COBDEN — The banner hanging on a outside railing at the club house at the Oaks of Cobden said it all — Cobden & District Civitan Club has given more than $2 million to local charities since 1974.
The banner was displayed during the 21st annual golf tournament held Friday, July 30.
There were 178 golfers — six more than last year.
Each year, tournament proceeds are donated to various health organizations. This year, $10,500 was donated to Hospice Renfrew, the Civitan’s medical bank, Renfrew Victoria Hospital and Pembroke Regional Hospital.
When it came time to hand out the hardware, there was a surprise at the microphone.
“I’d like to welcome you to the 21st annual Civitan Golf Tournament. My name is Ted Barron,” said Mary Moss — bringing laughter from the large crowd of golfers who had just finished dinner.
She continued, “In the last 20 years, Ted has been the emcee, so he decided this year, since we’re turning into a new decade, he’s turning it over to me this evening.”
Ms. Moss said the Civitans thank the many golfers who return year after year to participate in this fundraising event, as well as welcomed and thanked the newcomers.
Prior to handing out the hardware, she thanked Helen Francis and her kitchen staff, the hole sponsors, those businesses who donated prizes, and from the Oaks of Cobden, Jerrold and Linda Paxton and Carey Stoppa.
“It really makes a difference, the hole sponsorship in particular,” she said. “It really helps us along.”
Donna Ferguson won the ladies longest putt while Sabrina Marchand won ladies closest to the pin. In the men’s longest putt and closest to the pin, the winners were Doug Pilgrim and Bob Pitt, respectively.
On the putting green, Laurie Graham’s team won in the morning with 95 points while Jerrold Paxton’s team won in the afternoon with 100 points. It was pointed out that Mr. Paxton’s birthday was the same day as the golf tournament.
The top women’s team from Stats Canada was Carolyn Millford, Shirley Patrick, Cathy Carley and Nancy Longpre. Ms. Millford noted that various employees from Stats Canada have participated in this tournament for the past 17 years. And, she added, after this year, there will only be one golfer left of the original who will not be retired.
The top men’s team was Jerry (Jerrold) Paxton’s team of Jerry Paxton, Dan Charbonneau, Andrew Susands and Jared Riopelle.
The top mix team was Kent McLaughlin’s team of Kent, Linda Tabbert, Sean Tanguay and Gene Phillion.
Various draw prizes were also presented and the silent auction closed.
Closing the event, Ms. Moss said, “Thanks to all of you once again, and thank you to all the Civitan members and friends who helped with the organization today.
“It’s been a great day.”
President Kevin Lamorie gave special thanks to Civitan members from various clubs who participated in the event.
“Civitan is huge and it’s great it’s in the Valley,” he said. “Our district goes all the way down to Chateaugay (Quebec), Kingston, Smiths Falls, etc.
“It’s great to have our fellow Civitans come out to this.
“I believe the most important person we have to thank is Ted Barron,” he said, bringing a round of applause from the golfers. “He started this event and it’s a huge event for us. It’s a lot of work and if it wasn’t for Ted, I’m afraid it certainly wouldn’t be as successful as it is. Thanks very much Ted.”
