Eighth and final Jovanovski Charity Golf Classic presented

Ed Jovanovski (third from left) and the organizing committee hold the overall cheque for the amount the tournament raised in eight years. Photo courtesy of Jonathon Claro of Claro Media.

The Ed Jovanovski Charity Golf Classic has been held for the final time, and the overall fundraising total is expected to top $1 million.

That total came over the eight years the tournament was held with the eighth and final round of golf being played at Pointe West Golf Club. Proceeds from this year’s tournament will once again be divide between the Alzheimer Society of Windsor-Essex County, the Hospice of Windsor-Essex County and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre for breast cancer research.

“I think it’s time,” said Jovanovski. “I think we had a nice run. I think we raised a lot of money for the charities we support and believe in.”

Jovanovski said they have actually been running the tournament for ten years, losing two to the COVID-19 pandemic. It regularly sees a full field of 144 participants, and he said that he and the organizing committee are happy with the work they have put in.

“To raise over $1 million, we’re proud of it,” said Jovanovski.

Jovanovski said they didn’t start the golf tournament looking for a specific number but were pleased the community rallied behind it. 

“We had great support from the entire community,” he said.

The committee went into it with causes they believed in and wanted to raise funds to help them. 

Jovanovski said they sell out every year and get great support from sponsors, adding it’s not easy going to sponsors every year and asking for donations.

“I think the support locally is unbelievable,” he said. “It’s gratifying. Any time you are able to give back, support these causes and be part of the solution hopefully one day, that’s why we do this.”

A breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence anymore thanks to advancements in treatment and research, he added. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease, Jovanovski continued, but research continues. 

“That’s what it’s all about – raising money for research and awareness,” he said. 

There are so many people to thank over the eight years the tournament ran, Jovanovski added, from Pointe West to all the participants, supporters and sponsors. 

Committee member Scott Elliott agreed there are a lot of people and businesses to thank, adding the volunteers also deserve a lot of credit.

Elliott estimated there were about 35 volunteers at the July 10 tournament.

“This list goes on and on,” Jovanovski added, of people to thank.

Eighth and final Jovanovski Charity Golf Classic presented

By Ron Giofu