Three charities benefit from Jovanovski Charity Golf Classic

The Ed Jovanovski Charity Golf Classic was last Friday at Pointe West Golf Club. Helping to present the tournament were (from left):  Mike Bezzoubkin, Deni Jovanovski, Andrea Sikora, Kendall Elliott, Scott Elliott and Ed Jovanovski.

Three charities once again benefitted from a local golf tournament at Pointe West Golf Club last Friday.

The seventh annual Ed Jovanovski Charity Golf Classic brought a sold-out field of 144 golfers to Pointe West with the idea to have fun while raising money for three worthwhile causes. Proceeds will be divided between the Hospice of Windsor-Essex County, the Alzheimer Society of Windsor-Essex County and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The latter cause is for breast cancer research.

The event raised $180,000 in total, with $60,000 going to each of the three. The seven-year total is just over $900,000.

For Ed Jovanovski, it was good to see the support for the tournament. The former NHL defenseman said it was great for him to see everyone come out and support the three causes.

“I’m really excited,” he said.

Jovanovski, who is originally from Windsor, said the support has always been there for the three charities, with the causes having importance to him personally. While it was important that everyone have a good time on the golf course and the dinner that followed, “the number one cause are the charities.”

“Everyone has been affected by some sort of illness,” he stated. 

Jovanovski believed if they could do something at a one-day tournament to help contribute to a cure to one of the diseases, they were on the right track.

There were a group of friends that Jovanovski brought from Florida to participate in the tournament and while they weren’t in town long, it was a chance for them to get a tour of Jovanovski’s home area.

“It’s always good to get back and show the boys my hometown,” he said. “Everyone has a great time.”

Jovanovski said the work put in by the organizing committee was appreciated as was the support of the sponsors.

“A lot goes into (the tournament),” said Jovanovski. “Everyone  involved does an unbelievable job.”

Scott Elliott, a member of the volunteer organizing committee, said they get great support from the community. Some sponsors date back all the way to the first year of the golf tournament. Elliott added they see a mix of returning golfers and new golfers.

“The word is out,” he said. “It is a fairly popular tournament in Essex County.”

Three charities benefit from Jovanovski Charity Golf Classic

By Ron Giofu