Plunket Winner in Pro-Am Golf Tournament
A hugely successful Queenstown charity golf tournament, attracting some big names, raised about $35,000 for Whānau āwhina Plunket this month.
The sought after, two-day 2022 Cello Invitational Pro-Am – one of the PGA of New Zealand’s premier pro-ams, teed off at Millbrook Resort, progressing to the Jack’s Point course on the second day. It provided the perfect opportunity for pro golfers to play the NZPGA circuit.
A total of 42 professional golfers, among the line-up of 84 competitors, teed off on the first round on the Coronet Course at Millbrook Resort, giving many professionals their first look at the New Zealand Open venue before the event takes place next year.
One of New Zealand’s leading female golfers, Momoka Kobori, who just earned her tour card on the European Tour, placed fifth overall. The winning honours went to Dongwoo Kang, who accumulated 81 Stableford points, nine-under-par.
However, Whānau āwhina Plunket was the winner on the day with the whopping $35,000 raised.
This year’s tournament was also extra special, as like so many things, the last two years’ tournaments had been foiled by the pandemic.
The event is organised by Cello, solely as a fundraiser for Plunket, a cause close to the heart of Cello chief executive Mark Jurgeleit, also a trustee of the Whānau āwhina Plunket, says Plunket general manager finance technology and commercial, Matt Kenny. Matt also participated in the event.
“Some years ago Mark’s family realised the importance of Plunket’s services when his baby daughter was very ill,” says Matt, also a director of NZ Golf. “A call to PlunketLine’s free 0800 number ensured a very different outcome for their family and Mark’s always been very grateful for that,” he says. “Mark wanted to create an opportunity to support Plunket so held the first Cello Invitational in 2020.”
A gala dinner on the middle night of the tournament was a smash hit and saw competitors digging deep and generously into their pockets for a very successful charity auction. A Hole In One competition also attracted some big donations.
The $35,000 raised will be spent on maintaining PlunketLine’s 24-hour, seven day a week, free parent helpline and advice service, available to all families, whanau and caregivers. Qualified Plunket nurses answer the phones and give advice and information on parenting issues and child health and well-being.
“This money is so essential to the continuation of the service and much appreciated as there’s a great need in Plunket,” says Matt. “We’re so thankful as we’re short-funded for our services and it all goes to essential services like this.”
“The generosity and work of Cello, in particular Mark Jurgeleit, needs to be acknowledged, as well as all attendees,” says Matt.
Matt says they’re hugely grateful to all the competitors and sponsors, and now looking forward to the 2023 event.
