GOOD SPIRIT LAKE — A weekend of fundraising events in support of Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer is set to bring golfers, volunteers and community members together at Good Spirit Lake, with proceeds helping support local cancer care initiatives.
The largest event of the weekend is the third annual AZ Golf for Charity tournament, organized by Good Spirit’s Alec Zawatsky, who launched the fundraiser as a way to give back while creating a signature community event at the lake.
"I've always wanted to give back, and we have a great community out at Good Spirit Acres," Zawatsky said. "There hasn't been very much traffic or events out at the lake, and I said, 'Hey, how can we make a fun day and raise some money for some local initiatives?'"
Now in its third year, the tournament continues to grow. Last year, organizers raised more than $22,000 for local cancer-related initiatives.
The cause has become especially meaningful for Zawatsky and his family, who lost their grandmother to pancreatic cancer last September.
"Last year was a pretty emotional one, but we were able to raise the most money we ever did," he said.
Funds raised through the tournament support cancer care close to home. Last year, proceeds were donated to the oncology department at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre for upgrades to the chemotherapy centre.
"This year we're again partnering with Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer and raising money to help mix and prepare treatment solutions so people can receive chemotherapy closer to home in Yorkton instead of driving to Saskatoon or Regina," Zawatsky said.
The tournament has attracted 150 golfers and strong backing from local businesses and community members.
"We have a lot of great sponsors," Zawatsky said, naming supporters including Player Athletics, Legacy Co-op, Bailey Boy's Towing, Harvest Meats, Stumbletown Distilling, ICR, Cornerstone Credit Union and several individual donors. "It's great. The community really gets behind it."
For Zawatsky, that support is one of the most rewarding aspects of organizing the event.
"It makes me proud to be from there when I see the community show up like that," he said.
The golf fundraiser begins Thursday evening at Good Spirit Golf Course with pre-registration for golfers from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. A hot dog and drink barbecue, open to the public by donation, will run alongside registration.
Tournament play takes place Friday, followed by a social hour, catered dinner, live auction, raffle and cabaret featuring live music.
"We have an 18-hole shotgun format, music on the deck following the tournament, and then our dinner at 6 o'clock," Zawatsky said.
Close Cuts for Cancer will also be holding a pancake breakfast on August 2 at The Beach Store at Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., with pancakes, sausages and a beverage available for a recommended donation of $7 per plate. Proceeds from the breakfast will also support Close Cuts for Cancer's local initiatives.
Since 1998, Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer has raised more than $1.5 million for cancer research and local cancer initiatives across Saskatchewan. Organizers say the ultimate goal is to improve access to care and support for cancer patients and their families.
Event Schedule
Thursday, July 30
Good Spirit Golf Course
• 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Golfer registration
• Public hot dog and drink barbecue by donation
Friday, July 31
Good Spirit Golf Course
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Golf tournament
• 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Social hour (open to the public)
• 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Catered dinner ($35 per plate)
• 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. — Live auction, raffle and prizes
• 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. — Cabaret with live music ($10 admission)
Sunday, Aug. 2
The Beach Store, Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park
• 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. — Pancake breakfast supporting Close Cuts for Cancer (recommended $7 donation)
