![GO THE RED V: Connor is a big St George Illawarra Dragons fan. Connor (middle)
with his mate Maddie (left) and his dad, Kerry (right). GO THE RED V: Connor is a big St George Illawarra Dragons fan. Connor (middle)
with his mate Maddie (left) and his dad, Kerry (right).](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/storypad-wfYCGx53C7aBFPAEeaUdC5/7ebd46dd-73c2-4e94-b67b-29612f401b30.JPG/r0_0_1784_1003_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
THE local community has rallied in almost unprecedented numbers in support of16-year-old Connor Fitzsimmons, a Goulburn teenager with Downs Syndrome coupled with a particularly aggressive form of leukaemia.
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Connor has been attended by both his parents, Kerry and Joanne constantly since the illness was first revealed, and they are optimistic and hopeful of the best outcome.
The Golf Day this Sunday May 25 is now fully-subscribed, creating the best sort of headache for organisers in that so far, up to forty-five groups (of four) have indicated their desire to participate.
A reserves list has had to be created. History tells us that on occasions individuals and sometimes teams will withdraw for what ever reason.
The event will take the form of a four-person ambrose ($30/head), and will commence with a goldcoin donation BBQ breakfast from 9:00am, and a sausage-sizzle will then be on-going, with the golfers teeing off at 10:00am sharpe. Whilst the numbers are creating a bit of a headache, organisers are confident the event will run fairly smoothly on the day.
Organiser Michael Deegan and GGC Sec-Man Rob Kennedy, in conjunction with club pros Jon and Crystal O’Sullivan are discussing the range of available golfing strategies that could be implemented on the day.
“Given the extraordinary response to the event, it would really help us if intending competitors could get the following information to us well before the event, for example mid-way through next week”, Deegan said. “We need, for example, everyone in the group’s names, and handicaps (Max 36 for Ladies, 27 for Men), and perhaps even a deposit if possible, he continued.
“The presumption is that doing this ahead of time will enable a smoother transition on to the course at 09:45 for the 10:00 ‘shotgun start’, and in many ways give us a far more accurate idea of playing numbers, and enable us to possibly fit more players in, for example, where there may turn out to be just three players nominated, instead of the usual four. It will also reduce the traditional log-jam around the starter’s box that comes with these events, and if people can comply with this fairly straightforward request, I’m sure it will assist us to obtain an on-time start and finish.”
Those choosing to comply can email the required info to aerobox@ ozemail.com.au or Inbox Michael Deegan or Connor Fitz’s Golf day on Facebook.
“Those playing golf and expecting some sort of spectacular prizes on the day may well be disappointed” said Deegan, “the prizes are quite modest, and have all been donated, however have provided us with a a good range of high-quality products. We have been very lucky. This is a very special day, with the focus on fundraising and fun, hence the modesty of the golfing prizes”.
The organising group, comprising of Deegan, Sue Deegan, Mandy McColl, Tony Fry and Robert “Bert” Leggett have been meeting regularly for a month now in preparation for the event. The group has remained in touch with Connor’s family throughout around the arrangements. Sage advice has also been received from “Kenno” and the O’Sullivans at the Golf Club, and The Goulburn Invitational’s Barry McEntee and Steve Jones have also provided templates which should assist the group and their endeavours.
Mrs McColl mentioned the generosity of local providers following the swelling of numbers, saying on Wednesday that “Baker’s Delight and Murray’s Meats simply stepped up without question in terms of supplying us with the extra provisions we believe we’ll need to keep around 160 hungry golfers from starving on the day.
The generosity of both private individuals and business houses has been nothing if not amazing, and very heart warming.” Even if you’re not a golfer, a variety of very interesting items are being auctioned in the club house from around 4:00pm that Sunday afternoon.
Organisers intend the auction will commence as close as possible to 4:00pm, on the basis that the golf should conclude around that time. Around half the items will be auctioned immediately, giving organisers time to reconcile score-cards. Once that task is completed, a quick presentation will be held, then the second half of the auction will be conducted. Contributors to the auction include, The Canberra Clear Complexions Clinic, Drummond Golf Fyshwick, Federal Golf Club, Ford Performance Racing, Goulburn Mazda, Goulburn Sign Systems, Highlands Golf Club, Holden Racing Team, Jon and Crystal O’Sullivan, Michael Gerstenberg, Nova 96.9 Sydney, Savvy Fitness Wollongong, Taylor-Made Golf Australia and only a few other potential contributors remain pending.
A raffle is also being arranged, and prizes will include a trailerload of wood (timely), scented candles, dressed lamb, passes to Questacon, a variety of vouchers, hair-care products and much more.
Search Connor Fitz’s Golf Day on facebook for more info, and progress reports.
The restaurant is usually closed on Sunday evenings, however Chef Graham has advised that he will remain open until 6:00pm (only) to service golfers postmatch. Posters are around town publicising the event, and donations can also be made at the Commonwealth Bank. The account is in the name of Michael Deegan, BSB 062545 A/c No 10419784, or similarly by EFT. Local businesses supporting the event so far include Allens Training, Bakers Delight, Ben Croker with Heritage Meats, Boomerang Communications, Cut ‘n’ Curl Hairdressing, Farmer Feld’s Fresh Fruit, Fireside Inn, Goulburn Golf Club and Pro-Shop, Goulburn Mazda, Goulburn Soldiers Club, Goulburn Workers Club, Hypercet Printing, McKell Place Medical Centre, Murray’s Meats, Nathan Canty, Roses Cafe, Saigon Seasons and Southern Highlands Foods.
Support Connor and his family in their quest for recovery, and a return to a normal life. For more details, please call Michael Deegan on 0419470631, or Tony Fry on 0419299603.