2005 PGI GOLF TOURNAMENT FOR LITERACY BC
RAISES A RECORD $70,000!

The 15th Annual PGI Golf Tournament on July 12th was a record breaking success! Thanks to our many generous, sponsors, golfers, volunteers and celebrity guests we raised more than $70,000 to support Literacy BC’s programs and services. To date the Vancouver PGI has raised more than $600,000!

For a 15th year in a row it was a sunny day, filled with good times and memorable moments. As guests arrived they were treated to music by local country duo Nikki and Chris Werner. Mayor Larry Campbell popped by to greet golfers before heading to a council meeting.

Peter Mansbridge putting

In addition to playing 18 holes, Texas Scramble style, golfers had an opportunity to challenge our host, Peter Mansbridge to a Putting Contest, which was won by Rick Cluff. Other contests included the Rocky Mountaineer Chipping Contest and a Hole in One sponsored by Lloyd’s Travel. Al Burnett of Canada Post won the Chipping Contest. Unfortunately no one got a Hole in One!

Peter Mansbridge & Rick Cluff

Mayor Larry Campbell

Mayor Larry Campbell joined us once again for the awards dinner and enlivened the live auction with an authentic Oilers toque worn the night of the outdoor hockey match between Edmonton and Montreal.

PGI Host, Peter Mansbridge

MC, Robb Lucy

An awards dinner hosted by PGI National Spokesperson, Peter Mansbridge and our infamous MC, Robb Lucy, recognized our many skilled golfers, including our winning golf team from Manulife Financial.

First Place Team Manulife Financial: Marc Poier, Shamir Jamal, Glenn Poier and Randy Fisher

In addition to honouring golfers for their performance, the PGIs also recognize people who have achieved in the field of literacy. Colleen Pierre of Burns Lake received the Co-operators Learner Achievement Award, presented every year to a learner who has made exceptional progress in an adult literacy program. Colleen and her teacher Waneta spoke about Colleen’s courageous journey to improve her literacy skills and reminded everyone in the room what the PGI’s are all about.
Peter Podovinikoff of the Cooperators with Cooperators Learner Achievement Award Recipient, Colleen Pierre	Colleen Pierre	Colleen’s teacher, Waneta Nealis

Mick Gzowski

Rob Sanders was awarded the coveted Gzowski Award; presented every year to the person who demonstrates exceptional enthusiasm for both the game and the literacy cause. Rob has been a PGI golfer and prize donor for 15 years. Most importantly Rob always approaches the day with the right spirit. This was exemplified at the 2004 PGI when he ensured that the Learner Award recipient took home several free books. Peter Gzowski's son, Mick, presented the award.

Rob Sanders with Mick Gzowski

Shelagh Rogers shows the audience her broken finger before introducing the 2005 Poet Laureate

The evening was capped off with a poem by the 2005 PGI Poet Laureate Shane Koyczan. Koyczan entertained us with a very funny slam poem about golf and love.

PGI Poet Laureate, Shane Koyczan