GORD BAMFORD CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC RAISES $355,000

GORD BAMFORD CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC RAISES $355,000
6th Annual Event Supports the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation

(LACOMBE, AB) Gord Bamford isn’t afraid of a little challenge. In fact he met it head on, in true cowboy style, and raised $355,000 for the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation on Wednesday, August 7, 2013.

Since 2008, Bamford has generated over $1 million dollars through The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation to support organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe, in addition to several children’s hospitals across Canada.

“Once again this event never ceases to amaze me and I’m thrilled that we surpassed our set goal of raising $300,000. From the talented musicians who perform and donate their time, to the sponsors who always support us, we are able to help those in need. These are great people and we look forward to working with them every year,” says Bamford. “$355,000 is a lot of money that will help many!”

Tyler Gauthier of Sylvan Lake, Alberta was selected as the Make-A-Wish Foundation recipient. Last fall Tyler was diagnosed on December 21, 2012 with an acoustic neuroma tumor. Tyler and his family were present at the Gala to accept the $10,000 cheque on behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern Alberta. Tyler and his family will be heading out on a Disney cruise on December 7, 2013.

“We were all very touched to be included in such a wonderful evening. The wish families let us know that the program and festivities were very meaningful to them and all they had been through. It was an extraordinary way to celebrate their wish journey and meet the amazing people that brought their wishes to life,” says Joanne Crook, a volunteer wish grantor with Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe and the ME Global Athletic Park of Lacombe will also benefit from some of the proceeds raised at the 2013 event.

Canadian music royalty wowed the 700 people in attendance at the August 7th Gala. Michelle Wright, Aaron Pritchett, Deric Ruttan, Emerson Drive’s Brad Mates, Beverley Mahood, Patricia Conroy, Tera Lee, as well as American singer/songwriters Phil O’Donnell, Buddy Owens and Justin McBride all performed.

Title sponsors PennWest Exploration and Venue sponsor Dow Chemical Canada were joined by Heroes sponsors ATB Business & Agriculture, Downton’s Transport, Gasoline Alley Harley Davidson, Lacombe Ford, M & N Construction, Quinn Contracting Ltd., Sims & Associates Insurance Services and Viking Projects Ltd.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tracey Feist, Ground Words Communications
tracey@groundwords.com
@GroundWords
(720) 254-6194

Gord Bamford talks with Make A Wish Foundation recipient Tyler Gauthier at the 6th Annual Gord Bamford Charity Golf Classic, August 7, 2013.

Gord Bamford poses with Make-A-Wish Foundation Northern Alberta Representatives and wish recipient Tyler Gauthier.

GORD BAMFORD CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC SELLS OUT

GORD BAMFORD CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC SELLS OUT
6th Annual Event Supports the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation

(LACOMBE, AB) The golf teams are full and the Gala evening Exhibition Hall will be filled to capacity, making it a full house for the 6th Annual Gord Bamford Charity Golf Classic, August 7 and 8, 2013.

Since 2008, Bamford has generated over $1 million dollars through The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation (GBCF) to support organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as a numerous children’s hospitals across Canada.

The annual charity golf classic is the vehicle Bamford uses to generate the funds for that Foundation. Each year, top Canadian musicians perform at the pre-golf Gala event, and then are auctioned off to the highest bidder for a place on their golf team. Over 675 people are expected at Gala event, which includes a multitude of Juno and Canadian Country Music Association winning musicians.
Some of Canada’s best in Canadian music will perform on August 7th: JD Fortune (formerly with INXS), Michelle Wright, Aaron Pritchett, Deric Ruttan, Emerson Drive’s Brad Mates, Beverley Mahood, and Patricia Conroy, as well as American singer/songwriters Buddy Owens and Justin McBride.

“With our Gala selling out we expect 675 of our closest friends, sponsors and musicians to be at the Sheraton Red Deer supporting the Gord Bamford Foundation. I am looking forward to next week, and to the monies we raise for those families and children who need it most,” says Bamford.

Keith Luft, Penn West Exploration Senior Vice President will be in the room that night witnessing the events. “The personal commitment from community leaders like Gord and his group is something really special which we wanted to support. It provides a truly unique and “grassroots” opportunity for Penn West to engage in the community and create a positive impact where we live, work and play.” Title sponsor PennWest Exploration is joined by venue sponsor Dow Chemical Canada.

The 2013 event begins with the Celebrity gala, at 4:30 p.m., August 7, at the Red Deer Sheraton Hotel Exhibition Hall. The Charity Golf Classic begins at the Lacombe Golf and Country Club at 8 a.m. on Thursday, August 8.

Official Twitter & Facebook Hashtag: #GordBamfordClassic

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tracey Feist, Ground Words Communications
@GroundWords
tracey@groundwords.com
(720) 254-6194

*The full press kit is available at: www.gordbamfordfoundation.com/media