Reach Up 2012 Golf Classic

September 24th was the first Inaugural Reach Up Golf Classic for Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention held at the Kanata Golf & Country Club! I was more than happy to photograph this event for my neighbour and Tournament Chair Jon Lovagi. Jon and Reach Up Co-Chair Mike Dixon and our entire community have learned a lot in the past several years about how our youth are affected by mental illness and the risks of suicide among them. The Tournament is in memory of Reach Up Co-Chair Jon Lovagi’s son Dustyn, who took his own life in 2005. The last thing Jon and Dusty did together, was play a round of golf. Reach Up is now focusing on raising money for the Kanata Haven Youth Centre to help fund its Suicide Prevention Program and D.I.F.D. (Do It For Daron) at The Royal in support of youth mental health. Liam Macguire was the evenings MC and guest speakers included Glenn Kulka, Gerry Backs from the Royal Ottawa Hospital and James Thomas from High Five for Life. Celebrity Golfers included Kurt Stoodley, Jason York, Freddie Braithwaite, Mike Eastwood and Shaun Donovan. What a great success, congratulations! Here are a few shots from the day!