Under initially uncertain skies that gave way to perfect sunshine, six dedicated golfers conquered an incredible 90 holes each at the Portage Golf Club today, all in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage la Prairie.
The marathon fundraiser saw participants tee off early this morning, battling fatigue but buoyed by community spirit and a beautiful afternoon, ultimately raising crucial funds for the organization's mentoring programs.
A dynamic duo on the links
City Councillor Preston Meier, self-described "Golfer Extraordinaire," and Nathan Peto, CEO of Southport Aerospace, formed one dynamic duo, tackling the full 90 holes. Despite the daunting task, both expressed determination and satisfaction as they neared the finish line after roughly 10 hours on the links. Meier highlighted the cause driving their endurance.
"We committed to Big Brothers Big Sisters that we'd help raise some dollars for some of their programs, and to do that, we would do 90 holes of golf. So we had a lot of people depending on us, and I think we're going to get there," Meier stated after completing 81 holes.
He likened the challenge to a marathon, acknowledging the tiredness but also the rewarding feeling, adding, "It's a great time to be here. And of course, at the end of the day, the winner is Big Brothers Big Sisters."
Peto, participating for the first time, emphasized the significance of the cause amidst the physical test.
"I mean, it's a lot of golf. The most I've ever played before is about 36 holes in a day, and 90 holes is an extraordinary amount. But we're here for a good cause," Peto explains, adding that, "It feels good. We're going by other golfers here on the course. They're cheering us on. They understand the great work that Big Brothers and Big Sisters does here in the Central Plains region, and we're happy to be out here fundraising and supporting them."
Funds fuel vital mentoring
Dawn Froese, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Portage, confirmed the impressive outcome of the long day. "So far we've raised $7746," Froese announced. She detailed the participant breakdown: "This year, we had six golfers. So two were doing 90 holes and four were doing 45 holes each." Froese expressed immense gratitude for the golfers' dedication and community support, including a lunch donation from Boston Pizza.
"Just thank you to everyone who has donated, and a really huge thank you to our golfers," Froese says, "I mean, they stepped up, they had to raise some money and they've been out here just golfing their hearts out and I'm sure they're gonna be sore tomorrow."
Community steps up to the tee
The event showcased strong community backing, with Meier acknowledging the support received throughout the day, saying, "Dawn and the team have been great in keeping us refreshed, and I think even the cart person has been around a couple of times, which really helps us out as well."
Peto echoed the sentiment, thanking Froese and her team while encouraging continued donations online via the Big Brothers Big Sisters Facebook page or website.
As the golfers putted out on their final holes under the warm sun, the true victory was the significant funds raised to support mentorship and positive outcomes for local youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters Portage la Prairie.
Donations remain open to support participants Preston Meier, Nathan Peto, Lucas Newfelt, Zac Newfelt, Jeff Dubois, and Travis Foster, or directly to the organization.