event. Sometimes called the “United Way” of golf tournaments, the three-day event in July supports 18 local not-for-profit organizations.
Chair Lyle Carlstrom says event passports are now for sale, which include fake cash to be handed out to groups during the tournament or a social event the night before. The groups are teamed up to sell food and beverage pairings at the Summer Spirit Social on Monday, July 24th, which will also include games and live music.
Recognizing the economic downturn, the fundraising goal this year is $68,000, roughly where they ended up in 2016. By comparison, the 2015 event doled out $150,000. Chair Lyle Carlstrom says he knows times are still tough in Alberta, but that’s when the groups need the most help.
“Ironically, when the economy slows down, the not-for-profits have higher needs, so that’s one reason why this has got so much community support is people see that this is just a great way to work together and cooperate.”
It all tees off on Sunday, July 23rd with a long drive competition. This year’s celebrity golfer is pro and instructor Danny King, and he’ll be there to start things off, and to speak at the Pro-Am dinner Sunday night.
Monday will include a sponsor round with King, and then he’ll hopefully get the chance to teach some junior golfers before the social event. Then Tuesday morning, golfers can warm up for the main event with some putting, pitching and driving tips from instructors.
While there are lots of chances to improve your golfing skills, Carlstrom says the fundraiser isn’t just for fans of the sport.
“You don’t actually have to actually golf even to be part of the event; you can come on the Monday night and have some of the most interesting food and beverage pairings, and then our tournament format is best ball, so you don’t have to be an expert golfer; you just have to care about the community and you’ll find you’re welcome here.”
Passports are now available for $285, and they’re worth a total of $800 if all deals are used. They can be bought through the golf course, but if you go through one of the not-for-profits, they get extra credit.
This year’s event will benefit the Grande Prairie YMCA, Disabled Transportation Society, PACE, GP Public School District Education Foundation, After 5 Rotary Club, Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation, Centre for the Creative Arts, ANSO Collective & Education, Catholic Family Services Society, Special Olympics Grande Prairie, Grande Prairie and Area Safe Communities, Big Brothers & Sisters of Grande Prairie, PARDS, GP & District Catholic School Education Foundation, Suicide Prevention Resource Centre and GP & District Grief Support Association.