Golfers and business community help drive school fundraiser success

MITCHELL CRAIG

THE annual Gunnedah Combined Catholic Schools P&F Golf Day is on track to raise more than $10,000 after attracting strong support from local businesses, golfers and volunteers.

About 50 businesses backed this year’s event, helping generate more than $9,000 in sponsorship before a ball was even hit.

The popular fundraiser, organised by the Combined Catholic Schools Parents and Friends Association, supports students at St Xavier’s School and St Mary’s College, with all proceeds returned to the two schools.

The business community jumped on board to raise $9,000 before the event. Photo: GCC.

A field of 108 golfers took to the course, with the golf day continuing to rank among the P&F’s biggest and most successful annual fundraisers.

“We get sponsorship from businesses and prizes, and we run raffles and 100 clubs. All the money goes back to the schools,” Combined Catholic Schools P&F president Mikaela Elsley said.

“We had raised over $9,000 in sponsorship before the actual day happened and before all the teams signed up.

Kids were a big part of the event with money raised going towards both schools. Photo: GCC.

“We’re hoping to get over $10,000 once everything is finalised.”

Elsley said the event’s success was made possible by the generosity of local businesses, sponsors, volunteers and the Gunnedah Golf Club.

“The golf club does a great job. They essentially let us use everything for free, and then we provide a barbecue for all the players,”she said.

It was a family affair at the event this year. Right: Kids were a big part of the event with money raised going towards both schools. Photos: GCC.

Funds raised are shared equally between St Xavier’s School and St Mary’s College at the end of each year, with each school deciding how to spend its allocation.

Previous fundraising has helped purchase equipment including barbecues, allowing the schools to host events and provide meals for students during special activities.

The Gunnedah Combined Catholic Schools P&F group ran another successful fundraiser. Photo: GCC.

With the annual debutante ball and golf day now complete, the P&F will focus on smaller fundraising activities for the remainder of the year, including raffles and catering at community events.

“We’re always busy, but we have some great volunteers and we try and pop up wherever we can,” Elsley said.