SEVENTY-TWO players took part in the Go Girls Charity Golf Day held at the Leongatha Golf Club on Sunday, May 4.
Through ticket sales, a meat and wine raffle, a live auction and hole sponsorship, a total of $22,050 was raised – smashing the goal of $20,000.
The funds will go towards Go Girls South Gippsland Program, which will start in September.
The four-month program assists women to find focus, direction and independence.
It empowers women at risk in the community and encourages them to take control of their lives.
“This golf day will support our fifth program in South Gippsland,” Go Girls Foundation CEO Michelle Jobson said.
“Go Girls works with many women who have experienced family violence. Women in the region are terribly socially isolated and are battling mental health issues. Our four-month program assists them to become part of their local community.
“Many of our Go Girl Graduates are now leading fulfilling lives, either working or are volunteering in their communities. We help the women create a vision for their future.
“During the program, the women form friendships, and many feel connected back into their community. At the end of the program, a special celebratory luncheon is held for the women at the Inverloch RACV Resort.
“Local women train as volunteer mentors so that the women are mentored for six months after the completion of the program.”
Go Girls Graduate Annie Terese said the program offers a safe, welcoming environment, and has been a blessing in her life.
“Keep your heart open, face your fears and it will be okay,” she said.
An Ambrose style event was played, and awards were presented to the top men’s team, top women’s team, best-mixed team, nearest the pin, men’s longest drive, and women’s longest drive.
Awards were also presented to best-dressed man and woman.
Volunteers were on deck, supplying a cooked breakfast and all-day sausage sizzle, and were thanked for their time.
The following local sponsors were also thanked – Ray White Leongatha, Ray White Wonthaggi, Inverloch Accommodation, Coast To Coast Conveyancing, Mortgage Brokers Co, Burra Foods, Bruce
McMullin Foundation, Melina Bath MP and Jordan Crugnale MP.
The event was also supported by Melbourne-based sponsor Embrace Wealth, and backed by local donors the Leongatha Golf Club, Mitre 10 Leongatha and Inverloch Foodworks.
An information session for the Go Girls South Gippsland Program will be held at 10am and 1.30pm at the Wonthaggi library on Friday, August 29.
