CLEC pleased with turnout for 33rd annual Charity Golf Classic

Team Lakeshore won the Municipal Cup at the Community Living Essex County Charity Golf Classic. CLEC executive director Karen Bolger (right) presents the trophy to CAO Tyson Cragg, Bill Bailey, Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey and Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt.

Golfers hit the links last week to assist local children and youth with intellectual disabilities have the same opportunities as their friends.

Community Living Essex County (CLEC) held its 33^rd annual Charity Golf Classic last Thursday afternoon at Sutton Creek Golf Club in McGregor. A final fundraising total was not available as of press time but manager of community relations and resource development Tony DeSantis said they were hoping to at least match last year’s record total of approximately $24,000.

There were 124 golfers in last Thursday’s tournament. Proceeds benefit summer supports for youth.

“We had 31 teams and a lot of new corporate sponsors, which is great,” said DeSantis. 

The “loyalty and dedication” of regular sponsors and golfers is appreciated, DeSantis stated.

Two of those teams were from the County of Essex, he noted.

The “Municipal Cup” was once again part of this year’s Charity Golf Classic with each of the seven county municipalities invited to participate. Lakeshore won its second championship in a row, beating two teams from Essex and a team from Leamington.

“The volunteers have been fantastic,” said DeSantis. “They were here early and they worked hard throughout the day. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

DeSantis added it has been a while since they got a full slate of 144 golfers but CLEC was still happy with the turnout. He said a lot of golfers return annually and enjoy the format.

“The venue is great,” he said. “They know what to expect. They have fun. It’s well done. Sutton Creek does a good job.”

CLEC staff members Deneane Mineau, Derek Roy, Sandra Paisley and Lori Huson were among the teams entered into the CLEC Charity Golf Classic at Sutton Creek last Thursday afternoon.

CLEC executive director Karen Bolger said the proceeds will help families pay for extra supports for their children, programs and camps for their children and to cover costs that help children and youth have a fun summer and enjoy time with their peers.

“This event is so much fun,” said Bolger. “Many of the golfers come back year-after-year. They come back and support our agency.”

Bolger noted the weather followed a similar pattern as to last year, where it rained the day before but the day of the tournament was pleasant.

“It’s a great turnout. It’s a beautiful day,” she said. “It’s a great cause.”The marketing and innovation team at CLEC did a great job of organizing the golf tournament while over 20 managers and directors either helped or played in the tournament. She also thanked the the golfers for coming out and showing their support.

Bolger also praised Sutton Creek for the job they did in hosting the tournament.

“They are amazing hosts,” she said.

CLEC pleased with turnout for 33rd annual Charity Golf Classic

By Ron Giofu

CLEC pleased with turnout for 33rd annual Charity Golf Classic