Teeing Off to Raise Funds for Financial Assistance Programme
A tradition grown from humble beginnings continues to bring the St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) community together. Over the years, teeing off at the Annual Golf Tournament has been an opportunity to connect with the intent of renewing friendships and creating new ones, while supporting the school.
“Given the current circumstances, the golf committee had an overwhelming feeling to do what we could to continue the golf tournament,” says Don Bannan ’66, Golf Tournament Chair now in his 15th year leading the volunteer committee. “I should not have been surprised by the support of our community. We are grateful to be joined by not only faithful sponsors and golfers but also new golfers joining the tournament for the first time. Our community is truly special.”
The sold-out tournament took place on Monday, September 20, at the beautiful Woodington Lake Golf Club in Tottenham. Five decades of alumni, current and past parents, friends, and sponsors made up the 144 golfers in attendance.
Participants joined this tradition in support of the SMCS Financial Assistance Programme. Golfers teed off from holes 1 and 10 with pre-scheduled tee times in a modified best ball format. On-course activities included closest to the target, longest drive, closest to the pin, and Audi Uptown’s hole in one contest.
“Being able to bring like-minded individuals together for a day on the course in support of the St. Michael’s Financial Assistance Programme is always a highlight,” shares Stephanie Nicholls, Alumni and Special Events Officer. “Seeing our community of alumni, parents, friends, and corporate supporters join forces for a common cause is what the SMCS community is all about. The day is only a success with all the generous support of the community.”
SMCS is continually humbled by the support offered by its sponsors. The committee worked tirelessly to welcome back sponsors AGAWA Fund Management Inc., Document Direction Ltd, Compass Group, Ridley Windows and Doors, and secure 12 new hole sponsorships.
“AGAWA is delighted to be a proud sponsor of the annual SMCS golf tournament,” says James Donegan President and Managing Partner of AGAWA Fund Management Inc. “It is a fundraiser that provides important financial assistance that, in turn, gives a unique and valuable education to students from a wide variety of backgrounds. It is a true privilege to work with SMCS!”
In the 2021-22 school year, 150 students received a total of $1.9 million in assistance. Since 2002, St. Michael’s has awarded approximately $27.9 million in financial assistance to 2,562 students.
This year the golf tournament raised more than $35,000 in support of the financial assistance programme. Fundraising for the programme is a top priority at SMCS with the fund growth enabling more students to attend the school each year.
“I believe in the cause; I believe in reconnecting,” says Patrick Fradley-Davis ’77, a participant for the last three years. “Like many things in life, a good foundation is the basis for success. SMCS has offered all of us the foundation to succeed in all aspects of our lives. Supporting the financial assistance programme extends that same success to a broader potential student population.”
The golf tournament creates opportunities for the school to remain accessible to current and future students — this has been the mission of the Basilian Fathers for the last 169 years.
“This is our first year participating in the SMCS golf tournament and as a new family to the community, we are pleased with the opportunity to contribute and support this programme,” says Patricia Carr, parent of Grade 8 student Andrew McGinnis. “It was a glorious day out on the golf course, and we met some really great people from the St. Mike’s community! We look forward to next year!”
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