By Jim Fagan
On any other day Noosa Springs is a tough, challenging golf course but recently it put on its happy face. Ask any of the players who took part in the fundraiser for Katie Rose Cottage and they’ll tell you it was a day of fun.
And for the hospice staff it was a day to say thank you for the $32,000 raised for their compassionate work in caring for the dying.
A field of 120 took part, the idea coming from club member Simon Gamble, a former Noosa stockbroker and enthusiastic supporter of the Doonan haven.
“Katie Rose has such a fantastic position in the community,” he told Noosa Today. “When I lived in Brisbane and Melbourne I was involved in a lot of charities but I’ve never seen a charity so highly regarded.
“Here, when you approach a businessman and say I’m doing this for Katie Rose the answer is ‘Yup, I know what it is.’ It is rare to get a refusal.”
Simon said he was fortunate in having on board club members Chrissy Hordern and Peter Catchlove who have organised many golf days and competitions.
“With their terrific connections in the golf industry and with the help of local businesses we had each of the 18 holes sponsored for $500.
“Some wonderful prizes for the competitions, auction and raffles were also donated.”
Carol Raye, chairperson of Katie Rose Cottage, said: “Our hospice is so grateful to the community for the tremendous support we always receive. It was a fabulous day for all with ‘on course’ activities and the charity lunch that followed.
“We sincerely thank all the sponsors along with those who donated prizes and a thank
you, too. for many ‘private donations’ that contributed to the day’s success.”
She also thanked “all the Katie Rose and Noosa Springs volunteers and the golf day committee Simon, Chrissy and Peter.”
NOTE: The event, a two-ball stableford, was won by David Connolly and Adam Watts of Century 21.
