Foundation tees off with successful fundraiser

MORE THAN 120 golfers have teed off and helped raise more than $106,000 for those doing it tough in the Greater Geelong region.

Nearly 40 businesses participated in the Give Where You Live Foundation (GWYLF) 33rd annual e&s Golf Classic at the Curlewis Golf Club earlier this month.

The event included a standard golfing round, as well as a new Driving for Change challenge for non-golfers to get involved in.

More than 30 guests took part in the new program which featured time in the driving range, mini golf and plenty of fun activities.

All golfers also were spoilt to a luncheon, live entertainment and a fundraising auction led by Whitford Real Estate’s Peter Forte.

GWYLF chief executive officer Zac Lewis said the event provided laughs and great networking opportunities all the while raising important funds for the community.

“In my first week as CEO of the Give Where You Live Foundation, it was wonderful to take part in the e&s Golf Classic and witness the generosity of the Geelong business community firsthand.

Seeing so many people come together on both the Curlewis greens, and driving range was fantastic. A huge thank you to our long-term presenting partner e&s, our venue sponsor Curlewis Golf Club, luncheon sponsor Adroit and all of the businesses who participated and donated prizes.”

Since its inception, the event has now raised more than $2.3 million for those doing it tough in Greater Geelong.

“We’re working hard to create a fairer Geelong and we can only do that with the support of our community, ” Mr Lewis added.

“As the cost of living continues to rise we’re seeing more and more people in Geelong facing unemployment, homelessness, and struggling to put food on the table.

“The amazing efforts of all of our sponsors, prize donors and participants will help those most in need in our community.”

The event’s winning team from Kerr’s Hire took home a year’s supply of golf balls, wine from Leura Park and the coveted Kaye Sinclair trophy.