Charity Classic tops $320,000

The Motor Dealers of Alberta have raised more than $320,000 at the 26th Annual Charity Classic. 

The event, which is the culmination of months of planning and hundreds of volunteer hours by MDA members and staff, involves a gala dinner, an auction and a golf tournament. Since its inception, the MDA Charity Classic has raised more than $4.8 million for Special Olympics Alberta.

“The dedication of the organizing committee, and support from all of the event sponsors, auction donors, and guests ensures that more than 3,000 athletes get a chance to live a dream,” SOA president Carmen Wyton told the participants. “Thank you for helping celebrate dignity, acceptance and strength.”

Heavy smoke from forest fires in British Columbia significantly decreased visibility on the course and caused some golfers to shoot above their usual handicap, but it didn't deter anyone from participating and enthusiastically supporting a good cause. 

"Although the weather was smoggy and dark on the golf course, MDA Charity Classic participants cut through the gloom with a brightly glowing show of support for Special Olympics Alberta athletes, coaches and volunteers,” MDA vice president Dylan Mackowetzky said.

More than 400 gala attendees were on hand at the Marriott River Cree Resort for the auction, and heard from Special Olympics Edmonton athlete of the year Courtney MacAngus who spoke of the impact that participating in sport has made on her life and expressed her gratitude to the MDA for their support of Special Olympics.

“I am absolutely blown away by the generosity of our industry,” said Doug Airey, general manager of Western Pontiac Buick GMC and chair of the Charity Classic. “Because of the dedication of our members and the bigheartedness of our guests and sponsors, in the past two days, we’ve raised $320,010 for Special Olympics Alberta."

Click here to see photos of the event.