The 21st annual Brind’Amour/Nugent-Hopkins Cystic Fibrosis Golf Classic, held last Saturday was a phenomenal success once again. The total raised this year was $100,000.
“A huge thank you to the golfers, tournament sponsors and people of Campbell River who attended the dinner to support this worthwhile charity,” said Grant Stewart, co-chair of the organizing committee.
The day began with 155 golfers teeing off under gray skies at Storey Creek Golf Club. Each and every golf team met for a photo with Rod Brind’Amour and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Following that they got to play the signature 17th hole with the two NHL stars.
The winning team, with a score of 18 under par, was Joe Knight, Chris McDonald, Joel McGee, Chris Boyd and Jesse Debodt.
However, after listening to Michael Hamilton speak about the daily grind of living with Cystic Fibrosis and how the research and treatment are benefiting CF patients, golfing and winning the tournament is secondary as to why everyone is involved. Kim Wood spoke eloquently and presented a video of Brind’Amour being inducted into the Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame. Winding up the after-dinner presentations, Brind’Amour spoke from the heart about how important it is to remain aware of the CF charity.
“It is fantastic that people support various charities with donations, but it is important to remember ‘why’ we are all here and we care,” he said.
He also spoke about the importance of keeping in touch with friends as you never know what life will bring around the corner. A short video of Nugent-Hopkins’ accomplishments was shown before he spoke about his involvement in the fight against CF and how Campbell River feels like a second home to he and his family.
“Rod and Ryan are a class act and both are a huge reason the tournament and dinner are a sell out every year,” Grant said.