Strong Roots Charitable Foundation Hosts 2nd Annual Golf Tournament

AKWESASNE - The 2nd Annual Strong Roots Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament was held on Friday, July 15th, at the Malone Golf Club. "It has been very rewarding to see the growth of this tournament", stated Strong Roots Board Member Mike Mitchell. "Last year was a successful event but this year exceeded our expectations with the raising of over $60,000."

With the weather cooperating, a sold out field of golfers enjoyed a smooth round of golf amidst the beautiful scenery of Malone's West Course. Golfers were then treated to a delicious Prime Rib dinner served in the main banquet hall. Strong Roots Board Member, Christopher Thompson, who did double duty as Master of Ceremonies, stated "With a full house this year the level of competition was very strong, you really had to be on your game in order to win."

The Strong Roots Charitable Foundation was created by Board Member Carey Terrance for the purpose of developing community-wide initiatives that impact the quality of life for Akwesasne Elders and Youth. Last year, Strong Roots erected the roof over Travis Solomon Memorial Lacrosse Box located in Generations Park. This year they purchased the hockey boards from the Syracuse Crunch Hockey Team in the AHL. A Request for Proposal was put out for any community group interested in the construction of an outdoor sports box utilizing these boards and the winner was announced at Friday's banquet.

"We were thrilled to announce that the Snye Recreation Committee submitted the winning proposal!" stated Emily Lauzon, Strong Roots Board Member. "Their plans are to make the box a vital link in the overall development of the community with activities including not just hockey and lacrosse but also broomball, boot hockey, Learn to Skate program, Family Skate activities, powwow dance classes, and outdoor circuit training." Chief Troy Thompson Board Member added "Strong Roots will build it and Snye Rec Committee will operate and maintain it. These are the kind of partnerships that we are looking to develop."

Strong Roots actively seeks out sponsorships from off-reserve companies who have long benefited from doing business with Akwesasne. "Out of the 50 sponsorships we received, 29 of them were from off the territory of Akwesasne" said Dianna Tarbell, Board Member. "Many stated that they were just waiting to be asked and they were enthusiastic in their support." Lewis Mitchell, Board Member, added "Our local businesses are continually tapped for every fundraiser throughout the year and they are very generous; however; I'm sure they would appreciate others contributing as well."

List of Local Sponsors & Off-Reserve Sponsors

The Strong Roots Charitable Foundation sincerely appreciates the overwhelming support received from sponsors and golfers for a successful fundraising event.

Strong Roots Charity Golf Tournament

July 15, 2016

Malone Golf Club

Men's Flight

Jay Perras

Kris Hardy

Brian Monette

Chuck McKey

Mixed Flight

Chief Troy Thompson

Susie Thompson

Sylvia Thompson

Russell Roundpoint

Women's Flight

Lucy LaPlante

Eileen Kilcullen

Donna McMahan

Mary Kay Tulloch

Men's Longest Drive: Perry Francis

Women's Longest Drive: Eileen Kilcullen

Men's Closest to the Line: Daryl Seymour

Women's Closest to the Line: Susie Thompson

Men's Closest to Diamond: Dave Jesmer

Women's Closest to Diamond: Sylvia Thompson

Men's Closest to Pin: Chris Rutley

Women's Closest to Pin: Bridget Cunningham

Local Akwesasne Businesses

Susan Jesmer; CAA Management; Akwesasne Mohawk Casino; Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe; Crossroads Tobacco; Dr. Dan's Akwesasne Dental Clinic; Nations Trading; #9 Fuels; Akwesasne Convenience Store Association; CKON; Akwesasne Sports; Akwesasne TV; J&J Brokers; Big Boys' Tobacco; Thompson Mini-Mart; Brass Horse; Joseph's Fine Jewelry; Speedway Convenience; American Legion; 37 West; Purple Ribbon; Mohawk Plumbing;

Off-Territory Businesses

Dr. Rachel Navaneelan; Key Bank; NavCentre; Renzi Food Distributors; Oscar Ladouceur & Sons; St. Lawrence Radiology; Johnston's Sawmill; Rocket Gaming; Viz Explorer; S&L Electric; Paul Davis Systems; Rona Home Center; Summerstown Foundry; Saratoga Eagle; Coca-Cola; Polsinello Fuels; Notman Motor Sales; Cornwall BBQ; Emond Harnden LLP; Arbutus; Primeau's Marine & Small Engine; Pharmacie Rany Yacoub et Gerges R.S. Kedice; Emard Bros. Lumber; Robert's Sports Center; Frenchie's Ford; Aristocrat Gaming; Bank of Montreal; AJ Sports; Red Circle Agency; Video King; Capital Candy; State Farm Insurance; Thom Norton & Co; Seaway Chevrolet; Amsterdam Products; Cornwall Gravel; Cornwall Golf & Country Club; Pommier Jewelers; Cornwall Electric; Truffles/Table 21; Summerheights Golf Course; Shoeless Joe's; Mindful Cookery