​Second annual charity golf tournament raises almost $20,000 for PRANCE

The Pegasus Riding Association Nurturing Challenged Equestrians (PRANCE) hosted its second annual golf tournament, Friday, Sept. 26, at The Club at Westlinks in Port Elgin, raising almost $20,000 for the charity.

PRANCE is a therapeutic equestrian centre dedicated to the growth and development of individuals with intellectual, physical and emotional disabilities through experiences with horses. It is located north of Port Elgin.

The event featured a 12-hole game of golf, a harvest dinner and silent auction. Golfers enjoyed a perfect fall day on the greens and were treated to an incredible meal prepared by Ristorante Rosina chef Kean Sagloski and his team who generously volunteered their time to PRANCE. All of the ingredients were locally sourced with donations from Black Angus Fine Meats in Thornbury, local farmer Dave Ceksters, Hi-Berry Farm, Unifor and Rabbit Dash.

PRANCE executive director Ann Marie Johnston said the tournament was a great success thanks to the incredible corporate sponsors, Bruce Power, Barry’s Construction, the Boiler Makers Local 128 and Holiday Inn; as well as a dozen hole sponsors and countless silent auction donations.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our amazing community and every individual and business that supported the tournament,” she said. “I also want to acknowledge our PRANCE president, Lori Kohl, for her leadership in bringing this event to life, and the volunteers whose dedication made it possible.”

The highlight for everyone was, undoubtedly, the visit from a special horse named Mickey who returned to posed for pictures and snuggles with the players! His owner, Rebecca Helliwell, was kind enough to bring him to spend the day with the golfers although she was sure to keep him off the greens! It was a fantastic day for all and the organizers look forward to doing it again next year.

PRANCE is an independent registered charity that has operated in Saugeen Shores for more than 30 years and relies on community support to carry out its mandate to support individuals with special needs through the power of horses! To learn more, visit the website at prance.ca or contact Johnston at 519-832-2522.