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Children's Charity Golf Classic reaches $100,000 in donations

The Children's Charity Golf Classic had another tremendous year, bringing in around $21,000, to surpass the $100,000 mark in its six-year life span Over 130 golfers showed up to play 18-holes at the Bonnyville Golf and Country Club, and raise money f
(left to right) Mark, Keanna, Andrea, and Kennedy Reid host the Children’s Charity Golf Classic each year to raise money for the Stollery. This year brought in $21,000.
(left to right) Mark, Keanna, Andrea, and Kennedy Reid host the Children’s Charity Golf Classic each year to raise money for the Stollery. This year brought in $21,000.

The Children's Charity Golf Classic had another tremendous year, bringing in around $21,000, to surpass the $100,000 mark in its six-year life span

Over 130 golfers showed up to play 18-holes at the Bonnyville Golf and Country Club, and raise money for the Stollery Children's Hospital.

“I think it's really good because it just feels really good that people are supporting this. They know that Kennedy has been through a lot,” said 14-year-old Keanna Reid, daughter of organizers Mark and Andrea Reid.

Started in 2011, the golf classic is a way for the Reid family to give back to the hospital for the care that has been provided for their youngest daughter, 10-year-old Kennedy. Diagnosed with Costello Syndrome when she was born, Kennedy and her family have had countless visits to the Stollery.

After Kennedy got her wish granted by the Children's Wish Foundation in 2011, the family had the opportunity to meet the man who raised the funds for her wish trip.

“Basically, we just left there saying we need to give back, too. I play lots of golf, so the golf tournament was something that was easy for me to start,” said Mark.

He added, “The reason we do it for the Stollery is Kennedy has numerous appointments every year. She's had seven surgeries at the Stollery. The hospital is something that you can't get away from. It takes care of a lot of kids and she's going to be going there pretty much for the rest of her life.”

In addition to a just-for-fun golf scramble, the all-day event featured raffles, a putting contest, and a number of golf related games, with all of the money raised going to the Stollery. This marked the third consecutive year of the golf classic bringing in at least $20,000.

“This probably is the most support we've ever gotten with prizes donations, cash donations, everything is better than expected, even with the economy,” noted Mark.

The golf classic has gained not just local momentum, but garnered the Reids national recognition for their philanthropy. The local family was chosen to be one of two nominees that the Stollery submits for the National Philanthropy Day 2015 Outreach Award by the National Association of Fundraising Professionals.

“We were nominated over 400 other supporters of the Stollery and they chose us to nominate for the award,” explained Keanna.

Keeping it a family-run event is something the Reid family is committed to, not wanting to have to bring in a committee or anything of the sort.

“It's pretty special. It's not a whole business effort that's put in, we just do it as a family,” expressed Andrea.

With six successful years behind them, the Reids plan to keep the Children's Charity Golf Classic going for as long as possible.

“It's our sixth year, we've always gotten a lot of support but it's nice to see that they keep coming back and the support is even getting so much better,” said Andrea.

Mark noted, “I don't see us ever stopping it.”

As for sisters Kennedy and Keanna, they're equally thankful for the community stepping up to the plate and helping raised money for a cause close to their hearts.

“I just want to thank everyone who came out and supported the Stollery,” said Keanna. “It's been very good.”

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