When Abbotsford's Million Dollar Hole in One contest commences May 31st, participants will take their best shot at a life-changing sum of money.
Rotary Club of Abbotsford members, who run the annual charity fundraiser at Fraserglen Golf Course, will be shooting for an impactful goal of their own.
The local Rotary chapter has chosen Holmberg House, an adult hospice facility currently under construction which will be operated by the Abbotsford Hospice Society, as its primary beneficiary for each of the previous two Hole in One contests, and it will be once again this year.
Hugh Ellis, Rotary Club of Abbotsford incoming president, said they're aiming to reach their $125,000 total fundraising goal this year, which would sponsor a room at Holmberg House. They would need to generate in excess of $50,000 at this year's event to get there.
"I think it would be a wonderful contribution from the Rotary, to have a room named and to assist in the ongoing operation of the hospice," Ellis said.
"We're really looking forward to the public getting behind us to help raise these funds, and have a great time doing it."
This year's Million Dollar Hole in One begins on Saturday, May 31 and continues through June 7 at Fraserglen Golf Course. The quarter-finals, semifinals and finals all run on Sunday, June 8.
The contest is open to golfers of all ages. During the qualifying days, golfers can pay $10 for 12 balls or $20 for 30 balls and take a shot at a pin 95 yards away.
The top seven closest to the pin each day win a spot in the quarter-final round, plus a prize from a daily prize pool. Five additional quarter-finalists will be randomly drawn each day, and the top 10 finishers from ladies day (Wednesday, June 4) will also participate.
Each of the quarter-finalists will have three shots at a pin approximately 165 yards away. If their ball finds the hole, top prizes include a vehicle from Magnuson Ford, a motorcycle from Mountainview Harley-Davidson, and a $10,000 cash prize sponsored by Dignity Memorial Funeral Homes.
The 10 closest to the pin from the quarters move on to the semis, where they get one chance to hole out for a $100,000 prize sponsored by Raymond James. The top three advance to the finals, where they get one shot at $1 million, sponsored by Matsqui Development Co. Ltd., which has come on board as the event's title sponsor this year.
For more information, visit rotarymillion.com.