VDO golf fundraiser generates more than $40,000

By Darren Lum

Ten years on and the annual Volunteer Dental Outreach Golf Tournament continues to be a success thanks to the support of the community.

The day-long event hosted on Aug. 20 at the Blairhampton Golf Club in Minden raised more than $40,000 to fund the operating costs of the VDO for Haliburton County clinic.

VDO founder and board member Lisa Kerr said the organization appreciated the support for the event.

“The board of directors realizes how difficult this year has been for so many people and businesses and really appreciates the support we received for this tournament,” she said in a statement. “It will really help us to continue to provide free dental care for those in need in our community. We were very pleased with the turnout and how smoothly the day went given all the new health protocols to keep everyone safe and would like to thank everyone who helped out, sponsored and participated.”
The event supports the VDO in its effort to provide free dental care to those with financial barriers to seeing a dentist, denturist or dental hygienist. 

As of Monday, Aug. 31, the VDO has treated 1,004 patients, 7,993 appointments, and provided $2,863,160.81 in free dentistry services.

Although the community was the winners on the day of the event, the top golfing honours went to the top team/mixed team of Karen Heise, Landon Kelly, Nyah Kelly and Matt Kelly. The top ladies team was Lynn Bartlett, Dianne Whitmarsh, Lois Maxwell and Marilou Mizzan. The top men’s team was Steve Kerr, Ryan Kerr, J.J. Kerr and Justin Cusato. The most honest team was Howard and Charmaine Clarke, Mark Arike and Michael Proctor. Individual honours for putting and different holes went to Tim and Lynda Wood, Brad and Heather Laviolette, Linda Bradley, Cathy Young, Kevin Golding, Justin Cusato and Roger Trull.

Next year’s event is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 19.