A group of avid golfers were out on the course for a good cause despite the cold, wet weather.
The 39th annual Broken Balls golf tournament took place Sunday, Dec. 7, at Maple Ridge Golf Course, raising money and food for the Friends In Need Food Bank.
There were 126 golfers in attendance.
“A record” said Alphonse Seward, an original participant whose friend John Johnson founded the event.
Golfers raised more than $6,400 and 750 pounds of food this year for people in need in the community.
The tournament was named after the first golf tournament in 1986, a day so cold that their golf balls kept breaking.
“We had a great day and said let’s do it again next year,” said Seward.
Seward said his son Adam Seward and wife Kelly and members of the Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue have since taken on organizing the event.
But, he also wanted to recognize Coreen Johnson, John’s wife, whom, he said has given countless amount of her time helping out.
“John and I are still there enjoying less responsibility and being ambassadors,” noted Seward, saying how proud he is of the men and women who keep showing up.
“It started out as a bunch of friends just trying to have fun,” said Seward. “And it’s still that way in many respects.”
Seward explained that they don’t rely on sponsorship for the event, although they get some sponsorship for the gifts and prizes they give away at the end of the tournament.
And, he said, the tournament is not expensive for the players and is a kick-0ff to the holiday season, when the group can get together to have a little fun.
“But we still pass the hat and do what we can to help our fellow man,” he said.
To donate to the Friends In Need Food Bank go to: https://friendsneedfood.com/.