OACS News Service

Metcalfe school aims to lower tuition with golf fundraiser
Event also strengthens school’s relationships with partner organizations, says co-ordinator
Friday September 18, 2009 -- Michelle Strutzenberger
Community Christian School (CCS) in Metcalfe is holding its third annual golf fundraiser Sept. 19 with the goal of keeping tuition as low as possible.

The all-day event includes a dinner and variety of prizes. Local businesses sponsor various aspects of the tournament.

As with all fundraisers at CCS, the funds raised are directed toward the school’s goal of keeping tuition low in order to make Christian education affordable to as many parents as possible. Last year’s event brought in about $20,000, according to principal Gayle Freeburn.

In addition to bringing in funds, the tournament has a number of other benefits, says co-ordinator Bill Kollaard, a parent and active volunteer at the school, who notes golfing and being involved with a Christian school are two of his favourite things.

“I think the corporate sponsorship aspect of golf  tournaments not only brings the obvious financial benefits to the school, but broadens awareness of the school to members of sponsoring companies that don't normally mingle in our circles,” says Kollaard.

The event is also another way to strengthen the school’s relationships with partner groups like local churches and businesses, he says.

Freeburn emphasizes that the tournament is intended to be a lot of fun, as it has been in past years.

“Essentially you don’t have to be a good player to get involved,” she says with a laugh.

Teams of four begin at various holes with a shotgun start and play best ball.

The evening dinner is top-notch, according to Freeburn, and includes the awarding of prizes and display of pictures taken throughout the day — “usually really crazy pictures.”

Started three years ago as a social event, the golf tournament was changed to a fundraiser after organizers realized its potential as both a relationship-builder and opportunity for supporting the school.

“They felt this was a good way for people to get the best bang for their buck, that not only do you get to know one another really well but it also does support the school in a fun way that makes it easy to raise money for the school,” says the principal.

With about 50 participants last year, most of those from the school, Freeburn says the hope is that more people will participate this year from the larger Metcalfe community as well.

If you have feedback on this article please contact michelle(at)axiomnews.ca or the call the newsroom at 800-294-0051.

The OACS News Service is independently written and produced. The stories are researched, written and posted by Axiom News Service without prior editorial approval from either OACS or their members.

Stories may be reprinted in their entirety with permission and when appropriately credited. Please contact Axiom News at 1-800-294-0051 for more information.