Golf Victoria is proud to announce that a total of $33,350 was raised for Challenge – supporting kids with cancer throughout the 2015 Oates Vic Open. This year marked the second year that Challenge was the official charity partner of the Oates Vic Open.
Golf Victoria CEO, Simon Brookhouse was thrilled by the final total and is confident that the celebrity chef dinner initiative launched this year can become an annual event during tournament week.
“It’s hard to imagine the difficulties families and children go through battling cancer. It is with the help of organisations like Challenge that these families are able to cope a little easier,” said Brookhouse.
“The celebrity chef dinner we conducted at Barwon Heads Golf Club on the Friday evening was a tremendous success. It was extremely pleasing to see the night being supported for such a wonderful cause.
“It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to the Challenge organisation. Sincere thanks extend to all of those who dug deep throughout the Oates Vic Open to arrive at the grand tally.”
The thrill was shared by David Rogers, CEO of Challenge.
“We are delighted to be associated with the Oates Vic Open and are grateful for the wonderful support provided by Golf Victoria, Thirteenth Beach Golf Links and everyone associated with the event, both through fundraising and also in helping to increase our profile,” said Rogers.
The fundraising efforts during tournament week included initiatives at both Pro-Ams, merchandise sales, plus ticket and auction revenue from the celebrity chef dinner.
“The outstanding celebrity chef dinner was not only a wonderful evening but a tremendous fundraising event for Challenge. We sincerely thank host venue Barwon Heads Golf Club and chefs Ian [Curley], Adam [D’Slyva] and the two Andrews [Blake & Davies] for their involvement and for providing such a brilliant meal,” Rogers said.
“Thanks in particular to Challenge Patron Robert Allenby and Challenge Ambassador Jarrod Lyle, our Leuk the Duck mascot continues to grow in popularity and this association certainly helps to boost our recognition in the golfing community. It was great to see so many of the golfers, men and women, wearing the Leuk pins during the event. This is a great association and we would welcome the opportunity to continue our involvement.”
Challenge is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers daily support to children and families living with cancer. Since 1983, Challenge has helped over 25,000 children and families, making a real difference to their quality of life from the moment they are diagnosed, through treatment and beyond.
Visit www.challenge.org.au for more information or to make a contribution.