Chris Cheung’s annual Coogee Bay Hotel Charity Golf Day achieved new heights this year, reaching another million-dollar milestone and the first-ever hole-in-one – taking a $100k prize.
In 1993 the Coogee Bay Hotel (CBH) began its ‘POWcH Day’ in support of the Prince of Wales Hospital, donating $1 from every schooner purchased. Four years later the golf days began.
Last Thursday was the 22nd instalment of the CBH Charity Golf Day, bringing 160 participants and a clutch of celebrities to Bonnie Doon Golf Club for what would be a memorable event in support of Sydney Children’s Hospital (SCH) in Randwick.
Former NRL star Braith Anasta made the rounds, his management company Searoo Sports, aiming at golf and rugby league athletes, was on board as a sponsor, and brought along client Dimitrios Papadatos, 2018 Australian Open runner-up.
Also on site was South Sydney captain Sam Burgess, who set aside personal issues and a niggling shoulder injury to donate his time and offer support on the day. He also brought a jersey from the Rabbits’ winning 2014 season that fetched a high price during the 19th hole auctions.
But the unquestionable highlight was by a member of the Pernod Ricard team on the customary ‘Win a Car’ 11th hole – a 165-metre Par 3. Rep Michael Lokic from Bondi was playing with colleagues Mitch Green, Jacob McGrath and Anthony Vasilis and they had agreed to split any prize.
Lokic’s successful tee shot was met with thunderous celebration by the group and universal congratulations.
“It was a money shot, if you ask me,” exclaimed Cheung.
“The sponsorship for that is through our insurance brokers. We’ve had that going since our inception, had all different cars and brands, but it’s never been won before.
“They have a choice of that car, an Audi S5 worth more than $100k, or $100k to spend on a car, or $100k cash. The lucky man decided to take the cash.”
The total raised in 2019 amounted to $214,050, bringing the event’s cumulative total raised for the hospital to more than $3.1 million.
Each year C-Inc orchestrates the big event, donating the north of $40k in costs plus time, but Cheung is eager to continue.
“We went to all our supporters and sponsors, and we’ve extended our support to the SCH for a further two years,” he pronounced. “We’ll be raising another half-a-million dollars, supporting the fellowship of neurology.”
SCH Foundation CEO Nicole Stokes attended, and thanked Chris and the team for their ongoing support.
“For me the event demonstrates Chris’s long-term philosophy of philanthropy and the importance that he places on working with – and being part of – his local community. It was truly a very special day.”
