SUNDRE – Town council unanimously agreed to sponsor to the tune of $500 a local golf charity tournament that benefits youth who face financial barriers accessing sports in the community.
During a brief deliberation at the special meeting of council held on July 15, Linda Nelson, chief administrative officer, said organizers of the Play 4 Sundre Kidz golf tournament had submitted a request seeking support either in the form of $600 for a hole-in-one, $500 to sponsor a hole, $250 to sponsor half a hole, or alternatively to consider donating a raffle or silent auction item or perhaps even a $600 team entry or a $150 single entry.
In its six-year history, the organization has reportedly contributed more than $80,000 to Sundre and area youth for sports, activities, and equipment, said Nelson, adding organizers were anticipating 144 participants for the event, which takes place this coming Saturday, July 20 at Coyote Creek Golf & RV Resort.
If approved, the funds would be drawn from council’s discretionary funds to local organizations, which at the time of the meeting had a remaining balance of $2,223.
Administration made no recommendations and left the decision up to council’s discretion.
Coun. Connie Anderson moved to sponsor a hole for $500.
“It’s a very good charity, and it does wonders for our community,” said Anderson.
Coun. Jaime Marr inquired about a reference in the submitted correspondence that stated there were two hole-in-one sponsorships available, but that sponsors must provide their own insurance.
“What does the hole-in-one insurance mean?” she asked.
Coun. Chris Vardas replied to say there was one lucky winner of the $10,000 hole-in-one prize payout at last year’s event.
“So that insurance is, that $10,000 doesn’t come from my pocket, doesn’t come from anybody’s pocket,” he said, adding the insurance covers that payout in the event a golfer actually gets a hole-in-one.
Mayor Richard Warnock said that approving $500 from the $2,233 in council’s discretionary fund is a worthwhile expense to help kids in the community.
“We need to look after our children as well,” said Warnock.
