A local lawyer, a key supporter of the annual NOCLS charity golf classic, has been granted a prestigious honour.
Nixon Wenger’s Gary Weatherill donned the signature cap and jacket as the 2013 Good Guy of the Year Wednesday.
“Your name was right at the top of the list,” said Richard Rolke, North Okanagan Community Life Society golf committee member.
With a grin on his face, Weatherill replied: “There must have been a clerical mistake.”
But after a chuckle he added: “It’s a huge honour, I’m humbled.”
Weatherill is a long-time participant of the annual NOCLS golf classic, which takes place May 3 this year at the Vernon Golf and Country Club.
As such, his continued support is vital in assisting the efforts of the society to assist developmentally disabled individuals.
“It doesn’t work without you guys,” said Garry Molitwenik, NOCLS executive director.
Rolke adds: “The people that come and support the event, they’re critical.”
The tourney, which includes a caddy auction, barbecue and putting contest May 2, draws upwards of 145 golfers.
“It’s a fundraiser, but it’s also a very fun event,” said Weatherill.
The money raised helps NOCLS move clients out of group home situations and into individual living spaces.
“The goal with the funds we’re raising is to get people out into the community,” said Molitwenik.
Rolke adds: “They wind up being in their own homes, just like we are.”
Weatherill is pleased to support the efforts.
“It’s a great organization, everything you do,” said Weatherill.
This year’s caddy auction will include former NHLer Eric Godard, RCMP Insp. Reg Burgess, Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky, Sun FM’s April Lyn, Citizen of the Year Akbal Mund, former Good Guy Danny Miller, The Morning Star and others.
Each of the caddies brings an attractive package of goods and/or services with them to entice buyers, who bid for their favourite caddies May 2.
Then the event tees off with a shot-gun start at 12:30 p.m. May 3, with hole-in-one prizes such as a Dodge Jeep, $10,000 cash and a $20,000 City Furniture and Dream Easy kitchen package.
There are also prizes for longest male and female drive and closest to the pin, awards, an auction, dinner and more.
For more information or to register a team or individual call 545-5153, fax 558-0753 or email Garry.Molitwenik@nocls.com
