The Perron Institute’s recent Hole in One challenge 2023 was a resounding success as a community sporting event and Telethon fundraiser.
Although no-one managed to sink golf’s most elusive shot to claim the $250,000 grand prize, Wayne Thomas came within 3.78m of the hole to take home a $5,000 round-cut diamond donated by major sponsor Millenium Kapital.
Over 40 Hole in One competition participants included members of the public who received a golden ball at the driving range in the lead up to the event, a member of each team from the Play with the Pro’s Day, and professional golfers Michael Long, Matt Elliott, Nicole Martino, Andrew Marchbank and Ron Chopper.
Celebrity hitters were West Coast Eagles players Tom Cole, Dom Sheed and Jack Petruccelle, and world champion marathon swimmer Andy Donaldson, who completed an epic 33km swim from Rottnest to Elizabeth Quay to raise funds for Telethon for research into youth mental health at the Perron Institute.
The hit off and related events held in association with the Wembley Golf Course and the Town of Cambridge raised $200,000 for Telethon to support Perron Institute research on youth mental health.
Since its introduction four years ago, the initiative has grown to include a Play with the Pro’s Day involving top WA golfing professionals, two kids mini golf days featuring Fat Cat and the Little Telethon Stars and a putting competition, as well as the signature Hole in One hit off.
Jim Murphy, Head of Marketing, Fundraising and Business Development at the Perron Institute, said the partnership with the Town of Cambridge and Telethon was greatly appreciated.
“The annual Hole in One initiative has raised a total of $600,000 so far for stroke, psoriasis, osteosarcoma and youth mental health research,” Jim Murphy said.
“A 10-year arrangement for this event is in place with Telethon, the Town of Cambridge and the Wembley Golf Course, and we look forward to building on this result in support of Perron Institute research aiming to improve quality of life for people with various health conditions.
“The Perron Institute extends special thanks to GSK Insurance for underwriting the $250,000 prize. Thank you, also, to our sponsors this year – Millenium Kapital, WA House and Land, Unlimited Energy and Morgan Stanley, and to 300 Acres Restaurant and the staff at the Wembley Golf course,” Jim Murphy said.
Town of Cambridge Mayor Gary Mack, shared his excitement about the partnership and the positive impact of the event.
“Wembley Golf Course and the Town of Cambridge take great pride in hosting Perron Institute’s Hole in One shootout. It is a great event that brings the community together and raises much needed funds towards essential research to help Western Australians live better lives. The focus this year on youth mental health is hugely important and we are proud to be able to contribute to such an important cause,” Mayor Mack said.
“This partnership has allowed us to showcase our beautiful, world class golf course while making a meaningful contribution to important charitable causes.”