Classic tees up big bucks

Photo: Contributed

From left, Kevin Arbuckle – President, VJHF Board, Kelly Hrudey – Sportscaster, Hockey Night in Canada, Paul Docksteader - Founder, Paul Docksteader Foundation and Kate McBrearty – Interim Executive Director, VJHF

Since it began a decade ago, the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation Charity Golf Classic has teed up more than $2 million.

The 10th annual event was held at Predator Ridge and generated $300,000, sending the decade total to a new milestone.

The annual sold-out event saw 136 players from around the region gather at Predator for a day of golf, games, gourmet food and exciting live auction.

This year was the second in a row the event raised $300,000.

“The outstanding support that we’ve received over the past decade for the Charity Classic has helped fund significant purchases for our hospital,” said Kevin Arbuckle, president of the foundation. “It’s amazing to see the significant impact that these funds have made for healthcare in our community. This year’s focus was for priority equipment for surgical services.”

From its inception in 2010, the Charity Classic has raised money to support crucial health care initiatives in the North Okanagan, including the opening of the new Polson Tower.

The fundraiser has also provided funding for enhancements in the McMurtry-Baerg Cancer Clinic, in cardiac and emergency services as well as equipping a new operating room through the Foundation’sOperation: Surgical Care for Life campaign.

This year’s event saw players treated to food, games and activities on the various holes in a Vegas scramble golf format. After their day on the course, Hockey Night in Canada and Sportsnet’s Kelly Hrudey took the mic as emcee and led participants through an action-packed program.

The Charity Classic will be held on Aug. 30 next year.