Despite the dreary weather, the fourth annual Kleinmann Cup once again brought together the community to raise money for a good cause while remembering a couple who left a lasting impact on Bonnyville.
The charity golf tournament was started in honour of Bob and Gisele Kleinmann after their sudden passing in 2011. This year's Kleinmann Cup raised an outstanding $32,000 an welcomed well over 100 golfers along with several volunteers.
“My mom and dad loved Bonnyville and loved volunteering in this community. So we wanted to keep their legacy of volunteer work going,” said Ginette Markham, tournament organizer.
Each year, the Kleinmann Cup stands to not only remember the legacy of two remarkable people but to continue their mission by raising money for local charities. The funds raised were divided between the four chosen recipients for this year's tournament.
The Bonnyville Boys and Girls Club were the main benefactors of the tournament this year. The Knights of Columbus Christmas hamper program, Santa's Elves, and the Quilters Guild blanket warmer hospital fundraiser also received a portion of the funds.
“No matter what we make here we give everything away and it stays local,” said Town Coun. Ray Prevost. “Bob and Gisele Kleinmann were really involved in this community: the Lakeland Credit Union, the schools, the curling club, the golf and country club, the fire department, ladies auxiliary, it goes on and on. In some sense they're still giving back to the community so it's important we keep this alive.”
In addition to the tournament fees, a 50/50 putting challenge, raffles and silent auction complete the day with all of the funds added to the donation pot. Since the tournament's start approximately $100,000 has been raised for local charities.
Selling out every tournament since its inaugural year, Markham said this is the first year they've actually had to turn people away.
“This our fourth year and we sold out a month ago for this tournament, we actually had to turn away several teams. I have no words to say how great it is that people are so supportive of this tournament and so generous, it's wonderful.”
A close friend of Bob Kleinmann himself, Prevost said it just goes to show how many people in the community appreciated all they did.
“It's kind of nice to see that he still has a lot of friends in the community after all this time and they're still giving back, that's what it's all about.”
He added, “They were both school teachers, they helped a lot of kids through school and you couldn't find anybody in the community who had a bad thing to say about Bob and Gisele. Bob was in the fire department for 34 years and Gisele was part of the ladies auxiliary as well as a lot of other stuff.”
One of those friends is Solange Lajoie. While she's not a golfer, Lajoie volunteered at the tournament running the poker table, a past time that she used to share with the Kleinmanns.
“I think it's such a great tournament in memory of two great people who did a lot for the community and now their family is finding a way to continue to giving back,” said Lajoie. “It's so fitting because they were both very giving people, not only the things they gave but their hearts to the community.”
This year's recipients of the charity tournament were chosen because of the close tie Bob and Gisele had to the charities. Gisele had participated in the Quilters Guild, and during the holidays together the couple would deliver the Christmas hampers to those in need.
“That's what my mom and dad were all about. They volunteered with various charities while they were here so we just wanted to keep their work going and honour their legacy,” said Markham.
While it was a day full of golf, games, fun and friends, there was undoubtedly some emotions as nearly everyone at the tournament had a connection to Bob and Gisele.
“We just don't want to let it die. In some sort of funny way they're still with us through this tournament so we want to keep it going as long as we can,” expressed Prevost. “When we lost Bob and Gisele, we lost a big part of this community.”
Markham was at a lost for words, seeing just how many people her parents had touched in their time and the support they still garner from the local community.
“It's just so touching. One of the things I love about coming to this is just hearing all of the stories everyone has to share about their connection with my mom and dad.”
President of the Bonnyville Boys and Girls Club Rhonda Miron said they were honoured to be chosen as a recipient of the Kleinmann Cup this year, an event which Miron said is an important cause in itself. As an organization that's always in need of more volunteers and funds, the good news was a welcome surprise.
“It's very timely for us, we're very proud they chose us to be the recipient for this golf tournament,” said Miron. “(We will be using the money) for programming in September for the kids. We have a minimum of two youth works for the kids and we're open five days a week, so the money will make sure we stay open.”
In just four years, the charity golf tournament has grown substantially. Between the golfers, volunteers, sponsors and prize donors, Markham said it truly is a community event that shows just how much her parents meant to those in the area.
“When I look at the list of Thank Yous, I don't even know how many there are. It's just overwhelming,” said Markham.
Prevost added, “It's gotten to the point where people just call in and say they want to contribute something. A lot of it's not even solicited.”
With countless hours of organization and another successful tournament now behind them, golfers can start looking forward to next year. The Kleinmann Cup will continue to carry on the legacy of Bob and Gisele for years to come.
