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Bamford brings stars, raises dollars for fundraiser

In a whirlwind of flashing guitars and swinging golf clubs, the sixth annual Gord Bamford Charity Golf Tournament was able to raise
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Country superstar and philanthropist Gord Bamford raised well over his intended goal at his celebrity-studded annual golf tournament

In a whirlwind of flashing guitars and swinging golf clubs, the sixth annual Gord Bamford Charity Golf Tournament was able to raise much more than it had initially hoped.

On Aug. 7 and 8 at the Sheraton Red Deer and the Lacombe Golf and Country Club, an array of country stars, TV and radio personalities, NHL players and community members with big hearts gathered to raise $355,000 for a number of children’s charities.

Bamford started the tournament six years ago in a flash idea to support more children’s charities — an important aspect of his life.

“We raise money; it was just kind of a bunch of people wanting to play golf. And it’s really exploded since then,” said Bamford.

Each year the event sells out and 700 people with open hearts and wallets dined at the pre-gala in Red Deer this year.

Singer and KG Country radio personality Tera Lee remembers attending the initial event, where the performers used a flatbed truck right on the golf course as their stage.

“So we’ve seen the event grow into this massive night we’re going to all share tonight,” said Lee.

Since it began six years ago, donations, sponsorship and attendance have all increased. “I think it means a lot to them that they (celebrities) care about their area.

Keith Luft, senior vice-president of PennWest Exploration, the title sponsor of the event, jumped at the chance to work with Bamford after seeing how he handled involvement with Alberta 4-H.

Luft was also attracted to the grassroots feel of the event. “It’s very important for us that we re-invest in the communities we live, operate, (and) our families are in.”

Although Bamford is the face and public driving force behind the event, the humble superstar isn’t shy about laying a thick layer of credit on those who work to make the event possible.

“You don’t do none of that stuff without surrounding yourself with great people. That’s really where it starts and ends,” said Bamford.

“They got a passion for what I do and they have a passion for what we want to accomplish. Everybody’s hearts are in it for the right reason,” he added.

The charities the proceeds are given to include the Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and many children’s hospitals across the province.

Tyler Gauthier, 14, was the Make-A-Wish recipient this year.

On Dec. 21, 2012 Gauthier and his family found out he had a tumor that took away the hearing in his left ear and was affecting his facial nerves. On Dec. 7, 2013 Gauthier and his family will board a Disney cruise as his wish.

County singer, actress, and TV host Beverley Mahood takes a personal interest in the accomplishments the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation strives to achieve.

“It stems from everything I do. If there’s a child involved I never say no,” Mahood explained.

“It comes from maybe not having a great childhood and making sure I take care of all the other kids out there. If I see a kid hurting I just know what that feeling is cuz I felt it . . .But I’m having a great adulthood. I’m in the best place I can be,” she added.

Mahood’s friends and fellow country artists, Michelle Wright and Patricia Conroy, also believe in the importance of using their status and talents as a means of giving back to the children.

Other celebrities who attended the event this year included country singers Buddy Owens, Justin McBride and Emerson Drive’s Brad Mates, NHL player Theoren Fleury and Dragons Den panelist Brett Wilson.

During the auctioning off of celebrities for golf teams, Wilson purchased CFCW radio personality Jackie Rae Greening for $5,000; the highest paid for a person that night. Wilson then donated her to a golf team.

The day of the tournament, Aug. 8, Greening, with humour, tweeted “Thanks to @WBrettWilson for paying big bucks for me to golf today #gordbamfordclassic. 1 problem. I’m a curler, not a golfer. #ohwell.”

During the live auction a backyard barbecue and concert by Bamford sold for $60,000. “That’s a record. For one item never has that happened,” said Tracey Feist with Ground Words Communications.

Two companies were locked in a bidding war for the barbecue and the highest bidder paid close to $30,000. Bamford told the second company if they too would pay $30,000 he would perform at a second barbeque.

“I’m such a stickler for kids . . . It’s probably the most gratifying thing that I do in my career,” said Bamford.