Hot Day, Hot Golf, Hot Fundraising

18 February 2009

It may have been the hottest day in the Auckland region for more than 130 years, but the heat didn't deter players in a spirited Mayoral Cup Charity Golf Tournament at North Shore City's Takapuna Golf Course last Thursday (12 February).

More than 60 participants joined Mayor Andrew Williams and the Korean Society of New Zealand for the annual invitation-only event, to raise funds for North Shore youth initiatives. 

This year's fundraising saw $19,000 being raised, which will go towards a Mayoral Youth Trust Fund established by Mayor Williams.

Mayor Williams thanked the generosity of many North Shore and Auckland companies/organisations who donated funds and items to be auctioned. Members of the North Shore Youth Council and the YouthBank helped on course with a sausage sizzle and taking sorely needed cold soft drinks around to the players.

Fittingly, Mayor Williams was joined by young rising golf star, Jack Green (8) in his team along with Mr Paul Yoo and Audrey Chung both of the Korean Society. However, their efforts were not enough to win the cup.  That honour went to a mixed team of Simpson Grierson representatives and Takapuna Golf Course members Simon Ha, John Sohn, Greg Allen and Man Sum Chiu.

While on-course treats included Scallop Sandwiches and Tip Top ice creams to help cool golfers down in the intense heat and humidity, things heated up again at the evening's charity auction, run by auctioneer Steve Heywood of Harcourt’s Real Estate. Bidding was intense for items such as lunch with the Mayor and a weekend’s use of a brand new Mercedes.

“I had a great afternoon out there on the course with Jack Green and our friends from the Korean Society.” said Mayor Williams. “At eight years old Jack hits a good ball, and was a most polite and friendly partner. He drove me around in a golf cart and we had a lot of laughs and really enjoyed the day. Jack displays all the best qualities of what we expect from our young people on the Shore, and I am looking forward to this Mayoral Youth Trust Fund supporting worthwhile youth initiatives”.

Mayor Williams together with Korean Society of NZ President, Mr Paul Yoo, were also presented with a birthday cake.  Mayor Williams turned 50 on 13 February, while it was Mr Yoo's 60th birthday on the day of the tournament.

“This has become a wonderful annual event with the support of the Korean Society, and it is most satisfying to see our Korean locals joining with Kiwis and Shore folk to make for a very pleasant day’s golf together. And the after-match function and auction capped off this day of friendship and generosity” said Mayor Williams.

The Council would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support, The Korean Society of NZ Inc, Simpson Grierson, TSB Bank, Coutts Mercedes, McConnell Dowell, Radio Sport, Toyota, Taylormade/Adidas and the Takapuna Golf Course.

 -ENDS-

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