Shooting a unique round of golf in support of worthy causes has never been dampened by snow, rain, or even a pandemic.

This year, golfers in the Monumental Tournament of Aces were treated to a more typical fall afternoon and along the way raised over $80,000 for the Big Hill Haven, Cochrane Search and Rescue, and local initiatives of Cochrane Rotary Club. The Lindsay Leigh Foundation also received a portion but turned it back to the Big Hill Haven.

Tournament chair Glen Gryzko lists the fine fall weather among the highlights, but he also speaks highly of the Big Hill Haven's involvement in making it a huge success.

"They're just an amazing group to deal with," says Gryzko. "There's a bit of an expectation that they'll engage, but they did far and above what we expected of them."

Besides golfing, he says they helped in finding sponsorships and auction items.

Big Hill Haven chair Valerie Gilmore says they appreciated the opportunity offered by the charity tournament.

"It's astounding, it's mind-blowing, it's awe-inspiring," says Gilmore. "Big Hill Haven is completely dependant on our community, our sponsors, and the businesses and community organizations that support us to help families live healthy and safe lives."

The Haven's mission is to end the cycle of abuse and violence by raising awareness through prevention, intervention, and education.

"Cochrane has always been the type of town that just gives and keeps on giving. They've always risen to the bar and rose the bar for us and have always stepped up to the plate for everything that we've asked for."

Kelly, Dianne, and the entire Kimmett family created the charity event, and continue to play a large role. Among other things, Kelly is there to make sure the holes are set up just right.

He does have somewhat of a favourite hole at The Links of GlenEagles.

"I think my favourite is Number 4 because Dianne got a hole-in-one there. It's probably also the one I don't like the most because I'm the only one in the family who has never had a hole-in-one in 50 years of golfing."

In 14 years, the tournament has raised over $1.2 million for countless causes. It was created in memory of their daughter Lindsay Leigh, who was tragically taken by a single-vehicle rollover in which she was the seat-belted passenger.

He says the Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Foundation has now raised $3 million, and most recently sponsored a movie made of Martin Parnell's participation in a marathon in Afghanistan. He says the film will be shown in schools.

"It's unfortunate what's happening over there, but maybe somebody over there will see things differently, and something will grow from it."

Tournament chair Gryzko says he has tremendous respect for the Kimmett Family for how they have persevered and created a positive legacy for their daughter. 

"I feel so strongly about what they have done and gone through and how they have an incredibly positive impact with everything they do. They're just amazing people."

The Rotary Club is scheduled to make the official cheque presentations next week.