Wally
Clayson. The association's prez was commenting on the AARO Charity
Golf Tournament held last week (Wednesday, July 6, 2005 - Cardinal
Golf Club, Newmarket, ON).ENTHUSED RESPONSE TO TOURNAMENT: "They came, they golfed, and judging from their
post-game comments it's clear that most everyone really enjoyed
the day," reported Wally
Clayson. The association's prez was commenting on the AARO Charity
Golf Tournament held last week (Wednesday, July 6, 2005 - Cardinal
Golf Club, Newmarket, ON).
We could sense a smile of relief in Clayson's voice. His tone belied the fact he'd done all of this before, every year for 12 consecutive years to be exact. Having organized that many prior tournaments you'd think he'd take one more in his stride.
"Yeah, but the 2005 event was number 13, you see. Not that I'm superstitious, but... well, yes... okay, I admit that it crossed my mind," laughed Clayson. He need not have worried. As things turned out, it must have been "lucky 13". The AARO tournament volunteers received nothing but praise from a virtual potpourri of participants that included shop owners, suppliers, government representatives, trade media and assorted others.
"One fellow told me it was the best day of golf he'd ever had," said AARO registrar Frances Ricci. "There's little doubt that the near-perfect weather helped, but it had to be more than that. All of us who worked as tournament volunteers got similar feedback, it's gratifying that everything went so well," she added.
"Most important of all, we again raised $20,000-plus for those beautiful, young kids at the Bloorview MacMillan Children's Centre. The total we Independents, our suppliers and other AARO associates have contributed over the years has now surpassed $200,000. Hey, that's nothing to sneeze at," enthused Clayson.
Indeed it's not. And the golf banquet was selected as the venue for still more philanthropy by Independents: a $6,000 cheque was presented to CARE Canada for the charitable organization's Tsunami relief efforts. (CARE's work in Indonesia has now entered a '10-year rebuilding phase'.)
"The Independents' Tsunami Relief Drive was launched in January. The association matched donations made by our members to help alleviate the human suffering the tsunami left in its wake," explained AARO executive director, Bill Burkimsher. "I hope our members sense the pride we hold for them, because they're truly generous business people," he added.
The association extends its sincere appreciation to the following volunteers who worked diligently behind the scene to help carry the day:
Past president Ross Nash; board members
Glenn McNally, Denis Poirier and his wife Debra,
Jennifer Verwey (director Gil Verwey's wife) and executive
director Bill Burkimsher; AARO staff members Luanne
Fedosoff, Diane Freeman, Debbie Grimes, Caroline
Martin, Frances Ricci, Martin Stripnieks and
Bonnie Black (who held down the fort at the AARO office
in her peers' absence); marketing rep Jim Spagnola;
Auto Pac insurance consultant Jerry Douglas;
and last but certainly not least, Wally Clayson, himself,
and two of his delightful granddaughters Megan Perusits
and Jessica Clayson, and Jessica's friend Mike Horlick.
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Kudos to our 2005 winning golfers:
Best Foursome - 336 (low gross) ... Dennis Onn (Ontario Drive Clean), Mike Butler (Protectair), Al Brady (Protectair) and Don McLaughlin (Goodturn Ride Centres).
Low Gross (Men) - 77 ... Don McLaughlin (Goodturn Ride Centres).
Low Gross (Ladies) - 115 ... Janet Johnson (Shell Canada)
Low Net (Men) - 70 ... Bill Hamilton (Wayne's Wine World)
Low Net (Ladies) - 74 ... Elaine Johnston (Johnston Maintenance)
Longest Drive ... Andrew Sigismondo (Duff's Auto Service)
Closest to the Pin ... Tom Natale (Wayne's Wine World)
Closest to the Keg ... Graham Bignall (NEBS Business Forms)
Following the presentation of the above awards, banquet MC Ted Bisaillion commented that "tomorrow Wally would likely begin sending out e-mails promoting the 2006 AARO Charity Golf Tournament". He had that right. At 7:59 pm the next evening a copy of a message bearing the names on his 'contact list' arrived in the AARO In box.
Posted July 10/05
