Over 100 golfers united to support STARS Air Ambulance at the White Bear Lake Ladies Golf Tournament, Friday, July 22 at the White Bear Lake Golf Course.
The 2016 tournament winners are: Connie McIntyre, Bev Grimes, Donna Coffey and Alison Dunning; and Lothian says each golfer is committed to the tourney's cause.
“We had 26 teams this year,” says Jacky Lothian, one of the event's organizers. “It was a great success and out two main goals were met: the ladies had a lot of fun and we were able to make a generous donation of approximately $5,000 to STARS.”
“STARS makes numerous medical emergency flights,” adds Lothian. “During the past year alone, 16 of those flights were to Arcola, one was to Kenosee Lake and one was to Carlyle.”
“Whether we're women from urban Saskatchewan or rural Saskatchewan and whether we're from the local area or cottagers from out-of-province, we all understand the importance of STARS to our communities.”
“All of our golfers can relate to STARS,” she continues. “People sometimes assume that rural communities are the only places that directly benefit from the service STARS provides. But urban communities do, as well. For example, if there's a big event like a Rider game or a concert and traffic is tied up, STARS can be counted on to provide medical transport if an emergency arises in a situation like that.”
“As a result, we're happy to welcome new golfers to the tournament, but we get a lot of ladies who come back every year.”
Lothian-along with Colleen Brown and Ev Sillers-organized the first tournament in 2013 to encourage female golfers to have fun on the fairway and to enjoy the White Bear course.
“The first tournament really laid the foundation,” says Lothian. “We wanted to create a great day for a good cause. Thanks to the generosity of so many people-from this area and elsewhere-as well as our many wonderful sponsors and our golfers we're able to support STARS every year.”
“Many people assist in ensuring that the day runs smoothly-we couldn't do it without the staffs at the Bear Claw (Casino) and the White Bear Lake Golf Course, she adds. “Once again, Larry Palmer and his crew had the course in great shape.”
“Thanks to all the supporters of the tournament, the next time they see that 'beacon of hope' in the sky, they say a little prayer for that person whose life is on the line and then pat themselves on the back knowing that their support of STARS is helping to give that person their best chance of survival.”
“It's a fun tournament and we encourage all ladies seeking a fun ladies event to join us next year.”
“It's a great day for a great cause.”
