At last Wednesday’s Silver Service Dinner, Presentations and Gala Auction Event attended by some 120 people were, from left, Andrew McKinlay, Dario Prighel, Pat Randall, Tracy Wynde and Marcus Leonard.
By Robert Muir
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The Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre and Southern Peninsula Community Support are set to benefit from what is expected to be a record amount of more than $40,000 resulting from an annual charity golf event at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort last week.
The three-day Sunshine Charity Golf Classic was held on the Lake and Murray Courses from Monday, May 25 to Wednesday, attracting 315 entries.
A double celebration for Rosebud Country Club’s Mandy Lee (left) who was part of the best score for the event, recording 59.25 on the Lake Course to win the Women’s Ambrose last Wednesday and turning 60-years-of-age. Her friend, also from Rosebud, Lois Weldon hit her 70 th birthday. They were pictured with trophy presenter, Yarra Golf board director and multi lady club champion Judy Kruger.
It was the 10th classic in the last 12 years, and organisers are confident last year’s record fundraising amount of $37,000 will be broken.
A total of 315 entries was received for the men’s and ladies Stableford competition on Monday, the 4BBB ladies, men’s and mixed Stableford on Tuesday, and the four-person men’s and ladies Ambrose on Wednesday.
Two golden oldies in the football world, who represented Victoria in interstate football for a combined 20 times, Bob Murray 84 (left) and Michael Tuck 73 are always popular figures at the event. Tuck held the most games record of 426 games for 24 years before being overtaken by North Melbourne’s Brett Harvey; Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury broke that record with 433 games last Saturday week.
Results of the silent auction in the foyer of Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort in the lead-up to the event pleased organisers.
Chief organiser Pat Randall, from Rosebud, made special mention of the man behind providing all the sporting memorabilia, Marcus Leonard, from Seaford.
“Marcus has contributed close to $100,000 since this event started,” Pat said.
“That’s outstanding and very much appreciated.”
Sold! Sixteen packages were successfully auctioned by Yarra Golf President Andrew Shell who has vast experience as a real estate agent/auctioneer.
Local Shane Kelly came within one metre of winning a brand-new car from Wodonga Lexus Dealership.
Last year, local golf board director Judy Kruger got within inches of claiming the car.
Could it be third-time lucky on that eighth par-3 hole on the Lake Course for someone at next year’s event?
Club president Andrew Shell was back in full swing with his auctioneering skills, selling 16 excellent, mostly golf-related packages to diners.
A final fundraising figure will be known later this month, with presentations to both charities to follow.
Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund manager Andrew Mackinlay told golfers their involvement in the Sunshine Charity Golf Classic creates a lasting impact on individuals and communities who rely on the fund’s assistance.
“All donations received by the Trust Fund stay here in our community and support four pillars: the Wellness Centre, Clinical Trials and Research, Education and Training, and cancer-related equipment, which can range from $500 to $200,000,” he said.
“People can travel to Albury for these services instead of travelling to Melbourne. Thank you, golfers, for helping to make this possible.”
The Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund was established by the Albury Wodonga Cancer Foundation to raise money for cancer services in the region.
Southern Peninsula Community Support has been a vital lifeline for people experiencing crisis and disadvantage for decades.
Support worker Tracy Wynde detailed the dire situation on the peninsula and thanked Pat for organising “an amazing event”, which helps address the situation.
Pat has been the driving force behind this golf classic since it began and has received invaluable assistance from local former club president Dario Prighel.
Yarra Golf CEO Peter Savy expressed his appreciation to players supporting “two incredible causes”.
“We look forward to next year’s Sunshine Charity Golf Classic,” he said.
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