When Collene Verbeem asked the community of Stoughton to come out and at a 'wack' at cancer, the community responded in large numbers, bringing another successful year to the fundraising event.
The Stoughton 'Wack Away Cancer' event was held on the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 28.
Dedicated this year to the memory of Grant Raiwet, a well-known and respected farmer from the area who passed away last year after a long and valiant struggle with brain cancer, 84 golfers took part in the tournament at the Stoughton Golf Club.
Playing through a series of interesting challenges, including sinking a putt using a club like a pool cue, and sinking a putt blind-folded, the golfers could be heard from the highway, as high spirits kept the laughter going.
Of course, not every golfer was from Stoughton directly. One golfer, Rod Erza, actually travelled from Regina to take part in the tournament.
"I live in Regina, but I work in the oil industry, so I am down here quite a bit," Erza said. "I always enjoy playing the Stoughton course, so when I heard about this event, I figured it would be a great way to pitch in with the community."
The event has managed to raise considerable funds in the past to help fight cancer, and this year proved to be a successful one as well.
More than $11,000 was raised through pledges, and the auction table, which was filled with goodies donated to the event by area businesses raised quite a bit of money as well, though counting wasn't quite done at the time of this printing.
"I am really pleased that the community came out in such good numbers for the event," Verbeem said later. "It is a very worthy cause, and I think everyone has felt the touch of cancer to someone in their life."
"I really hope that everyone knows how grateful we are for their support and efforts in keeping this event going," Verbeem said. "We have a great and supportive community here, and they really make me proud to live here when I see efforts like this."
The Wack Away Cancer golf tournament is held annually.
