On Sunday, Feb. 25^th more than 100 individuals participated in the Kelowna Kinsmen’s 20^th Annual Pub Putt Tour to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis research.  This was the most successful Pub Putt tour we have hosted in twenty years and we thank all the teams for their hard work fund raising.  We also extend a big Thank You to the participating pubs for their dedication to making this a fun, memorable and a worthwhile event due to their generosity.  Each Pub did a wonderful job preparing their courses with golf creativity.  We can’t thank our sponsors enough for covering the operating expenses so 100% of all the pre-registration pledges & funds “raised-on-tour” by the participants are dedicated towards CCFF in the efforts to find a cure and improve living conditions for CF suffers.

The individual to raise the most money in pledges was Shirley Nagy (with an astounding $920), followed by Laura & Michelle from Breakers ($637/ea.) and Stacey Thomas ($635).  The teams to raise the most money in pledges were; the OCSC Putt-Skis ($3,321), Breaker’s Maids & Boys ($1,282) and Terry Glitter & the Swingers ($1,265).  Through pledges and canvassing of donations from the generous patrons of the six participating pubs, donations from all participating teams totaled $14,662.21.  With some additional fund-raising by way of auctions, raffles, and patron donations plus a little extra from the Kinsmen the total donation to CF from this event is $17,500.

We would especially like to sincerely THANK everyone involved, with special mentions to the Boys & Girls Club of the Central Okanagan, our dedicated Volunteers, Designated Drivers and our Registration Team representing CF (Pirjo Holt, Don Magnusson and Gary Wilson).

It is the goal of all Kin in Canada to find a cure for CF and our Association has been partners in the fight against CF for over 40 years.  In that time we have raised an average of $1 million dollars per year.  Each year we have provided this support has resulted in another year added to the life expectancy of those who suffer this dreaded disease. In the 1960’s it was expected that a child with CF might live to see their 6^th birthday.  Today, many CF suffers are surviving well into their 40’s and are having grand children.  The Kelowna and area Kinsmen have raised their portion of funds for CF through the Pub Putt Tour for 19 years (approximately $80,000) and now with this year’s total added $97,500 to date.  In addition to fund-raising much needed funds, we also strive to increase awareness of CF in the community.  Thanks again for the huge success!

We look forward to an even bigger, better event for our 21^st  Anniversary next February 24^th, 2008 (mark your calendars now).

Sincerely, Event Chairman; Scott McKinnon Kelowna Kinsmen Club