Community Cup golf tournament helps The House Youth Centre

Diane Malshewski had a chance to putt for $5,000.

The House Youth Centre is still seeking support, and got some last Saturday thanks to over 100 golfers.

The House’s 24^th annual Community Cup golf tournament was held at Sutton Creek Golf July 11 and while a final fundraising figure was not known as of press time, organizers believe they were on track to raise somewhere in the neighborhood of $13,000 to $14,000.

Program director Morghan Shearon said the tournament went well, with 102 golfers and 25 volunteers this year. The number of golfers was slightly down this year due to long-time supporters being on vacation, Shearon said sponsors and donors stepped up including Seamless Innovations sponsoring the $10,000 hole-in-one challenge. Raffle prizes ranged in value between $250-$800 this year, she added.

Tom McWhinnie, Johny McLellan, Dan Stein and Ted Jacob accept the Community Cup trophy from House Youth Centre board member Amy Bailey (right). The House’s golf tournament was held July 11.

“The golfers said they were having a good time,” said Shearon. “We always like hearing that kind of feedback from our golfers.”

Proceeds from the golf tournament will go into The House’s general operating fund and will also help pay for the annual senior weekend. The senior weekend helps with team building and creates friendships and positive experiences.

“It’s open to alumni as well,” said Shearon.

Additional fundraisers coming up for The House Youth Centre include fish fries at the Columbus Community Hall July 31 and Aug. 14 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

“We’re really excited to be partnering with the Legion to do bingos this year,” Shearon added.

The House allows youth to be “messy,” find role models if they need to and gives them a safe space, she added.

“Our kids are very active in the community,” said Shearon.

Amy Bailey, a House board member who helps lead the fundraising committee, added that things are not running as smoothly as they would like with The House as there are continued pressures as it relates to covering expenses.

“We are having a really hard time trying to keep up with expenses and keeping our program going,” she said.

Bailey said the number of youth attending The House is growing and youth are consistently returning, but the youth centre still needs financial support and they continue to fundraise. 

Shearon is the only paid staff member and everyone else is a volunteer, with Bailey adding they receive no government grants and they operate off of the money they raise.

The House Youth Centre is located in the Amherstburg Community Hub at 320 Richmond St. For more information, visit www.thehouseyouthcentre.com or call 519-736-6811.

Community Cup golf tournament helps The House Youth Centre

Ron Giofu