The House Youth Centre of Amherstburg held its annual golf tournament on Saturday afternoon and it was a great day not only for the local non-profit organization but golfers as well.
“It is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year and our longest running,” said Amy Bailey, who helped organized the event and is a member of the Youth Centre’s board of directors.
For 22 years golfers have been teeing it up at Sutton Creek in McGregor and for a select few, their names are proudly engraved on a trophy that was up for grabs on Saturday.
The winning foursome the previous three years has been the team of Ted Jacobs, T.J. McWhinnie, Jon MacLellan and Dan Stein. That foursome would win it again this year. There was no tournament in 2020 due to Covid but they won it back in 2019. Jacobs has his name on the prize seven times and MacLellan six.
Anna Kozub came from Leamington to golf and even brought her lucky four-leaf clover themed clubs.
Inside the clubhouse pictures of winners dating back to 2011 were on display. Amherstburg Councillor Molly Allaire was on hand to help sell 50/50 tickets and as always at Sutton Creek Golf Club, the end of the day meant a great meal.
“The alumni (of House Youth Centre) come out to support it. We get our friends and its word of mouth,” said Bailey.
She has been a part of the centre since 1994 and was amongst the 127 golfers on Saturday who had a chance to win the longest drive, closest to the pin and a putting contest. Hole-in-one could win up to $10,000.
Besides getting their names on the coveted trophy, the winning foursome also received, courtesy of Sutton Creek, 18 holes of golf and the use of a cart.
“They have always treated us well. There is no reason for us to ever leave,” said Bailey.
As part of the board of directors, and someone who is in charge of the finances for the youth centre, Bailey hoped the golf tournament would raise at least $15,000. The House’s biggest fundraiser is the Coldest Night of the Year.
Morghan Shearon is the program director at the House Youth Centre, which is located in the Amherstburg Community Hub and she said there is lots going on this summer at the centre.
“Some of our peer leaders want to run programs and do Dungeons and Dragons,” said Shearon.
Shearon said that since Covid there has been a need for more services and between August 2023 and June 2024, 65 free counselling services were available for youth in the area.
“It’s okay to have people know you need help.”
The House Youth Centre provides peer mentoring, counselling and is a drop-in place to socialize.
For more information, call 519-736-6811. Great turnout, weather for 22nd House Youth Centre golf tournament
By Fred Groves
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