In the News

[Jeffrey Reed]

For Immediate Release
Tee Up A Toonie
London Anti-Bullying Coalition Fundraiser Huge Success,
Golf Tournament, Larger Event Planned For 2011


Monday, August 9, 2010 (London, ONT) – The 1st Annual Tee Up A Toonie fundraiser for the London Anti-Bullying Coalition (LABC) August 6-7 was a huge success.

In total, $600 was raised for LABC programs and efforts promoting awareness and prevention of bullying. LABC co-founder Corina Morrison says all money raised at this past weekend’s event will support those endeavours for two full years.

Tee Up A Toonie for LABC saw London Ontario Golf – www.LondonOntarioGolf.com – editor Jeffrey Reed hit close to 600 (595) golf balls during an 8-hour span from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 7 at Green Par Practice Range in London. Supporters also purchased golf balls for $2/each and placed them in buckets beside Reed’s tee blocks. Everyone who donated $2 or more had their name entered in a draw for $500 in golf gear, apparel and accessories, courtesy LondonOntarioGolf.com and Wilson Golf. The winner: Don Hughesman of London.

“The LABC is thrilled to have partnered with Jeffrey Reed and London Ontario Golf on this exciting fundraiser. Jeffrey’s story of battling physical challenges and bullying is inspirational,” said Morrison.

A disabled athlete who overcame challenges to pitch semi-professional baseball for the London Majors of the Intercounty Baseball League, and today a low-handicap golfer, Reed is thrilled to have partnered with LABC.

“As a youngster, I faced bullying – it’s a societal issue which touches us all. Raising money through a golf marathon – and with physical challenges – was one of the most rewarding efforts of my life. Knowing LABC will benefit for two years through the efforts of our entire volunteer team truly warms my heart. This fundraiser was all about awareness. Hats off to Corina for her vision and ongoing efforts.”

Speaking of efforts, here are some facts ‘n figures from Reed’s 8-hour marathon:

• 595 golf balls hit to various tees of 110 yards, 160 yards, 230 yards and 340 yards
• Two sets of clubs used included: Wilson Staff Di6 3-iron; Wilson Staff Ci9 irons 4-PW; Wilson Staff FYbrid HS 19.5° FY club and 21° hybrid; Wilson Staff Smooth driver 9°; and Wilson Staff Tw9 wedges, gap 50°, 6° bounce and sand 54°, 10° bounce
• Clubs most often used (in order): FY 3-hybrid; FY 19.5°; and Ci9 7-iron
• One glove used: Wilson Staff FG Tour glove. One pair of shoes worn: Ecco Ultra Performance

“Wearing a Majors uniform for two seasons was a miracle event,” said Reed, whose tells his story, Diamond Dream: A Story of Hope and Determination, as a much sought-after public speaker. Read his story here http://www.jeffreyreedreporting.com/speaking.htm. “Working at becoming a low handicap golfer has also taken much determination. Now, when I speak to classrooms and business groups, I can draw upon Tee Up A Toonie in order to inspire others.”

This inaugural Tee Up A Toonie fundraiser also included a kickoff party at Jim Bob Ray’s in London, where a silent auction also helped raise money for LABC. Adds Reed, “We kept our event small – but effective – this year. Thank you to everyone who supported us during our charter event. It all came together in less than a month. Already, we are looking forward to a larger event in 2011, which will include musical entertainment, a larger silent auction and a golf tournament at The Fox Golf Club, just north of London.”

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For more information on LABC, contact:
Corina Morrison
519/473-5214 or corina@londonabc.ca

For more information on Tee Up A Toonie for LABC, and for high-res images, contact:
Jeffrey Reed
519/643-6334 or jeff@londonontariogolf.com

About London Anti-Bullying Coalition
The London Anti-Bullying Coalition (LABC), established in 2005, is an independent, non-profit organization, which strives to foster a culture of awareness, respect and equality for all students in every school, thus eliminating the problem of bullying.

About LondonOntarioGolf.com
Established in 2005, LondonOntarioGolf.com is London & Southwestern Ontario’s Online Golf Resource. Editor Jeffrey Reed recently captured 1st Prize for Website Feature Story, awarded by the Golf Journalists Association of Canada, for his Reed On The Greens twice-weekly column.