Women’s Media Golf Classic Swings into 25th Year – Raising Money for BC’s Special Kids

The least competitive, most fun, philanthropic golf tournament is swinging into high gear this Friday, September 26th with the 25th annual Women’s Media Golf Classic. The ladies-only event is a raucous celebration, much more so than an actual competitive event. Think drinks at every hole, massage chairs, diamond prizes to be won, laughter, ladies and of course, philanthropy.

Hosted at the Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy, the tournament has raised over 3 million dollars since inception. This year it’s teeing up to support the Pacific Autism Family Centre Foundation in building a centre of excellence for individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Founded 25 years ago when founder Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia was denied a spot in a men’s golf classic and a group of her female “media” friends decided they would start their own! (with men serving as volunteers). The tournament is followed by a Gala open to men and women at the Century Plaza Hotel.

Asked about goals for the tournament, Lisogar-Cocchia said that first and foremost, she wishes to draw awareness of Autism and to the new Pacific Autism Family Centre society. Secondly, the Women’s Media Golf Classic is about providing a fun-filled day for women in media and all our women of non-golf and fun-fundraising.

The event showcases more than the PAFC and Autism, 20 other charities will be on the greens. Working with the PAFC, these charities are all working together to better the quality of lives for people with Autism, as well as their families.

Illustrating the extreme, ultra, non-competitive nature of the tournament, Wendy shared her top three moments from years past, in real quotes.

1. “Where’s the other glove?”

2. “Why can’t I wear my stilettos on the grass?”

3. “FOOOOOOORE!” – in which the woman turned around and had a front tooth knocked out.

After the day of hitting links, the Gala commences at the Century Plaza Hotel and Spa. A live and online auction is bolstering fundraising, with incredible prizes. The online auction is live now till 8pm PST on September 28th and is open to the public.

Sponsors include the Century Plaza Hotel & Spa, Musqueam Golf & Learning Academy, the Vancouver Sun, the Province, CKNW, Jive Communications, Sparkling Hill Resort (donated a $12-15,000 live auction package), Lugaro Jewellers (a raffle prize necklace from the Love C Collection, featuring an 11.6 carat green chalcedony, accented by 0.16 carat TW diamonds, set in 18K white gold).

All proceeds raised go towards helping build the new Pacific Autism Family Centre in Richmond, BC.

The Pacific Autism Family Centre (PAFC) will be a centre of excellence for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, related disorders, and their families. The PAFC’s core purpose is to be a Knowledge Centre: Bringing together state of the art resources for research, information, learning, assessment, treatment and support; while building capacity to address the lifespan needs of individuals with ASD. The goal is to ensure that the Centre builds upon existing lifespan services while at the same time addressing the need for support and services across British Columbia.

To get involved with the tournament and/or the gala, please visit the website.