The recent golf tournament held by the Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF) raised $63,000 for local charities and the ACF’s Smart and Caring Community Fund.
The fourth annual Smart and Caring Golf Classic was held Sept. 19 at Ledgeview Golf Course.
Money from the community fund goes to charities that support children and families at risk in the community.
ACF board chair Lorna Hart said the event was sold out three months in advance and has raised more than $230,000 in the last four years.
Executive director Wendy Neufeld said that in 2019 alone the ACF granted $100,000 to 15 local charities, including the Archway Food Bank of its Starfish Pack program.
After a day of golfing, the participants gathered for dinner. Following an inspiring story from community member Doug Leskun, committee member Kal Sidhu appealed to the audience to help him raise $5,000 in five minutes for Archway’s 2020 summer backpack program that feeds hungry kids.
Guests responded with donations totalling $10,000 in under three minutes.
“The willingness and generosity of our community to help those in need is humbling,” Neufeld said.
The annual Smart and Caring Golf Classic is held each year on the third Thursday of September, raising funds that are permanently added to the capital of the Smart and Caring Community Fund. Next year’s event is on Sept. 17.
ACF is celebrating 40 years of giving in 2019. Since inception, the foundation has provided almost $11 million to the community through grants and scholarships.
Visit abbotsfordcf.org or call 604-850-3755 for more information.
RELATED: Abbotsford Community Foundation celebrates 40th anniversary
RELATED: $104,000 in Smart and Caring Grants go to 17 organizations