NORTH BATTLEFORD - The Wayne Pruden Memorial Golf Tournament is back for its 25th year, with organizers and supporters marked the occasion with their kickoff event Wednesday.
The event at Porta Bella restaurant Aug. 18 allowed Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation to drum up interest in the golf tournament happening Monday, Sept. 13, at the North Battleford Golf and Country Club. It was also a way to thank sponsors for stepping up to the plate.
A big cheque was waiting for them at the kickoff event: a $6,000 donation from master sponsor Innovation Credit Union. Rosalie Payne, senior vice-president of consumer banking, was on hand to present the cheque on behalf of Innovation Credit Union.
“We really, really believe in supporting this, the Wayne Pruden Golf Tournament, because we believe a healthy community is dependent on the health of residents within it,” said Payne. “And because of the money that this has raised, people have been able to stay in our own local community and get the health care needs they need.”
Other donations that have come in are from M and M Meats who are sponsoring the banquet, as well as from North Battleford Golf and Country Club for sponsoring the green fees.
North Battleford Golf and Country Club has been home for the Wayne Pruden tournament since the beginning.
The tournament is a major fundraiser for the BUH Foundation. Funds raised in 2021 will be supporting a new cuddle bed specifically designed for palliative care patients, which can accommodate two people and allow family members to be close to each other.
Over the previous 24 years the tournament has raised $537,000 towards health care in the Battlefords.
This year marks a return to the tournament’s familiar format, as last year’s event took on a virtual format due to COVID-19 restrictions. Registration opens for this year’s event at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 13 and the shotgun start takes place at 11 a.m.
At the launch event Wednesday, BUH Foundation board chair Sue Pruden-McIvor thanked all sponsors, golfers and donors who have helped them reach the 25th Anniversary milestone.
“This tournament speaks highly of the spirit of volunteerism that Wayne exemplified within his family and friends, businesses and organizations within the community. Community support has allowed this tournament to continue for 25 years and has helped to make it so successful.”
