In Calgary, we are lucky to have many annual events that improve with each passing year. Such is the case with this year’s 2013 Priddis Greens Charity Classic, which raised $415,000 in support of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
The 15th annual event took place at the spectacular Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club. Beginning with a fabulous gala evening, the event was a three-day golf extravaganza packed with prizes, gourmet meals and camaraderie on some of the most beautifully maintained greens and fairways in the province.
Guest speaker Andrew Abbott spoke to the group for what many believed was the highlight of the event. Abbott was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 47. He spoke of his experience with prostate cancer, his treatment and his life now living free of the disease. There is little doubt that Abbott’s words played a big part in inspiring the crowd to give generously during the following auction of Fund A Need, which raised an incredible $100,000.
Fund A Need is a program that allows people to donate directly to the Prostate Cancer Centre for its greatest needs programs. Auctioneer Bill Brown of Elevate Auctions got pledges of $1,500 for a phlebotomy chair that allows for Rapid Access blood samples, as well as $10,000 for a nurse for three months to provide one-on-one counselling and support for men undergoing prostate surgery, and even $15,000 for a bladder ultrasound machine.
