Four Year Tally of $845,000 Raised by PGA TOUR Canada Event
THUNDER BAY – The Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel was pleased to announce a charitable donation of $271,500 following a week long event at Whitewater Golf Club in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The announcement was made following the final round of competition of the Mackenzie Tour- PGA TOUR Canada tournament, that saw Johnny Ruiz take the win and get one step closer on the path to the PGA TOUR. Proceeds raised from the initiative stay in Northwestern Ontario, supporting Camp Quality Northwestern Ontario, the Northern Cancer Fund and Smilezone Foundation.
Under beautiful sunny skies, and near perfect conditions for golf on Sunday, following a week of rain, the closing ceremonies conducted on the Janzen’s Pharmacy 18th hole green the winning prize was presented to Johnny Ruiz.
The biggest winners once again were the charities and the people of Thunder Bay. The Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel proved once again to be the top event on the Mackenzie Tour, PGA TOUR Canada circuit. That success comes from the almost 450 volunteers, many who lined the Janzen’s Pharmacy 18th green for the awards ceremony.
The event demonstrates to not only Thunder Bay but to the world that this is a city that cares, and that if one works in a positive direction that positive things can, and will happen.
“The Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel was once again a huge success. With this being the fourth round, our family was amazed at the community’s ongoing commitment to volunteer and support this event. There were also a lot of great highlights this year including the return of Bobby Orr, the Fountain Tire Summer Classic, and five local players teeing off in the tournament. It just gets better and better every year,” said Eric Staal of the Staal Family Foundation. “Thank you Thunder Bay! This cheque presentation today is the best part of it all. Our family is just thrilled to make this donation to three very deserving organizations.”
Over the last four years, the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel in partnership with the Staal Family Foundation and the charitable efforts by the NHL’s Staal brothers – Eric, Jordan, Marc and Jared along with their families and parents, Henry and Linda, has raised over $845,000 in support of families and children battling cancer. These dollars support regional programming, outreach, patient care and new equipment in Northwestern Ontario.
“Cancer affects so many families here and around the world. The support that’s been directed to ensuring we have exceptional cancer care in
Northwestern Ontario, so our families can stay together during a cancer journey, has been nothing short of astonishing. The Staal Family
Foundation and our entire community have embraced this event wholeheartedly and we are extremely grateful for the generosity, and the
hope that this event brings year after year,” said Glenn Craig, President and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.
“Thoroughly heartwarming – those are the only words that come close to describing the continued and profound generosity of the Staal family and the Staal Family Foundation,” said Ashleigh Quarrell, Director of Camp Quality Northwestern Ontario. “Camp Quality cannot thank enough, those involved in putting on this incredible event each year. The selflessness of the organizers, volunteers, players, sponsors and spectators acts as a beautiful example for our campers and community about the value and impact of philanthropy.”
“It is a privilege and honour for Smilezone Foundation to partner with the Staal Family Foundation. Both Foundations share the mutual goal of
enriching the lives of children and their families. Thanks to the tremendous support from the Staal Family Foundation, Smilezone is excited
to transform new spaces at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital and George Jeffrey Children’s Centre” said Adam Graves, Co-founder of Smilezone
Foundation.
Thousands of spectators made their way to Whitewater Golf Club over the seven day event, making the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel the highest attended tournament on the Mackenzie Tour. It’s also anticipated that this year’s tournament will result in more than $4-million in economic activity.
“It definitely was the great number four. I am blown away by the ongoing community support. This truly is a world-class golf event made possible by local contributions and our partnership with the Staal family and the Mackenzie Tour,” said Scott Smith, Staal Foundation Open Executive Director. “A big thank you to the Staal’s. Not only does the family give a face and a name to the event but they are also on site all week long supporting activities and taking part in events. It’s great to see the family’s ongoing commitment to the community.”
The Staal Foundation presented by Tbaytel will return to Thunder Bay in July of 2018.
