For 29 years, the family and friends of Lynn native John Calder have gathered to honor his memory while raising money to help youth programs in Lynn.
This year, more than 130 of them supported the cause – and got in on the fun – at the 29th annual John Calder Memorial Golf Tournament June 16 at Gannon Golf Course.
The day featured something for everyone – a three-round $5,000 putting contest, a $10,000 Hole-in-One contest, a scramble-style 18-hole format and, of course, cocktails, dinner, awards and raffles.
A good time was had by all.
“We had a gorgeous day and I got to meet just about every golfer, many of whom have been attending since day one,” John Calder’s brother, Bob said. “We’ve been blessed with much success in these fundraising efforts and this year was just another hugely successful day raising money for so many great causes.”
A graduate of Dom Savio High School and Framingham State University, John Calder died tragically at the age of 28 while vacationing in New Hampshire in 1990. He was a two-sport standout at Dom Savio, playing baseball and football, and continued his football career at Framingham State where he was a captain of the Rams’ football team. Following graduation, he spent a few years playing semi-professional football.
The John Calder Foundation was started in 1990, funded first with the proceeds from an annual softball tournament and, for the last 29 years, from the golf tournament.
The foundation has raised nearly $500,000 in support of various youth sports programs including Little League, cheerleaders competing in national competitions, tennis teams, Special Olympics as well as several worthy community-based causes relating to youth activities and college scholarships for high school seniors who live in Lynn.
The first scholarships were awarded in 1994. Since then, more than 180 students have received scholarships.
This year the foundation is awarding $2,000 scholarships to the following five students: Ian Brown (Lynn English/Regis College), Emma Field (Lynn Classical/Tulane University), Madison Flaherty (Lynn Classical/Merrimack College), Hailey Hartenstein (St. Mary’s/Simmons College) and Tyler Kelley (Lynn Classical/UMass Lowell).
Board of Directors Chair Bob Calder said the foundation averages about 40 applications from student-athletes per year.
“It’s just tremendous to be able to help these kids and it’s such a rewarding feeling,” he said. “With college costs so high, it’s a drop in the bucket, but still it helps. We always try to pick out the ones who are really deserving.”
For the record, Brian Johnson, Dan Doherty, Richie Sudanowicz and Kevin Finn were the golf tournament’s overall winners.
Estelle Dill, part owner of The Lazy Dog with husband Tom, a longtime supporter of the tournament, won the Clemons Roofing Women’s Longest Drive award, while Chris Spano won the Men’s Longest Drive award.
Rob Wingrove won the Lazy Dog Sports Bar Closest to the Pin contest.
The Leonard and Sachetta families sponsored the Hole-in-One contest, which had no winners this year.
Dan Doherty was the last player standing in the putting contest, which was sponsored by The Darcy Family in Memory of Neil Darcy. Bob Calder explained the format, which includes qualifying rounds in which contestants attempt a 10-foot uphill putt on the putting green with those who make it advancing to new rounds in which they must attempt to make the same putt – miss it, and you are eliminated.
“The last one has to make a 30-foot putt to win the $5,000,” Calder said. It’s winner take all, but we’ve never had anyone win it. It’s fun because the final is during cocktail hour so a lot of people just hang out on the back deck watching. It’s exciting to watch and I would love to see someone win it. We had one person come close a few years ago. … when he missed it, there was such a loud groan from the crowd.”
In a Facebook post, Bob and Donna Calder announced that next year will be the last year of the tournament.
“It is a bittersweet decision and we know many are saddened to learn about it. Just know we value your support,” the post stated.
“Our committee and volunteers have been so committed to making a successful golf tournament year after year and, of course, none of it would be possible without their help. There are too many to name but let me just list the committee members; Ned Gunning, Bob Blocksidge, Bob Calder, Paul Calder, Dr. Kevin Turner, Ron Gaudet and Frank Carrabba. They can, in turn, thank their family & friends that put in the time.”
