The Telethon Golf Day is back at Lake Karrinyup Country Club, the very location where the idea for the annual fundraising extravaganza was born.
In 1967, a conversation during a golf game between 7 managing director Jim Cruthers and Princess Margaret Hospital chief executive James Clarkson led to the start of the most successful fundraising initiative, per capita, on the planet — Telethon.
Mr Cruthers and fellow Channel 7 executive the late Brian Treasure turned the idea into a reality in 1968 by launching the marathon television fundraising event.
Fat Cat with Little Telethon Stars Emily and Harrison.
Close to 60 years later, 124 people gathered at the course for a day of friendly competition on Friday including Mr Treasure’s son Mark, all in support of helping sick kids across the State.
Mark said his father would be ecstatic to see how Telethon has grown over the years.
“Dad was instrumental in a lot of great community initiatives but none that he was more proud of than Telethon,” he said.
“He would be tickled pink to see how it has continued to grow and deliver such incredible results.”
Lake Karrinyup Country Club general manager Mark Adams said he was thrilled that the club was part of Telethon history.
“The thought of Telethon was planted all those years ago in the 60s and to be here today was just a really emotional day to have with so many people around,” he said.
“Everyone in this club is touched by Telethon and the beneficiaries that it supports and so from our perspective it will now become one of the most important days of our calendar.”
Participants were treated to a range of on-course entertainment including gourmet food and drinks put on with the help of Fraser’s Restaurant executive chef Chris Taylor.
There was also the chance to take a swing at winning an Audi Sportback Q3 in a hole in one competition.
Fat Cat gives Bronte Howson some golfing tips.
Audi Centre Perth chief executive Bronte Howson — a long-time supporter of Telethon — was the one to spark the idea to bring back the Telethon golf day.
“It’s fantastic because it brings another demographic of person into the Telethon family,” he said.
“There’s a full field for the day and its really all about a day of fun and philanthropy and lets just hope we can bring it home to the kids with a really good tally.
“It’s such a wonderful cause and the more people get involved the more infectious Telethon becomes.”
Winning Team members Ryan Chapman, Kingsley McGarrigle, Lindsay Cullen & Sarab Singh Picture: Alan Chau – The West Australian.
Telethon chairman Richard Goyder AO said fundraising events like these were essential to sustaining the fundraiser’s mission of creating a better and brighter future for WA kids.
“Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and participants, the funds raised today will go directly to Telethon and the numerous charity beneficiaries we support,” he said.
“A special thanks to Lake Karrinyup Country Club for hosting the Telethon Golf Day, Audi Centre Perth and Bronte Howson for the incredible contribution and support, and Fraser’s Restaurant Executive Chef Chris Taylor for providing the amazing food.”
First published by The West Australian, 31 August 2024