Golfers flocked to a Burnaby golf course Thursday for a star-powered annual tournament to raise money for upgrades to the Michael J. Fox Theatre.
Michael J. Fox was joined by his family and 144 golfers to play 18 holes at Riverway Golf Course. The chance to socialize and compete alongside Fox draws quite a crowd every year, according to Gary Morrey, chair of the Michael J. Fox Theatre Society. He said this year’s tournament had been sold out for months.
“It’s 100 per cent the star power of Michael. He’s a Burnaby kid. He’s done so well, he’s very humorous and he comes across very sincere,” said Morrey, who helped create the tournament 17 years ago.
The game was followed by a gala dinner and both live and silent auctions at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown. The entire day brought in between $60,000 to $65,000 for the Michael J. Fox Theatre Society, including $10,000 in scholarships for Burnaby high school students interested in pursuing an arts education. The dinner was highlighted by Fox’s induction into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame.
“We’ve been wanting to induct Michael for quite some time, and now is just the right time,” said Rob Haynes, B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame president. “He’s such a generous man." Fox’s busy schedule prevented him from being in town for previous induction years, said Haynes.
However, Fox’s hall of fame honour was downplayed when tickets for the dinner went on sale, Morrey said.
“We kept it quiet,” he said. “We didn’t want to publicize it because we have to make sure Michael’s not bothered too much … He’s there to enjoy himself.”
The gala featured a musical interlude courtesy of the hometown hero himself, who played a couple songs on his guitar with former high school bandmate Andy Hill, before auctioning it off for the crowd. Garry and Victoria Peters bid $4,000 for the autographed instrument.
“It was really great, (they) bought the guitar then re-donated it back to the theatre so it can be used there,” said Morrey.
The theatre society is planning on using all funds raised to renovate the theatre’s entrance hall and replace seating. The building, which opened in 1993, has never had a major renovation. Morrey estimates full renovations could cost as much as $300,000 and will begin this summer.
The night’s biggest donations came courtesy of sponsors Scotiabank and the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, donating $15,000 and $10,000, respectively. The financial institution and hotel donated the same amounts last year, and many of the event’s major sponsors and donors lend their support year after year.
“People always come up and say, ‘Hey, we want to come again next year,” Morrey said. “There’s some people who’ve been there all 17 years.”
