Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff was at the first Mayor’s Mulligan Golf Tournament when it began 22 years ago and with his second term in office coming to an end, it was an emotional time to be back on the links one last time.
“Very depressed and very sad,” Boshcoff said when asked how he was feeling. “It’s my last one.”
The annual tournament in support of PRO Kids Thunder Bay was held on Friday at the Strathcona Golf Course. With clear skies and warm temperatures, Boshcoff said he couldn’t have asked for a better day to bid farewell to the tournament as mayor.
“This one and several like it just shows the strength of our community,” he said. “That you can actually enjoy yourself and still contribute to making our community a better place and on a day like today you can’t ask for more.”
It was the first Mayor’s Mulligan Golf Tournament for Grace Power, PRO Kids Thunder Bay co-ordinator. She knows the importance it has for the organization, being one of its biggest annual fundraisers.
The tournament usually raises more than $25,000, and Power said this year they are projecting to raise $30,000. All of the money raised stays in Thunder Bay, she said.
“We directly support children and youth right here in our community and all the funds raised today will help get local children and youth into sports, art, recreational, and cultural opportunities for families who have financial barriers and wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate,” Power said.
More than 120 golfers participated in the tournament this year and Boshcoff said he was happy to see all the people coming out to enjoy the day and support a community organization dedicated to helping youths in the community.
“The point is people are coming out, everyone is smiling, and putting their hands in their pocket and donating,” he said.