Community Living Essex County presents annual Charity Golf Classic

Programming for those with intellectual disabilities was helped with funding thanks to over 100 golfers who hit the links last Thursday.

Community Living Essex County (CLEC) presented its 32nd annual Charity Golf Classic last Thursday at Sutton Creek Golf Club in McGregor. The event also featured the “Municipal Cup,” a trophy awarded to the municipality with the lowest score.

While the golf course was wet due to rain the previous day, the sky cleared up and the sun came out for the tournament.

“It was absolutely incredible,” said Tony DeSantis, CLEC’s manager of community relations and resource development. “The weather co-operated. Mother Nature gave us a bit of a break after what happened the last few days.”

There were 116 golfers this year, the same number as 2023, but DeSantis pointed out the sponsorships and donations were up this year.

“We had a lot more community support than we’ve ever seen in the past,” he said.

Proceeds from the golf tournament helps with programming that supports families with school-aged children and teens in the summer months. Such supports include summer camps, recreation and leisure activities.

“We obviously appreciate the financial support,” said DeSantis.

CLEC tries to get out in each of the seven Essex County municipalities and bring awareness about what the not-for-profit agency does with DeSantis adding their work is being recognized all over the area. He said when CLEC puts the call out for support, the community responds.

The number of volunteers has also increased, DeSantis stated, and the work they do in planning and presenting the tournament is appreciated. That includes staff members who put in volunteer work in addition to their regular jobs and volunteers who come from the community at large.

Four of the seven municipalities put in teams with Essex, Leamington, Lakeshore and Kingsville represented. Lakeshore won the “Municipal Cup” for the first time and they were represented by Mayor Tracey Bailey, Bill Bailey, Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt and interim CAO Justin Rousseau, the latter a former Amherstburg treasurer.

A fundraising total was not available as of press time but DeSantis said the tournament raised about $15,000 two years ago, over $17,000 last year so they want to top $20,000 this year.

Kyle Spearing, who is supported by CLEC and also works at Sutton Creek, thanked CLEC for the supports they provide him. He also pointed out he works at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg.

“Community Living wouldn’t be able to offer this assist without your generous support,” Spearing told the crowd at the post-tournament dinner.

CLEC executive director Karen Bolger said the summer programs the golf tournament offers are appreciated by families. The funds raised also help hire summer support workers and allow youth with intellectual disabilities to be involved in summer activities with their friends.

“This makes such a difference for children and youth,” said Bolger.

Bolger also offered thanks to community volunteers and CLEC’s employees in the marketing and innovation department for their work on the golf tournament. She also thanked Cory LaJeunesse, Lilly Hearn and the team at Sutton Creek Golf Club for their hospitality and support.

Community Living Essex County presents annual Charity Golf Classic

By Ron Giofu