The House Youth Centre’s 23rd annual golf tournament raises funds and hope

House board member Amy Bailey (left) and program director Morghan Shearon show the Community Cup that was eligble to be won at last Saturday’s golf tournament at Sutton Creek Golf Club.

Despite the heat and rain, the greens at Sutton Creek Golf Course were buzzing this past weekend as 130 golfers teed off for the 23rd Annual House Youth Center Community Cup golf tournament, raising critical funds to support youth programming in the community. 

The event marked the organization’s most successful year of sponsorships yet, with nearly $15,000 raised — every dollar of which goes directly back into The House’s operations and services for local youth.

“This tournament isn’t just about golf,” said Amy Bailey, chair for fundraising and a member of The House’s board of directors. “It’s about ensuring that youth in our community have a place where they feel seen, heard, and supported.”

The five-year defending champions were beaten by 2025 winners Randy Bailey, Jeff Blanchard, Brian Bondy and Jon Lavinge. Tom McWhinnie, Ted Jacob, Dan Stein, and Johnny McLellan came in second place. 

Finishing in third place were Chris Glenwright, Derrick Hurst, Mike Mailloux, and Rich Holland.

The House Youth Center has been serving Essex County area for over 50 years. Though the organization lost its United Way funding nearly a decade ago — nearly $100,000 annually — it has remained resilient, thanks to a passionate volunteer team, ongoing community support, and grassroots fundraisers like this tournament.

“We’re fully self-funded now,” said program director Morghan Shearon. “Bingos help us cover rent, and events like this help pay for the kids to do different things and provide day-to-day support.” 

With only one paid staff member, the rest is entirely volunteer-driven, with volunteers ranging in age from 18-60 they are able to offer many different perspectives on what kids can go through these days.

This year’s tournament drew many repeat players, including several House alumni who credit the center with helping them through challenging times. 

Almost two dozen volunteers supported the event by selling raffle tickets, coordinating logistics, and even offering encouragement out on the course.

The House runs a robust lineup of programming focused on peer mentorship, mental health support, and building resilience. 

Programs help youth navigate peer pressure, friendships, breakups, bullying, exam stress, and more. 

The center provides a safe, welcoming environment for young people to connect and grow.

“It’s great that people want their kids in sports and all those other things,” Bailey noted, “but we often forget about their mental health, and that is such an important part of them growing up—especially these days, with 24/7 social media pressure.”

Despite pandemic-related challenges, The House is growing again, thanks to tireless work by fundraising volunteers and community champions like Bailey, volunteer coordinator Sarah Wilson, and many others.

“I feel like every year we are getting better,” Shearon added. “It’s because of our sponsors, our participants, and especially our volunteers, like the 20 who were here today making this tournament happen.”

As The House continues to bridge the gap for youth in need, the team is already looking ahead. A new, exciting interactive event is planned for this fall, aiming to bring even more awareness and community involvement.

As Bailey put it: “We know how much our youth need the help. The world knows how much our kids need it. Somehow, we’re trying to bridge that gap. We want people to talk about us, promote us, and most of all, bring their kids to The House.”

For those looking to get involved, The House is always seeking volunteers for various committees. You can visit their website at www.thehouseyouthcenter.com.

Donations can be made through the www.canadahelps.org website and selecting “The House Youth Center.”

In the spirit of The House’s favorite motto from the movie White Squall: “We go one, we go all. Wherever you go, I am here with you.”

The House Youth Centre’s 23rd annual golf tournament raises funds and hope

By Donna Tuckwell