A golf tournament that began with a vision to make a difference in the community has reached a new milestone.
The Ryan Huffman Foundation announced this week that its fifth annual Premiere Golf Event, presented by Cameco Ontario and held at Dalewood Golf Club, raised more than $104,000 in support of mental health initiatives, addiction recovery programs and youth participation in sport across Northumberland.
The fundraising total marks the largest amount raised in the event’s five-year history.
Ryan Huffman says organizers entered this year’s tournament with an ambitious goal.
Founded in 2021, the Ryan Huffman Foundation supports programs that improve access to mental health services, addiction recovery resources and opportunities for young people to participate in sports and other team activities. According to the foundation, its mission is to remove barriers and provide support where it is needed most throughout Northumberland County.
Huffman says the event’s continued growth is a reflection of the community’s commitment to the cause.
Huffman says the tournament would not be possible without the behind the scenes work of the Foundation’s Ashley Crews, Amy McPherson, Lynda Kay as well as all the volunteers, sponsors, local businesses, golfers and donors who together make the dream a reality.
The foundation’s origins are deeply personal. Huffman has previously spoken publicly about losing a close friend to suicide after returning to Northumberland, an experience that inspired him to create the foundation and help others facing mental health challenges.
The funds raised through this year’s tournament will support a number of local initiatives.
Among the programs receiving support are the Northumberland YMCA’s Upturn Program, KidsSport Northumberland, Rebound Child and Youth Services Northumberland, United Way Northumberland and the Port Hope Youth Hub.
In announcing the fundraising total, the foundation thanked sponsors, volunteers, golfers, donors, community partners and supporters for helping make the event’s fifth year its most successful yet.
Huffman says the growing impact demonstrates what can happen when a community comes together around a shared purpose, helping ensure more people can access support, opportunities and second chances right here in Northumberland.
(Written by: Joseph Goden with files from York Bell Smith)
