Son Does Mom Proud
Pineview Golf Owner Don Costello drives a community of support for Grace Manor
By Caroline Franks
“Every day when I visit The Salvation Army Grace Manor I am awestruck by the concern, the love and the devotion of the staff,” said Pineview Golf Course owner Don Costello on Ed Hand’s morning show on 1310 News, leading up to the first annual Grace Manor Charity Golf Tournament.
Costello’s mother Wanda who suffers from Alzheimer’s has been a resident at the Grace Manor long-term care facility in Ottawa for about 2 years and he and his wife Liz Milligan visit every day.
Costello decided to support Grace Manor by hosting a golf tournament at Pineview which was held on Friday August 22nd, 2014.
“I believe it was a huge success,” he said. “There was a super team put in place to make this happen and the whole community really came together and donated. I was really impressed. We had over 90 golfers for our first annual event.”
The first annual tournament featured a catered buffet meal which included chicken and ribs cooked over an outdoor grill, a silent auction with many of the items generously donated by local businesses in Hintonburg and Westboro and each golfer went home with fabulous prizes.
“From the minute we arrived until our departure after a wonderful meal, we were greeted, treated and acknowledged by your volunteers and officers. We had a very enjoyable day!” said John Laframboise of Kelly Funeral Homes.
The first annual Grace Manor Charity Golf Tournament netted $9,000.
Grace Manor’s Executive Director Major Roy Snow explained the funds raised and donated through the golf tournament will help improve the lives of the residents of Grace Manor through the life enrichment program.
The program provides seniors the opportunity to take part in activities including art, music, games, entertainment, socials and day trips.
“The funds will help cover extra outings for our residents, improve our therapeutic garden and allow us to continue to provide decorative extras that continue to make Grace Manor feel like home,” said Major Snow.
Costello explains that when he can’t be at the Grace Manor he doesn’t worry because he knows his mother is in good hands.
“After my mother’s recent fall, Grace Manor staff greeted my mother and I upon returning to the Grace. They sat with my mother and tended to her needs,” said Costello.
“We have a debt to our seniors and we owe them the best care possible. We all have a shared responsibility in that,” Costello continued. “They teach us about compassion and patience.”
“Certainly, we have very dedicated hard working staff. We offer compassion and dignity to our residents,” said Major Snow.
Costello says the Pineview Golf Course will continue to offer sponsorship and be a part of the team to do a golf tournament every year for Grace Manor.
“This was just the first of many,” said Costello.