Adam Bramburger
Beaver Staff
Years of storing random kernels of knowledge may not be trivial when it comes to helping people in this community suffering with grief or living with a palliative illness.
Next Thursday, Dave Pinnell Jr. and Jamie Cybulski will start seventh annual Longest Day of Golf campaign for Hospice Lennox and Addington with a sixth trivia night fundraiser.
“We’ve been running this since our second year as a way to kick off the campaign and get the word out,” said Cybulski, the morning show host for 88.7 MyFM. “The golf comes up in June and this works as a way to put a bug in people’s ear. Also, it’s extra dollars for Hospice and they can use them.”
Cybulski said initially, he and Pinnell, a Century 21 real estate agent, came up with the Longest Day of Golf idea as a community fundraiser and were considering a number of worthy causes they could donate proceeds to. A year prior, Cybulski lost his father to brain cancer. He spent his last days in a residential hospice in Renfrew and that inspired the two men to pick a cause close their hearts.
“At the time, the big dream was a residential hospice in Napanee,” Cybulski said. “Since then, Hospice Lennox and Addington has grown substantially with their work at the hospital. It takes a lot of money for day-to-day operations. We decided we should use that money to help today,” Cybulski said.
In six years the Longest Day of Golf has raised over $27,000. Hospice Lennox and Addington executive director Kim Sunstrum said that money has been used to support services such as volunteer visiting, bereavement, and a resource, equipment, and hospital bed loan program. Each of those programs is offered free of charge.
“Having ambassadors, such as Jamie and Dave, helping us raise much-needed funds has been invaluable — we are truly appreciative of their continued efforts,” Sunstrum said.
For trivia night, April 12 at the Napanee Legion, four-person teams are invited to register. For $20 a person, they have a chance to share some laughs and possibly win a few prizes. Light snacks will be provided. Usually, there are more than 10 teams vying for bragging rights.
“Due to the generosity of the Legion and others, 100 per cent of the money raised goes directly to Hospice,” Cybulski said. “There’s something for everyone. We have everything ranging from traditional entertainment categories to geography this year. There’s a popular local category with some local surprises in store and there will be something for animal lovers this year.”
Cybulski said organizers will make room to accommodate more teams. While payment isn’t required in advance, teams are encouraged to register to hold a spot. To register or donate, e-mail Cybulski at jamie@mbcmedia.ca or Pinnell at dave.pinnelljr @century21.ca.