Posted by Noel Halford
A super day of golf was held at the Box hill Golf Club with 80 players and 20 non playing guests. The course was in excellent condition and we benefited from the fact the Box Hill Pro-Am was to be played the following Friday and Saturday.
Special thanks to those Rotary Clubs, corporates and individuals whose act of generosity is greatly appreciated by not only the CHANCES committee but also by the students from financially deprived backgrounds whom we support. 
 
The event was won by a team comprised of Dylan Rash, Ryan Underwood, Griffin Underwood and Jarryd Swift with an Ambrose score of 51. 
Jarryd ( 4.07 metres) also finished runner up to Jonathon O’Donoghue (3.63 metres) in the nearest the pin competition. The car which would have been donated by Kia Chadstone, was not far away – perhaps next year.
 
    
 
The second team of Steven Curtis, Douglas Hawley, Eugene Fitzwilliam and Tony Laycock  managed second with 52.25 followed by hometown heroes, Jonathon O’Donoghue, Simon O’Donoghue who claims to have taught his son Jonathon everything he knows, and the other father son combination Bill and James Troedel with a team score of 53.625.
(Former rugby player and referee Tony Laycock replied to my congratulations with a terse: "Hehe. We were outplayed by young uns who waited for us to walk 60 meters before they hit off!!"  -  Ed.)
 
Chris Hanson, who has hit more holes in one than anyone the writer knows won the straightest drive.
 
The day concluded with a Dinner compered by Graham “Smokey” Dawson ,where the prize winners received their awards.
Chairperson Elida Brereton thanked those for their support of CHANCES and informed those attending just how difficult it can be for talented students who come from a background of financial hardship.
 
Thanks to all those involved in making the event a success particularly my fellow organisers, Robert Hogan  (Rotary Club of Glenferrie), Clinton Sceney (Rotary Club of Yarra Bend) and Lili-Anne Kriegler (Rotary Club of Canterbury). A special mention to Di Gillies  (Rotary Club of Balwyn), and Hawthorn Rotarians, Kim Darcy , David Pisterman and  Hawthorn President, Ian Bentley whose assistance on the day was invaluable. 
 
They all made this important Rotary event such an enjoyable and successful fundraiser for Boroondara Cares Foundation’s Chances Scholarship Program.  The final tally is not in yet, but around $7,000.00 has been raised. You have each made a difference.
 
Photo: The front desk: David Pisterman, Di Gillies, Ian Bentley and Noel Halford.