The Crude Energy team took top spot at the 21st annual Hope Haven Women's Shelter golf tournament and fundraiser on Saturday. The team shot a 14-under 58.
Despite the rainy finale, the Crude Energy team at the 21st annual Hope Haven Women's Shelter golf tourney shot an impressive 14-Under 58 to take the top spot.
The local team, with the addition of Edmonton Oiler boss Patrick LaForge was one of 36 teams that came out to the all-day (and half of the night) fundraising game and dinner.
"It was a great day, lots of fun," said LaForge, joking that his team's physical performance was heightened by spontaneous exercise routines as they played. "We did push ups between every hole."
As for the rain, which drenched the course - plus the 144 golfers and dozens of volunteers - for the last 40 minutes of the 5-hour round? LaForge summed up most of the golfers' thoughts.
"We got soaked. We knocked in some shots. It was beautiful."
The fundraising portion of the event will see many of the proceeds going towards children and youth initiatives at the local women's shelter.
Supper and auction emcee Brad Musat, whose wife is the Hope Haven Society's board chairperson, said the public might not realize that women's shelters are more and more becoming family shelters where women and their children seek assistance.
"This year there have been 98 children at our shelter," Musat told a crowd of 200-plus who attended the supper and silent auction after the day on the course.
It is statistics like that which has created a need for more children and youth-focused opportunities within the shelter. This year, the Lac La Biche Sanjel office has stepped forward to donate to a new children's healing space. The POST will be doing follow up stories on the new feature at the shelter as more details become available. Other sponsors for the annual event included Crude Energy, Lac La Biche Transport, Lac La Biche County and Koch Auto Group. This year Cal Nichols a veteran Edmonton business man and one-time chairman of the Edmonton Investors Group, a business-based organization credited with keeping the Edmonton Oilers in business and in Edmonton, was supporting the fundraiser.
"Cal Nichols is now part of the family," said LaForge during night's activities.
While the annual golf tourney and supper is a lavish day of fun and funding, with a prime rib supper, chances to win expensive prizes and raffle opportunities for such things as a Blackberry and a $2,800 set of diamond earrings, much of the support for the shelter, its programs and clients comes from simple donations by individuals, groups and businesses who prefer to say under the radar.
"There are a lot of companies, people, groups who quietly give to the shelter," said LaForge, thanking everyone from the large corporations, the Edmonton-based support and local community promoters. "It's what great communities do - they put their arms around each other and take care of one another."
He also credited shelter staff for their tireless efforts and dedication to their crucial jobs. LaForge also commended long-time executive director of Hope Haven Cassie Putnam for her continued commitment to shelter - especially when it comes to making the funds last.
"Cassie she can get every ounce of value out of every dime given to the shelter.
Check this week's POST for more information on the tourney.
See the photo gallery from the tourney on the POST's website homepage.
