Nielsen, Grade 7 Rhema teacher, helped to organize the June 23 event. The day included golfing the 18-hole course, games, contests and a buffet dinner.

With around 50 participants, Nielsen says there were some new and familiar faces. Many Rhema families came out to help behind-the-scenes with ticket sales, prizes and judging the contests.

"We had tons of great sponsors, people that sponsored holes as well as people who donated prizes," says Nielsen.

Rhema parent Allan Hill helped to organize the prizes, which included two-night bed and breakfast stays, local farm meat packages and varieties of gift certificates. Several local businesses sponsored a hole. For one Par 3 hole if anyone got a hole-in-one there was a $20,000 cash prize.

Nielsen says one contest, which went for a dollar a ball, was to take a swing at a picture of Rhema’s principal Ray Hendriks. "That one was super popular," he says with a laugh.

Other contents included the best shot and longest drive for certain holes. At the end of the day, everyone walked away with at least one prize.

Nielsen says the buffet dinner was "out of this world" with prime roast, salmon and salads on the menu.

As a member of the golf club, Nielsen says he was impressed with the support he was shown by other members.

"The other members were so supportive, we even had members coming up to me donating prizes. Just phenomenal stuff," he says, and notes some people asked him to let them know when the tournament will be next year.

He says the beautiful course and great service at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club really added to the event, and would like to extend thanks to the club’s general manager Robert Lauzon, as well staff members Terri Cavanagh, Chris Jones and Kurtis Sweeting.

Nielsen says they raised approximately $5,000 from the event, and signs show it will grow for next year.

"I think it’s going to really take off from here," he says.