It came as no surprise that Tim Cormode would set an example during Thursday’s charity golf tournament benefiting Power To Be, the outdoor adventure-therapy non-profit.
The society’s executive director didn’t just play 18 holes at Cordova Bay Golf Course during the 10th annual Power to Golf fundraiser. He walked several kilometres from first tee to 18th green.
“We try to promote walking as much as possible, because what we do is try to get people outdoors,” said Cormode, who had plenty of motivation this year.
“We’ve now acquired a piece of property and we want to build an incredible place for the families we support,” he said.
The society that since 1998 has provided therapeutic nature-based programs for youth and families in need recently entered into a partnership with the Steele family. It was offered an affordable, long-term lease to create a home base and hub for its nature programs at the site of the former nine-hole Prospect Lake Golf Course the Steeles closed last year.
Businessman and philanthropist Cedric Steele and his son and business partner Shawn were among 144 golfers who came out to support Power to Be, which operates with a staff of 30 and 300 volunteers.
“Now that Prospect Lake is closed, I have a little more time for golf,” Shawn said. “Any time I can get together recreationally with my father instead of talking numbers is a nice change.”
He credited Cordova Bay Golf Course superintendent Dean Piller and his team for grooming the course to perfection, noting it’s one of the few courses in the world certified as an Audubon sanctuary.
“It’s testament to what he’s done out there. It’s a beautiful course and a really nice fit for this event.”
Developer Robert Jawl, whose family provided use of their course, said they were happy to do so because it’s a wonderful cause.
“A lot of my nieces and nephews are active in this charity, and Peter and Ali are very close friends,” Jawl said.
He was referring to philanthropists Peter and Ali Gustavson, who opened their oceanfront home the Atrium at Little Oaks as the venue for Thursday night’s private reception. Between the two events, $360,000 was raised.
“It was mind-blowing. People were in tears,” said communications director Dana Hutchings, recalling poignant testimony from Shelly Tully on how Power to Be’s programs have helped her two sons.
Ann Sobey, a major supporter, bid $30,000 for a Toronto Blue Jays package, including 12 corporate box seats to a Sept. 9 game against the Boston Red Sox and a Marcus Stroman-signed jersey.
A huge rainbow even appeared during the gala, where attendees included Steve Sinclair, the Victoria-born former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher, and retired NHL goaltender and TV sports commentator John Garrett.
“The money we raise isn’t just to meet our program needs, but to start looking at the vision of where we go with this new site,” said Cormode, whose fivesome included former Vancouver Canucks general manager Mike Gillis.
While some might assume the no-nonsense Gillis could be an intimidating partner, Cormode said this wasn’t the case.
“Mike’s a 10 handicap and I’m about a 16,” he said. “We’ve played some fun games but he usually beats me. He’s pretty light and fun, and I feel privileged our organization has such a great relationship with him.”
NHLers who traded their hockey sticks for golf clubs included Dallas Stars player Jordie Benn, who laughingly denied he was a having a Happy Gilmore moment and pursuing a golf career.
“I wouldn’t say hockey does anything for your golf game,” he said. “It’s what a lot of us love to play in the summer, though, and these charity games are always fun to come out to.”
His philosophy is to “just hit the ball as hard as you can — let it rip, and hopefully your partners will hit it down the middle” and have fun, adding he doesn’t beat himself up over his golf game.
“It’s a frustrating sport already, so you don’t have to be hard on yourself, as well.”
