Charity golf tournament raises $48,000

By Mark Ribble

KINGSVILLE — Sunny skies and a nice breeze greeted golfers teeing off in the Swinging for the Community Charity Golf Event held at Kingsville Golf & Country Club on August 19.

With perfect conditions, 85 golfers teed it up for charity and another 50 guests joined them for dinner and festivities, raising $48,000 for the HL Tiessen Foundation, which distributes charity funds to local charities each year.

Hugo and Linda Tiessen spearheaded the event, along with the rest of the Tiessen Foundation board, consisting of their son Greg Tiessen, Liz Campbell, Anne Dirksen-Cairoli and Glenn Sellick. Tiessen Financial staff members Chris Mastronardi, Piera Ricci and Jenn Schroeder also pitched in to help with the tournament.

The tournament funds will go to support The Bridge, Southwestern Ontario Gleaners, The Bank Theatre and UMEI Christian High School.

The foundation invites charities each year to apply for funding through its fundraising efforts. The foundation is a registered charity. It was established in 2018 and has previously raised over $50,000 and distributed it to charities in this area.

Cheryl Rutgers tees off on Wednesday, August 19. Her foursome included John Rutgers, Robert Hudders and Paula Hudders.

This year’s tournament was planned over a three week period after it was postponed in May due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We had to do things a little differently,” said Linda Tiessen. “But we’re happy it came together and grateful to all who participated.”

The tournament followed safety and distancing guidelines and the golfers played a scramble with designated tee-off times.

The evening festivities included dinner and a live auction highlighting local wineries and breweries. Joe Oswald acted as auctioneer for the live event.

Although the funds raised were by far the most important aspect, prizes were awarded for longest drive, closest to the pin, straightest drive and putting contest. The winning men’s team consisted of Richard Ward, Terry Nye, John Spevak and Shawn Sinnott. The winning mixed team included John Friesen, Nancy Friesen, Marg Friesen and Isaac Friesen.

The winning teams for the annual HL Tiessen charity tournament were, top photo, mixed team winners, John Friesen, Nancy Friesen, Marg Friesen and Isaac Friesen. In the bottom photo, men’s team winners were Richard Ward, Terry Nye, John Spevak and Shawn Sinnott.