Teeing up for TDMH Hospital Foundation fundraiser

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Local golfers are needed for the 32nd annual TDMH Foundation Golf Tournament.

Slated for Friday, Sept. 11 at the Bridges of Tillsonburg, the event is already two-thirds full, but organizers are looking for full slate to assist with equipment purchases and the bed replacement program at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital (a site of Rural Roads Health Services).

The cost is $800 per foursome, and includes lunch, dinner, golf and a cart, plus the entertaining live auction. Although organizers prefer registration in a foursome, smaller groups can be accommodated. There are a limited number of social tickets for the meal and auctions following.

Lindsay Tribble, foundation development assistant and golf committee chair, said the menu for the meal, which Chrissy’s Catering is catering, is “spectacular”.

“I’ve seen the menu, and he’s gone over and above,” she hinted.

The live auction features some big-ticket items like NHL and London Knights hockey tickets, a six-course dinner for eight people in the buyer’s home catered by Chrissy’s Catering, and a night’s stay in a bed and breakfast at an alpaca farm.

“And you get to spend time with Snickers the Donkey,” said Gerry Dearing, foundation executive director, explaining Snickers is in YouTube videos that have gone viral.

Auctioneer Ewart McLaughlin always adds an entertaining element to the auction.

“You see friends and businesses bidding against each other – it’s a lot of fun,” Tribble said.

The night also features raffle items and a silent auction.

Last year’s tournament raised $52,000, and the tournament is one of the foundation’s major fundraising events of the year.

“We’d love to go above and beyond that,” Dearing said.

Funds raised go towards the foundation’s annual program to purchase large-cost items for the hospital, and its bed replacement program.

“It’s a great community event where our community partners come together to raise funds for our 2026 capital equipment and bed replacement program,” Dearing said.

Outside of golfers, organizers are also looking for raffle prizes, such as gift baskets, and items for the live and silent auctions.

For more information, contact Tribble at Lindsay.tdmhfoundation@rrhs.ca or Dearing at Gerry.tdmhfoundation@rrhs.ca.