Higher proceeds mean more money for worthy causes

The Kingsmith Monumental Tournament of Aces raised the most in recent years, thanks in part to its new title sponsor Kingsmith Builders.

Last week, the Cochrane Rotary Club presented a total of $85,000 from the proceeds of the annual novelty tournament.

"It was 100 per cent a smashing success," says chair Glen Gryzko. "We did extremely well and set a record for the recent proceeds generated by the tournament."

He says it typically raises about $80,000 but having Kingsmith Builders come on board as the first-ever title sponsor helped them raise the bar. It's a relationship he hopes will continue in the future.

Funds generated will help develop new playgrounds at Glenbow and Westbrook schools, expand BGC of Cochrane & Area, and buy a new bus for Big Hill Lodge. The Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Foundation and Cochrane Search and Rescue also received a share of the tournament proceeds.

Gryzko has called it a day as tournament chair and says reaching a new plateau makes for a great swan song.

"It's my tenth year of managing the tournament, and it's time to let somebody else step in and keep the momentum going. I'm certain with the group in place it will continue to be an amazing project."

Gryzko, though, won't be completely disappearing from the project's landscape. He's treasurer of the Rotary Club and you're sure to see him on the course when the 17th annual is held next year.

There's absolutely no tournament in the Cochrane area like the one created by the Kimmett Family as a fundraiser for the Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Memorial Foundations.

Gryzko says what Kelly and his family created is truly special.

"It has done an incredible amount of good, and that's what motivated me personally, and I've known Kelly for about 30 years."

Everyone brings a bag of clubs to play the nine holes, but honestly, you only need two, maybe three, to play the novel challenges created.

Even in poor weather, like this year, it doesn't dampen the spirit of participants.

"It's always just a fun event," says Gryzko. "I think what attracts the people every year is it's just so much fun. It's not whether they win a prize or get a hole-in-one or whatever, it's just being there and enjoying the camaraderie."

This is the 16th year of the tournament and in that time has raised over $1.325,000 for many worthy causes. The Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Foundation has raised over $3.5 million for projects here in town and all over the world.

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