The 2nd Annual Bill Jensen Memorial Golf Event is proving that one man’s legacy can continue to save lives.
Bill’s organ donation inspired his three sons—Xander, Mitch, and Chris—to launch the event last year. They were pleased to see strong interest again this year in their effort to raise funds and awareness for the lives saved by organ donors.
Forty-five golfers teed off at the Links of Gleneagles, with 60 attended the dinner which followed.
“We never expected it to be as successful as it was in the first year,” said Xander Jensen. “We hoped it would be good, but then to be able to carry that through the second year was rewarding—to see all the hard work pay off. It was a win for us, for sure.”
Special guest Toby Boulet, father of Logan Boulet—the Humboldt Broncos player whose organ donation saved six lives and inspired Green Shirt Day—spoke at the event.
“Toby being there was definitely a win. For people to hear it from him was incredibly valuable for the cause.”
Bill’s wife, Katherine Jensen, says it was powerful to see so many people step up to honour her husband, and praises the initiative of her sons.
“They have taken the reins and coordinated everything,” she said of her sons. “This is really their way to honour their dad, and I’m incredibly proud of them—and I know Bill is, too.
“It’s a wonderful way of continuing his legacy. The connections they’ve made in the transplant world have been amazing, and they will continue to honour his legacy, which is so powerful.”
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Bill’s youngest brother, Rob, says the memorial was not only a chance to remember his brother, but also to continue following his example.
“He’s always been someone I’ve patterned my life after, trying to be a good person. Thinking of him during this time of charity, to benefit other people, means a ton.
“We want to help others and set a leadership example, like Bill always did for me. We can keep carrying that forward and keep thinking of him always.”
The charity event was held Aug. 23, two days after what would have been Bill’s birthday. Organizers expect the third annual tournament to be held around the same time next August.
The total raised for the Canadian Transplant Association is still being tallied. Last year’s event brought in $12,616.11.