Equitable Open Charity Golf Tournament: Golfing for a Cause

On Sunday, September 21st, the Lang Students' Association (LSA) and the Guelph Sport and Event Management Association (GSMA) hosted the second annual Equitable Open Charity Golf Tournament at Arris Valley Golf and Country Club. Tee-off began bright and early at 8AM, marking a day of friendly competition and charitable impact.

The tournament was first imagined last year by LSA President Brooke Willier, who envisioned a unique way to bring the Lang community together while supporting a meaningful cause. "It started as an idea, and quickly became a staple event," says Nate Szubert, LSA VP of Events. "Being part of the events team last year, I knew it would be a tradition going forward."

This year, the tournament sold out to 144 golfers, a 20% increase from its inaugural year. Attendees included Lang students, alumni, staff, and representatives from corporate partners such as Equitable, Techtronic Industries Inc. (TTI), and Scottlyn Logistics. The mix of participants showcased the tournament's unique ability to bring together a diverse range of the Lang community.

Collaboration Behind the Scenes

The partnership between the LSA and GSMA was central to the tournament's success. "Both teams bring unique strengths to the table, combining diverse skills and corporate connections," explains Szubert. Leadership from both organizations, including GSMA's Melanie Nicholson and Christian Silvestri, ensured there was smooth planning. Directors of Events were paired across the two associations to manage logistics, marketing, and corporate relations, with each team working throughout the summer to ensure the day ran flawlessly.

Overcoming Challenges

Planning an event of this size comes with its challenges. Coordinating 144 golfers, multiple sponsorship tiers, and on-course contests required precise communication and collaboration. "We wanted to elevate the golfer experience and increase the charity impact, all while staying within the budget," says Szubert. Feedback from participants showcased the professionalism of the student-led event, with one stating, "Beyond impressed that a student organization ran this, it felt exactly like a pro tournament!"

Supporting Stepping Stone

This year's tournament raised $6,713.50 for Stepping Stone, a local organization dedicated to helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable housing solutions. "It's more than just a number; it represents meals, shelter, and support for people who truly need it," says Szubert. Stepping Stone's upcoming community soup kitchen program will directly benefit from the donation, showing the impact of the Lang community's efforts.

A Day to Remember

The tournament itself was filled with energy and excitement from start to finish. Golfers and sponsors interacted freely on the course, forming connections that extended beyond the game. Highlights included on-course contents and celebratory awards ceremony at the end of the day.

The event's success would not have been possible without generous support from sponsors and partners, including Equitable (title sponsor), The Co-Operators, Scottlyn Logistics, TTI, Linamar, Burnbrae Farms, and many local businesses who contributed prizes and sponsorships.

Voices from the Tournament

Brooke Willier, LSA President, shared:

"We created this tournament last year with the hope it would become a lasting tradition, and it's incredible to see how much it's grown already. Together with GSMA, we've built something that truly brings people together for a great cause."

Szubert added:

"To say I'm proud is an understatement. A group of students planning an event of this scale and impact is remarkable. The energy from both the Events teams and the golfers truly exemplifies the power of bringing the Lang community together."

The Importance of Community Events

Events like the Equitable Open Charity Golf Tournament showcase the Lang community's spirit of leadership. Szubert says, "Leadership isn't just about academics, it's about coming together to create positive change. I hope this event continues to inspire future students and other student associations to take initiative, collaborate, and lead with purpose."

Meet the Events Team

The success of the Equitable Open wouldn't have been possible without the incredible Events teams from both the LSA and GSMA. Their leadership and attention to detail brought this event to life and ensured every golfer had an unforgettable experience.

LSA Events Team:

• Nate Szubert (VP of Events)
• Katie Hunt
• Christian Markelj
• Riley Rieckermann
• Maxwell Norman
• Lauren La Vigne
• Hollie Martin

GSMA Events Team:

• Melanie Nicholson (Co-VP of Events)
• Christian Silvestri (Co-VP of Events)
• Jackson Blaney
• Samuel Goodwin
• Lukas Faiola
• Jenna Davey
• Alex Brown

Together, these talented student leaders exemplify what it means to lead with purpose, uniting their strengths to create an event that celebrates community and giving back.