RED TEES LADIES GOLFERS RAISE $8,200 FOR WOMEN’S CENTRE

Sally Brooks | Special to MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — They drove for show and putted for a lot of dough.

The 22nd annual Sands Red Tee Ladies League Invitational Tournament raised $8,200 for the Gravenhurst Women’s Centre.

Despite black skies and the threat of rain the golfers were up early to start off with a continental breakfast, provided by the organizing committee, on the deck at the 9-hole Sands golf course, complete with hot fresh baked goods arrived from Lynne Briden’s kitchen.

Once each team registered the fundraising began. There were lots of contest on and off the course designed to raise money.

In a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m., the ladies headed out on the course hoping they would finish golfing before the rain arrived.

Of course, that didn’t happen. By the time everyone finished their 9 holes they were drenched.

But this didn’t dampen their spirits, as golfers then dried off and headed to The Oar for a delicious lunch, where the tables were adorned with golf towels for each lady, hand-crafted by the ladies at the Women’s Centre.

Before and during lunch ladies had the opportunity to bid on blind auction items. They also had the opportunity to take part in other money raising contests like Blah, blah, blah.

Following lunch, organizers announced the winners of the golf and special holes. The announcement of who won the auction items followed.

Although the winners were happy to win, each knew the real winner of the day was the Gravenhurst Women’s Centre.

As the day wrapped up the women all agreed they’d enjoyed a great day of friendship, fun and awesome generosity.

Twenty-one local businesses and individuals sponsored holes with a cash donation. Many other local businesses donated items for the blind auction and the prize tables. The community support for this tournament was spectacular.

At the end of the day this small group of incredible women raised over $8200.00 for the Gravenhurst Women’s Centre.

This is community involvement at its best.

GOLF WINNERS: The winning team was Sally Brooks, Carmen Leduc, Lisa Sellon and Helene Robertson. Second place went to Ashlee Allen, Mona Skelding Black, and Joanne Mailloux. Third place:  Joan Arnold, Karen Heaslip, Tammy Craig and Jackie Buessecker

Committee members Irma Salminen, left, Brenda Gabitous, Kathy Cuff, Sally Brooks (tournament chair) Lisa Sellon and Janet Turney. Brooks, Sellon and Turney are Women’s Centre board members.