Swinging for Good: Salsa Sorensen Golf Day raises significant amount to benefit local causes
BUSINESS FEATURE
Port Douglas witnessed a tremendous display of community spirit last Sunday as the Salsa Sorensen Golf Day unfolded once again, raising an impressive sum of $22,219 this year.
Eight local organisations were this year’s beneficiaries to benefit from the generosity of local businesses, kind individuals and the Salsa Sorensen Association.
The Salsa Sorensen golf day serves as a vital fundraising opportunity and a chance to present deserving local groups with checks of up to $3,000.
Interested community groups apply, meet specific criteria, and if chosen, utilise the funds for targeted projects or timely purchases.
Since its start in 2009, the association has given away a total of $197,455, steadily moving towards the milestone of $200,000 next year.
Evolution
Jenni Sorensen, the driving force behind this initiative, reflected on the event's evolution since its inception in 2009.
She expressed her satisfaction with this year's outcome, reporting that 96 players participated under excellent weather conditions.
This marked the 15th year of the event, which continues to grow in both scale and impact with each passing year.
“When we first started in 2009, we gave away $4,000. Now, it typically ranges between $20,000 and $25,000,” Ms Sorensen said.
“The Salsa Sorensen Golf Day has become an integral part of the Port Douglas community and many local businesses have remained committed supporters throughout the years.
“This year, an impressive lineup of 36 businesses from the Douglas Shire contributed to the event.”
Ms Sorensen shared her heartfelt sentiment about her late husband, Brian Sorensen, whose memory lives on through this annual event.
After his passing, Ms Sorensen embarked on the mission to establish the Salsa Sorensen Society Inc in his memory.
“I think it's wonderful that we continue to hold this event in honour of Brian,’ she said. “He was passionate about golf and really cared about making a positive impact on the community, and I believe he would be proud of me.”
Golf Day prizes
The prestigious Salsa Sorensen Cup was claimed by Jan Murcott, Lisa Smith, Trevor Cheesman, and Wayne Christensen, securing an impressive score of 53.25.
Daryl Lee emerged victorious and earned the Rob Palethorpe Memorial Trophy.
Despite the excitement, the $20,000 hole-in-one prize remains unclaimed this year, as no participants were able to hit the mark.
Cheque recipients
Tropical Animal Rehabilitation Centre
Amount received: $2,700
Future purpose: Microscope, digital camera, laptop & microslides
Douglas FM Community Radio
Amount received: $2,999
Future purpose: Computer and microphones for recording studio
Mossman State School P & C Association
Amount received: $3,000
Future purpose: Decodable readers
St Augustine’s Primary School P & F Committee
Amount received: $2,800
Future purpose: Space jump path, meditation maze & bigfoot walking
University of the Third Age Douglas Shire
Amount received: $2,970
Future purpose: Petanque and mahjong equipment
Mossman Squash & Tennis Club
Amount received: $2,250
Future purpose: Bain-marie, fridge, microwave, deep fryer etc.
Wonga Beach P&C Committee
Amount received: $3,000
Future purpose: Dishwasher
DSCS T/A Mossman Support Services
Amount received: $2,500
Future purpose: Defibrillator with case