Rotary Fore the Kids Golf Tournament Tees Up Vital Support for Five Counties Children's Centre

There were 87 golfers teeing off for the Rotary Club of Peterborough ‘Rotary Fore the Kids Golf Tournament’ to support Five Counties Children's Centre (FCCC) at Bellmere Winds Golf Resort in Keene last Thursday.

(Left to right) Linsey Kampf, Five Counties; Laurie Heigh, Rotary Club of Peterborough; Craig McFarlane, Linwood Homes and Lyn Giles, Five Counties. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The tournament was renamed ‘Fore the Kids’ a couple of years ago and has ran for over 25 years. Last year, FCCC assisted over 6,200 children according to a press release. The tournament’s proceeds went towards FCCC and aiding children.

“We are thrilled to see the community come together once again to support Five Counties Children's Centre,” said Wayne Harding, Golf Committee Chair. “The success of this tournament would not have been possible without the dedication of our golfers, our sponsors, and the incredible team behind the scenes. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of children and families in our region.”

Notable winners included Carolyn Kitchen, Gail Huges, Carm Warman and Debra Moore, with the ‘Team Low Score’ award in the Women's category. Dave Hannah, Jason Pulchinski, Andy Edwards and Eric Lodgins won for the men’s category. In the Team Low Score, Mixed competition; Wendy Hill, Jim Coyle, Sandy Fulton, and Dave Fulton captured the honour.

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Habitat for Humanity PKR Hosting Inaugural Sunday Dinner at the ReStore Fundraiser

Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region is hosting its First-Annual Sunday Dinner at the ReStore to celebrate community, connection and a shared commitment to affordable homeownership on Oct. 22.

The event features a harvest dinner, wines, cocktails, entertainment and a silent auction. The items are donated by local businesses.

“We are excited to host our first Sunday Dinner at the ReStore and bring people together to share a meal as you would at home with family,” said Susan Zambonin, Habitat CEO. “This unique event not only promises an evening of delicious food and connection but also an opportunity for our community to rally behind a cause that truly makes a difference for families in need of safe, decent and affordable homeownership.” 

All proceeds from this event will contribute to Habitat for Humanity PKR's Phase 2 development, a 12-unit affordable condo project currently under construction in the City of Peterborough.

The event runs from 5:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m. at the The Peterborough North ReStore at 300 Milroy Drive. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased via phone at 705-874-0201 or online at www.habitatpkr.ca 

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Local Realtors Hold Second-Annual Lemonade Stand To Benefit Sick Kids Hospital

Local realtors and brothers Dan and Dion Gemmiti brought back an old classic in a lemonade stand to raise money for Sick Kids Hospital on Brealey Drive on Friday morning.

Brothers Dan Gemmiti (left) and Dion Gemmiti (right) sharing an ice-cold lemonade with 20-year-old Manny Frew-Clarke (middle). visitors could get photo ops in a sports car or in front of a trailer with posters of the lemonade stand. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The stand began at 8 a.m. and people were lined up to get a delicious summer drink and donate money prior to the opening. All proceeds went towards Sick Kids Hospital. Visitors could ‘donate what you wanted’ while they got to enjoy lemonade, baked goods and candy that were available at the stand.

Aside from the snacks and refreshments, the public was invited to share their Sick Kids’ stories and take pictures for this one-day event. Hearing the various experiences that visitors told the Gemmitis was rewarding and inspirational when they put on the lemonade stand.

“We're hearing all kinds of amazing stories from people that have been there and people that are currently there who are joining us at our lemonade stand,” he said. “Even strangers are putting in large amounts of money so it's just an incredible day.”

”It's pretty hyped up the whole time but there are a few moments where we met a girl today that's in and out of Sick Kids and you can't help but get a little emotional hearing it,” said Dan. “It's a very powerful day.”

The brothers have had a close family member who has used Sick Kids Hospital’s services but know several people who have benefitted from it.

“We're blessed to have a big community here but there's so many family and friends that we know that have been there and have benefitted from that great hospital so it really is a great place,” explained Dion. “It's where miracles happen and Peterborough's been great to support it.”

The jar of donations was almost full in the last hour of the lemonade stand but there was no goal for the fundraiser according to the Gemmitis.

“It's not goal-driven by the money, it's goal-driven by the feel-good stories,” explained Dion. “Our heart is full and it will be for a long time. The money is secondary to bringing everybody together.”

The fundraising lemonade stand was the second consecutive year the brothers ran it. They aim to continue it annually for as long as possible.

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Motorcycles Rev It Up In the Inaugural United on the Highway Poker Run & Fundraiser

Motorcycle revved things up for the inaugural United on the Highway Poker Run that explored the historic downtown and toured through the Kawarthas on Saturday.

Motorcycle enthusiasts gear up to put up their kickstands and begin their Poker Run. The event was originally slated for July 15 but was rained out. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

Bikers gathered at the Venture North parking lot before touring around the Kawarthas. They made stops at multiple locations to draw cards and win prizes, with all proceeds going to the United Way of Peterborough.

“The best fundraisers are the ones that are interactive and fun for everyone involved. People have been very excited about being able to play this classic game while exploring downtown Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” said Terry Guiel, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “As a motorcycle enthusiast myself, I thought this would be a unique way to mix my passions for the downtown, motorcycles and also raising money for amazing local organizations in our community.”

Some of the prize packages include $500 and $1000 worth of motorcycle prizes, a downtown shopping spree and a plethora of other prizes.

The riders finished the tour in downtown Peterborough then experienced downtown restaurants, pubs, patios and retail stores.

“When the rubber hits the road, kind hearts and strong passions for the community are even more revved up,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “We are so grateful to Terry and the team at the DBIA for driving this event, and for helping build a more resilient Peterborough. Bikers are very giving people and we want to thank everyone who is attending and who generously donated a prize.”

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Peterborough Concert Band Holding Special Performance to Benefit PATH On Oct. 15

The Peterborough Concert Band is holding a special musical program, ‘The PATH Forward’ to benefit Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) for Oct. 15 at Market Hall.

Photo courtesy of The Peterborough Concert Band.

The performance is conducted by Juno-nominated Music Director Saman Shahi as Kate Suhr and Megan Murphy will guide the audience through a program that features big band standards, classical gems, new compositions and vocals.   

The proceeds benefit PATH to help provide transitional housing for unsheltered citizens in Peterborough. 

The performance runs from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Market Hall, located at 140 Charlotte St. A reception will follow the performance. Tickets are $44 (including HST and fees) and are available through Market Hall online.

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Hometown PTBO: Mark Hubble and His Inaugural Hubbs Open Mini-Golf Tournament to Support Peterborough Big Brothers and Big Sisters

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with Mark Hubble about his inaugural Hubbs Open mini-golf tournament at Milltown Mini-Golf on Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. The event concludes with a pub crawl with proceeds for Peterborough Big Brothers & Big Sisters.

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First Little Lakers Night Raises Over $6,700 For Five Counties Children's Centre

The Peterborough Lakers in their ‘Drive For Five’ quest takes time to help the community as their first-ever Little Lakers Night from July 27 raised $6,784 for Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) Building Abilities For Life campaign, announced on Thursday.

Five Counties kids Mya (left) and Elsie (right) pose with Peterborough Century 21 Lakers mascot, Teddy, during Little Lakers Night on July 27. Many Five Counties clients, families, volunteers, staff and supporters took part in the first-ever event held during the Lakers’ final regular season home game. Little Lakers Night raised nearly $6,800 for Five Counties Children’s Centre. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The fund helps FCCC reduce wait times and provide priority treatment services like speech and occupational therapies for children and youth in the region according to a press release.

“We are so thrilled to receive this support from the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers, during their drive to win a fifth consecutive Mann Cup title,” said Lyn Giles, FCCC director of fund development. “We are extremely grateful to fans, donors, supporters, volunteers, staff and others who came out to support the first-ever Little Lakers Night. It was a great success and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Lakers for this annual event.”

Funds were raised during the game through donations, t-shirt sales, a silent auction, facepainting, sponsorships and proceeds from that night’s 50/50 draw during the team’s last home regular-season game.

Several FCCC kids and families attended the game and also played roles during the pre-game ball drop and singing of the national anthem. 

During the game, four FCCC kids took part in the Peterborough Lakers Backstage Experience. They received a behind-the-scenes tour from Lakers board member John D’Altoe, got high-fives from team members on their way to the field, toured the video control room, helped in-arena hosts with giveaways and met the Lakers’ mascot, Teddy.

The partnership between FCCC and the Lakers continues during the club’s playoff run. The team’s Ticket Assist Program means Five Counties kids and their families get free tickets to every Lakers’ home game.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Brings Back Fore the Kids Golf Tournament For Sept. 14

The Fore the Kids Golf Tournament is making its return on Sept. 14, at Bellmere Winds Golf Course in Keene, announced by The Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Tournament proceeds are going towards the Five Counties Children’s Centre.

“We're excited to work with Linwood Homes again this year on the Fore the Kids Golf Tournament to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and youth in need within our communities,” said Wayne Harding, tournament Chair and former Rotary president. “Five Counties Children's Centre holds a special place in our hearts and this golf tournament serves as a beacon of hope, uniting individuals and businesses in a spirit of giving and camaraderie.”

All golfers are invited to register for $150 per person with a shotgun start of 1 p.m. The fee includes a round of golf, a cart, lunch and the chance to win hole prizes. Prizes include exclusive golf lessons, lake toys and a chance at driving home in a brand-new car from Jack McGee Chevrolet-Cadillac!

The tournament also features a raffle to win items such as a Plauski Square Stern canoe and paddles. Tickets are $10 apiece or three for $20.

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Photos: 'Williams Weekend' Memorial Golf Tournament Pays Tribute To Five-Year Old Boy Who Passed Away Last Year In Accident

There were 155 golfers who paid respects in a memorial golf tournament for five-year-old William Rock Gardner at the Bellmere Winds Golf Resort in Keene who passed away in an accident last year.

Elizabeth, Aurora and Matthew Gardner on the putting green of Bellmere Winds Golf Resort with the memorial poster of William in his memorial tournament. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

William passed away on Villiers Line just outside of the resort due to a golf cart malfunction. His parents and their friends sustained injuries while his sister Aurora was unharmed. The parents were admitted to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) following the accident and once they were released, visited William at Sick Kids Hospital. They opted to let him go due to the severe brain damage he suffered.

Despite heavy rain that started in the morning until mid-afternoon, golfers braved the weather to show their support for William.

“We're really grateful for all the support despite all the rain,” said Elizabeth Gardner, William’s mother. “Golfers continued to come in and they're playing through while smiling and laughing.”

Last year, a silent auction was held where the proceeds went toward the family. Saturday’s golf tournament had a raffle and auction in support of Sick Kids Hospital (where William passed away) and PRHC. Prizes such as Toronto Zoo tickets, hockey jerseys, a children’s wagon bundle and a golf and dinner getaway were some big-ticket items auctioned off.

Despite being overwhelmed with emotion, the family expressed their gratitude to all the supporters and hosts of William’s memory prior to the raffle draws.

“Despite everything, despite the sadness, we're so grateful for everyone who supports our family and can remember our funny, little sweet boy,” said Elizabeth.

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Family Hosts Memorial Golf Tournament To Honour Their Five-Year-Old Son Passing Away From Golf Cart Accident

UPDATED: 9 p.m. 23-07-23

A tragic golf cart incident that resulted in the life of five-year-old William Gardner has got his family to create a memorial golf tournament to honour him at Bellmere Winds Golf Resort.

(from left to right) Elizabeth, Aurora, William and Matt Gardner. The family had lived overseas for the past 15 years and often came back during the summer season. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Gardner.

The William Rock Gardner Golf Memorial tournament in Keene is slated for July 29 and will run from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with prizes and draws from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The incident occurred a year ago. The Gardner family and their two friends were at the lower half of Bellemere to play sports and at the splash pad. They were travelling in a golf cart going downhill as it started to accelerate with the brakes failing.

After the cart swayed out of control, it flipped and ejected all the passengers onto the roadside according to Elizabeth Gardner, William’s mother. He sustained massive head trauma and was airlifted to SickKids Hospital. The parents and their friends had sustained injuries (with the latter taking the year off to recover) from the incident and were treated at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC). His seven-year-old sister Aurora was unharmed during the accident but had feelings of guilt and shame as the only sibling to survive said Elizabeth.

“Our family at that time knew everything was changing and I laid on the roadside trying to keep him breathing,” she explained.

All photos courtesy of Elizabeth Gardner.

The family visited William at SickKids and made the difficult decision to let him go due to the severe brain damage he suffered.

“After saying goodbye to William, both my husband and I were admitted to Peterborough Hospital due to our injuries,” explained Elizabeth. “I ended up staying in Peterborough Hospital for over a month recovering and planning my son’s funeral.”

Despite the unfortunate series of events, the family bears no ill will towards anyone and is grateful for the care that they received.

“Sick Kids Hospital and Peterborough Regional Health Centre were extremely supportive during our darkest days,” explained Elizabeth. “These golf tournaments will be in support of both of those institutions.”

The police report determined that the mishap was an accident due to the golf cart’s malfunction according to Elizabeth. Bellemere Winds had offered their golf resort to host the memorial tournament.

“We are still devastated from everything but cannot thank the Bellmere owners enough for pushing for this golf tournament,” said Elizabeth. “We are thankful we can honour William, as memories and events like these keep him alive.”

William was three weeks short of celebrating his fifth birthday upon his passing. He was entering kindergarten that September.

“He was a little boy with a great sense of humour and loved to run around in his bare feet,” said Elizabeth. “William loved all kids and above all loved playing with anybody but especially his sister Aurora.”

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