Commonwealth Cup Drives For Success

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 01:42 PM

Team Commonwealth Mortgage Group L-R Dan McLaren, Norm McLaren, Jason Labarbera, Bob Trowbridge, Paul Brown

Prince George, B.C. - Although the Commonwealth Cup has just begun, it is already seen as a tremendous success.

Dan McLaren, Commonwealth Mortgage Group is hoping the tournament will raise $40,000 this year, “With the auction last night, and the sponsorships from all the great businesses we could be at about $35,000, so hopefully the mulligan sales and silent auction drive in the rest.”

The barbeque last night that auctioned off VIP guests raised $11,000. Darcy Rota was the top player in the auction at a price of $2200, bid by Heather Sadler Jenkins. Jason Labarbera was a close second at $2100, and will play with Commonwealth Mortgage Group.

Labarbera, who went to high school in Prince George, says he is thrilled to be back here, “this tournament continues to get larger every year. It is great to be able to come and see people from Prince George, the NHL alumni and it all goes to charity. I was here doing a goalie camp so it all worked out that I could stay to be here for this as well.” (picture at right Labarbera puts in a bid for a Tiger Woods/Sergio Garcia autographed golf flag)

The Commonwealth Cup raised $10,000 the first year and McLaren says they continue to raise the target each year. “We have 178 golfers registered which is now the largest tournament we have had. With all of the great prizes I am getting letters from some people stating they cannot accept them because they do not want to give up their amateur status. Anything over $750.00 would deem them professional. What a great predicament to be in!”