Fourth annual MM27 Celebrity Charity Classic hits new record, raises over $30,000 for mental health resources

Photo by Gar Fitzgerald

The fourth annual McFadden’s Movement Celebrity Charity Classic presented by Skyjack set a new record-high for the second consecutive year, raising $30,191.53 for mental health resources.

Hosted on Friday, July 19 at Victoria Park East Golf Club, the golf tournament surpassed the event’s inaugural total raised of $18,194 in 2021, the $20,084 raised in 2022, and the $27,225.64 raised in 2023. In total, the MM27 Celebrity Charity Classic has raised $95,695.17 in four years. The continued momentum of the tournament can only be attributed to the incredible outpouring of support from committed sponsors annually, and dedicated golfers and volunteers who show up every year.

All proceeds from the MM27 Celebrity Charity Classic are in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo-Wellington branch and WES for Youth Online.

The tournament continued with the celebrity style format, featuring a number of current and former Guelph Storm alumni across generations and other professional-level players, including: Isaac Ratcliffe, Nate Schnarr, Nico Daws, Nick Suzuki, Cam Allen, Matt Poitras, Cooper Walker, Braeden Bowman, Chandler Romeo, Jake Karabela, Michael Buchinger, Jett Luchanko, Ryan McGuire, Zach Poirier, Ryan Horvat, Leo Serlin, Brayden Gillespie, Rylan Singh, Will McFadden, Charlie Paquette, Maurizio Colella, Ryan Foss, TJ Fergus, Kyle Betts, Jamieson Rees, and more.

“We are proud and humbled by this year’s tournament,” said McFadden’s Movement founder, Garrett McFadden. “From our inaugural tournament to our fourth annual, the commitment of sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and everyone in between has been a key driver in the success of this day. Without all of your help, it would not be possible to continuously raise the bar and push our fundraising goals higher and higher every year. For that, we cannot thank you enough.”

“The importance of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health still exists, but support and events like this prove that people are willing to open the doors for more conversation,” McFadden continued. “We look forward to seeing you all next year for the fifth annual MM27 Celebrity Charity Classic.”

The widely-felt success of the fourth annual MM27 Celebrity Charity Classic was made possible by the overwhelming generosity of the ongoing and significant contributions of a number of sponsors in which the Movement extends the most gratitude: 

• Skyjack and the incredible team who have been behind MM27 every step of the way since the very start in 2016,
• Lakonic Sports for the continued support and sponsorship of our celebrities, 
• Bass Rock Consulting and Ken McDougall, for being one of the Movement’s biggest supporters,
• Bigelow Flooring and Michael Chumbley for the always unwavering support of the tournament and the Movement’s ultimate message,
• Gridline Constructors for jumping in to support this year’s tournament with enthusiasm,
• SERVPRO of Guelph and Keith MacLeod for being one of the Movement’s most consistent and loyal supporters, 
• the Guelph Storm and its staff for the constant and dedicated support of the Movement that hasn’t changed since the beginning,
• Spring Mill Distillery and team for always being willing to spend the day with us,
• Sandbagger for adding a new flare to the tournament,
• Lake Huron Home for the constant support of the Movement,
• Exodus Watch Co., Sebastian Wasilik, and Aundrea Johnson, for being the perfectly gracious partner as we continue to strive to achieve the same purpose,
• Bryce McFadden Realtor for your continued dedication to the Movement and the event, 
• John W. Hollawell for the willingness to support the Movement and the tournament,
• the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) for standing behind its alumni well beyond minor hockey, 
• 7taps for being ready and willing to provide their support,
• The Copy Connection for stepping up to provide seamless help, 
• Ward 1 Studios, Alex Vander Vlugt, Garrett Smith, and the rest of the team for never hesitating to spend the day with us and bring their one-of-a-kind creativity to the tournament,
• The 360 Booth for bringing some added fun to the course,
• To all who brought and shared in-kind gifts for the Silent Auction, making it the most successful auction the tournament has experienced to date,
• and to all who kindly donated to the cause.

The tournament also featured longest drive and closest to the pin holes. Congratulations to the following winners:

• Longest Drive – Men: Nolan Kelly  
• Longest Drive – Women: Elizabeth McDougall  
• Closest to the Pin – Men (sponsored by Lake Huron Home): Blair Bowman
• Closest to the Pin – Women (sponsored by Lake Huron Home): Jodie Hall

The Movement extends a gracious thank-you to the volunteers who chose to spend the day out in support of mental health resources, helping to not only make the event possible, but yet another great success. 

Finally, the Movement wishes to recognize the significant support and incredible backing felt from John Olender and Victoria Park East Golf Club, who without their help, the fourth annual MM27 Celebrity Charity Classic would not have reached another record high.

To view all of the photos courtesy of Gar Fitzgerald, visit the McFadden’s Movement Facebook page here.

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