Summer Games committee holding first fundraiser

It’s the first step in what will be nearly two years of fundraising.

The Progressive Group of Independent Business (PGIB) of Calgary will host an inaugural golf tournament Sept. 7 at the Woodside Golf Course. The proceeds will go towards the Alberta Summer Games, which Airdrie will host in 2014.

Airdrie was awarded the Games in June and the tournament is the first fundraiser the organizing committee has undertaken. The Games are expected to cost around $2.3 million and Al Jones, committee chairman, said the committee is trying to fundraise as much of that amount as possible.

“It’s a fair amount of money to raise to cover various expenses,” he said. “The Airdrie business community is very generous and a lot of things will be donated, but there are some that will need to be paid for. That’s where this money comes in.”

The funds raised through the golf tournament and subsequent fundraisers will be put towards everything from food for the athletes, to sports equipment and facility maintenance. Jones estimated there will eventually be upwards of 33 committees, all of which will need funding. He also said if there are funds leftover after the Games close, the money will be put into a legacy fund and distributed back to the city.

“It’s very important (that we start fundraising now),” he said. “If you leave it until the last minute, it’s difficult to accumulate the money needed. We’re going to be fairly active over the next 22 months. The earlier we get started and the more frequently we fundraise, the better it is in the long term.

Registration forms for the golf tournament can be obtained from Jones at al@heresthescoop.com The cost is $150 per player and includes 18 holes of golf, a power cart, an awards banquet and prizes. Registration at the course is 8:30 a.m. and shot gun start is 9:30 a.m.