Golf Classic Raises Funds for EO's Spike & Wave Camp
Dianna Findlay, Provincial Executive Director, Epilepsy Ontario
There had been heavy rain all night and the forecast was for more on June 1st, the day of the first annual Daniel Thomas Charity Golf Classic. There we were, 158 golfers and more than 20 volunteers, all waiting for the rain to stop.
Daniel was a young lad who lived with charm, charisma and humour. His death at age 22 was violent and sudden. It had a tremendous impact on the lives of his many friends and associates. This tournament celebrates his life and recognizes his unique qualities and love of children by sending children living with epilepsy to summer camp.
Volunteers, organized by Jennifer Vines, were ready to greet the eager golfers as they arrived. As names were checked, golf bags were carried and placed on their respective carts. The rain seemed to get heavier by the minute; many anxious eyes looked up and west.
Veronica Thomas, Daniel's mother, had a special message for her son asking for his help with the weather so the game could begin. Daniel had fair skin and burned very easy; a cloudy day would of been his preference for playing golf. Golfers play in cloud, not thunderstorms; Daniel's sense of humour became obvious. In anticipation of the start, golfers lined up for their photograph sessions.
After a personal prayer and plea from his mother, family and organizers, the rain seemed to magically stop at 10:45. The game was on.
A few last minute instructions about the play were announced, volunteers ready, and golfers off and running. The golf carts with relieved players peeled off with loud screeches from the wet tires.
The prize patrol was also off and running. Additional prizes were given on the course to golfers trying to make a difficult shot or something amusing — whatever caught the eye of the prize patrol. Two volunteers masseur on the 10th were kept busy and received many, many grateful thanks — a light but welcome touch.
Around 5 pm, the golfers started to tally their cards and head back to Kelsey's (410 and Queen Street, in Brampton) for the award ceremonies, dinner and festivities. Upon arriving, they were greeted with 3 large barbeque pits. Steaks, donated by the Outback in Oakville, were sizzling, smoke trailing into the skies. Large bowls of salad and trays of baked potatoes and rolls awaited the hungry players. Everyone was festive and celebrating. The restaurant had been set up with long tables to receive 300 expected guests. The magician Roberto went from table to table entertaining the guests with slight-of-hand magic. Musicians were on hand, the prize table was set up, and staff and volunteers were ready.
Steve Perria (Kelsey's, Milton), who served as MC for the evening, gave a brief background of the event, and thanked the sponsors. Kirk Vines (Kelsey's, Meadowvale) then thanked the sponsors and gave us some insight to their support and help towards the overall success of the event. Steve Emmons, president of Epilepsy Ontario, thanked the volunteers, gave a quick overview of the Spike and Wave Camp and its partners: the Hospital for Sick Children, some of the Kinsmen clubs and the epilepsy chapters throughout Ontario. Mr. & Mrs. Thomas were introduced and shared some experiences they had with their son Daniel. They thanked Kelsey's and Epilepsy Ontario for the opportunity for their son to help children living with epilepsy through this memorial tournament. A cheque for $10,000 was presented to Epilepsy Ontario to send children in Ontario to the Spike and Wave Camp. Mr. & Mrs. Thomas received a moving tribute — a standing ovation for their son Daniel and what he meant to so many people.
The prize recipients of the Daniel Thomas Charity Golf Classic were announced. The team of the Delaney brothers shot 66 and was first in this event. Their name will be engraved in the trophy kept at Kelsey's (410 & Queen). They also received trophies and a prize. The team of Karin Tamm and Christine Hickson was named the 1999 Most Honest Golfers, with a score of 101, and received their trophy and prize. The prizes for the longest drive and closest to the pin were announced. All the winners were congratulated.
Framed trillium prints were awarded to the various sponsors: Kelsey's (410 & Queen), Kelsey's (Meadowvale), Outback Steakhouse (Oakville), Tee to Green, and Blockbuster Videos. After all the winners and sponsors had been officially recognized and thanked, score cards of the golfing teams were drawn. As their names were drawn, the teams selected prizes. Every golfer won a prize. Epilepsy Ontario would like to thank all our sponsors and those who donated prizes, the Clublink facility at the Georgetown Golf and Country Club, the winners, and the staff and volunteers from Kelsey's in Peel and Halton Regions.
I would also like to personally thank Dean Spokes and Kirk Vines of Kelsey's for their dedication, expertise and support. Children living with epilepsy will now be able to attend camp. Epilepsy Ontario is now able to send kids to camp and to research methods of expanding the camp to include young adults next year.
