As senior partner of a prominent law firm, most people know Paul Nixon for his role assisting clients with various legal matters.
But it’s his work behind the scenes that has earned him the 2014 Good Guy of the Year title.
Nixon has been involved with the North Okanagan Community Life Society’s Charity Golf Classic every year since it started 23 years ago.
“He’s supported us for years,” said Garry Molitwenik, NOCLS executive director.
“Paul just doesn’t bat an eye, he’s there.”
Which is why the NOCLS committee has proudly handed Nixon the title of Good Guy.
Although he prefers to help out in the background (he puts a team together but doesn’t actually golf), Nixon is honoured to be recognized. But for him, it’s just an easy cause to get behind.
“It (NOCLS) is an organization in our community that makes a tremendous difference in the lives of our community who need, and certainly deserve, assistance,” said Nixon, whose biggest reward is just helping to make a difference in the lives of others.
Supporting NOCLS through events such as the Charity Golf Classic does just that, as funds raised help integrate mentally and physically challenged individuals into the community.
The event tees off this year May 2 on the greens at the Vernon Golf and Country Club (12:30 p.m. shotgun start), with a barbecue and caddy auction May 1 in preparation of the event.
“It’s all about helping NOCLS and having fun,” said Rick Dubois, Golf Classic committee member.
In fact, you don’t have to know your way around the course to take part.
“I really want to stress the fun factor,” said Dubois. “It’s not about being a good golfer.”
But there is plenty of incentive to make your swing matter – a chance at more than $100,000 in prizes.
Along with longest drive, closest to the pin and team prizes, there are sensational hole in one prizes.
Vernon Dodge Jeep is sponsoring a hole with a 2014 vehicle, Capri Insurance and Summit Financial’s Dean Barnard are each sponsoring a $10,000 hole in one cash prize and there is also a $20,000 hole in one package put together by City Furniture and Dream Easy Kitchen.
There are also a number of local celebrities who are pitching in their support for the event.
People such as Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster, Vernon Coun. Juliette Cunningham and gold medal Paralympians Sonja Gaudet and Ina Forrest are offering their services as caddies.
The caddies, many of whom bring extra prizes and services to the table, will be auctioned off Thursday May 1, during the team draw night which includes a barbecue.
Then day two of the fun gets underway with a shot gun start Friday May 2 at 12:30 p.m. Refreshments, auction, supper, awards and a video presentation follow.
“We’ve got a good contingent already,” said Molitwenik, as there is only room for 144 golfers. But there is still room, and Molitwenik is hopeful more players will step up to support the cause this year.
“In the last two years we haven’t been sold out and the previous 20 years we have been sold out.”
For more information or to take part call 250-545-5153 or email Garry.Molitwenik@nocls.com
