The first Annual Mike Heath Memorial Foundation Golf Tournament was a roaring success last week, raising upwards of an incredible $20,000, which was matched by another charitable foundation.
The event was organized by Heath’s family and friends and held at Mylora Golf Course on Sidaway Road and was organized to honour the life of the Richmond man, who passed away two years ago, age just 36, from a rare heart condition known as inherited long QT syndrome.
The money raised is going to the Inherited Arrhythmia Clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital, the Children’s Heart Clinic at BC Children’s Hospital and Canucks for Kids.
A total of 88 golfers teed off shotgun-style last Friday, raising funds and winning prizes along the way.
Happy Gilmore hole was a hoot
The 12th hole – Heath’s jersey number - was designated the “Happy Gilmore” hole after one of his favourite golf comedies.
According to his father, Tom, the idea generated “lots of laughs as golfers had to take a running start to hit their tee shot, as well as use a golden hockey stick for a putter.
“Humorous clips from the movie soundtrack were played after particularly awful shots from the tee.”
They were joined in the clubhouse by another 40 or so people for the post-round banquet, where a raffle was held for several donated prizes that included an autographed Thatcher Demko jersey and photo, as well as a pair of club seats to a future Canuck’s game.
More than $20,000 was raised at the event, which was supplemented, in no small measure, by a generous gift of $20,000 from the CIBC Wood-Gundy Park Place Foundation.
The Heath family, added Tom, was “grateful to the sponsors and many individuals and organizations providing silent auction items.
“We deeply appreciate the contributions of both those who took part in the day and those who donated directly to the foundation's website.
“Mike's memory is kept alive by the generosity of his friends and community. We look forward to another fun and successful event next summer.”
