Community groups join forces to raise money for new gateway signs

The first annual Community Partners Tournament is being deemed a success before it even begins.

Officials say 72 tickets were sold in advance of this Saturday’s event which includes nine holes of golf at Big Cedar Golf and Country Club (1590 Houston Ave.), swag bags, and dinner. The event goes from 2 to 5 p.m.

Coun. Jennifer Richardson, second vice-president of the Innisfil Lions Club and event chair, explained they have partnered with a number of community organizations for this year's event, including the Rotary Club of Innisfil, CANDY Entertainment, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 547 in Innisfil, Making Change, Innisfil Christmas Cheer, Innisfil Indian Association, Innisfil’s Community4Kids, and Innisfil Community Events (ICE).

The funds raised by this event will be used to purchase and install five community signs. On Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, the Innisfil Lions Club received $500 from the town council's discretionary fund towards the cost of the signs; the first will be installed at the Town Hall.

“Personally, one of my goals has been to find ways to come together with all the different community groups to work together on bigger initiatives,” Richardson said.

“For the Lions Club, it is another way for us to come together and show the community what we can accomplish as a larger group working to better the town of Innisfil," said Richardson.

“The Community Partners Golf Tournament is a first step in supporting the erecting of signs at the gateway to Innisfil,” said Ken Simpson, president of the Rotary Club of Innisfil. 

“The Rotary Club of Innisfil congratulate the Lions Club of Innisfil for this endeavour highlighting the service clubs in the Town of Innisfil. Clubs working together will be a positive step in our (community's) future. We look forward to a collaborative approach to problem-solving and a stronger community," said Simpson.

Participants will be invited to toast to their fellow golfers at this 19+ event — registration for the nine-hole tournament begins at 1 pm, while the shotgun start begins at 2 pm with the best ball being played.

Head chef, Derek Thompson, and his team at Big Cedar will prepare a souvlaki dinner with roasted potatoes, Greek salad, and fresh corn on the cob that will be supplied by IBR Tablegreens.

“Big Cedar is a great club in the heart of Lefroy; it's a hidden gem,” Richardson said.

Swag bags featuring free pizza coupons from Domino’s Pizza, as well as items that will keep golfers going throughout the afternoon, such as granola bars, bottles of water, Kleenex, hats, and golf balls, complete with a sample can of Moosehead Chelada will also be available.

If readers without tickets are feeling glum about missing out, don’t fret.

“This is the first of many,” Richardson said. “I am already planning for the second annual (event)!”

Those interested in sponsoring a hole for $150 can contact Richardson via email at [email protected].