The skies might have been grey, but the fairways were green and attitudes remained bright and positive during the second annual Wade Konschuh Memorial Golf Tournament.
Although the forecast had been calling for rain, an organizer said everyone was relieved to have been able to remain completely dry throughout the duration of the Friday, May 24 fundraiser at the Sundre Golf Club.
“It turned out really well. I don’t know how it happened, but we didn’t get a drop of rain,” said Becca Konschuh, the tournament namesake's daughter.
More than 120 people, including about 10 volunteers, attended this year’s event, which raised funds for the Sundre Palliative Care Association, said Becca.
“It’s pretty phenomenal to see everyone coming together.”
Becca Konschuh, the daughter of the late Wade Konschuh, tracks her ball on the first hole at the Sundre Golf Club on Friday, May 24 during the second annual memorial tournament fundraiser in her father’s name. This year’s proceeds benefited the Sundre Palliative Care Association. Simon Ducatel/MVP Staff
While the turnout was down a bit from last year’s inaugural event, Becca was pleased by how many people came out to show their support, especially considering just about everyone had expected a downpour.
“The weather was awesome,” said Bev Konschuh.
“You have to believe in guardian angels or something — we were supposed to be at the centre of that storm,” she said, adding the rain fell throughout the night before the memorial fundraiser and again afterwards.
Last year’s proceeds, amounting to a total of $7,000 that included a matching contribution from the Totem Foundation, was donated to the Moose and Squirrel Medical Clinic. The local clinic had played a major role during Wade’s final journey, said Bev.
Becca said the Sundre Palliative Care Association was chosen as this year’s beneficiary since the organization had also helped her family through the difficult time.
“We’re really appreciative of everything they did,” said Becca, adding her family wanted to support the association’s efforts in continuing to help others.
“They know when people are getting closer to end of life,” said Bev.
She added the association also does more than provide the comfort of companionship during a person’s final days, including bringing in speakers who discuss important subjects such as grief management as well as supporting enhanced educational opportunities for local health-care workers.
Including Totem’s matching contribution, about as much was raised this year as last year, she said.
Encouraged by the memorial fundraiser’s continued success, Becca wants to organize a third annual event next year and is considering supporting another cause that is close to the family.
“For us, it’s a great way to celebrate who he was,” she said about reuniting close friends and family around the time of his passing to recognize everything that he brought to the lives of others.
“He made everybody’s lives he touched that much better,” she said, adding his wit and humour had a way to make everything just a little bit more joyous.
“He was a good man.”
Becca expressed her gratitude not only for everyone who came out to participate and reminisce about her father, but also for the sponsors without whom the tournament would not be possible.
Although holes No. 5 and No. 14 — both 160 yards — were each sponsored for a $10,000 prize for any golfer who got a hole-in-one, Bev said there was only a tantalizingly close call when a ball driven by Kevin Humphrey just barely rolled past the hole.
“That was the closest one that we had all day,” she said.
Leona Konschuh, left, the mother of the late Wade Konschuh, shared a laugh on Friday, May 24 with Sharon Skaley, the mother of Bev Konschuh, at the Sundre Golf Club during the second annual memorial golf tournament fundraiser in Wade’s honour. Simon Ducatel/MVP Staff
Leona Konschuh, Wade’s mom, who didn’t play but enjoyed the chance to catch up with everyone, said golf was among his favourite sports, and that she appreciates the opportunity to bring friends and family together while at the same time offering a helping hand back to the community.
“There’s no greater way to honour Wader than bringing people together for a fun day,” agreed Bev.
