Vagina Open Charity Classic raises $37,000 for local hospice

The Vagina Open Charity Classic, an all-female golf tournament, dinner and silent auction, raised $37,000 for the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice.

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The event, held on September 18 at the Greens at Renton, had 165 participants.

“Choosing the hospice as the beneficiary for our inaugural year was easy for us as we have all lost a parent,” said Leona Ferras, tournament director. “It was an honor to help this cause and the response from communities, businesses and more was confirmation that we made the choice desired by many in Norfolk and Haldimand counties.”

Ferras said the event started as an annual get-together in 2015 for four friends “who just wanted a day completely away from doing everything for everyone else in the family.” It included a round of golf, festive food and “lots of laughs.”

“We called it Open Vagina to keep the men out of our lives, but the name turned so many heads when we said it over the years that so many women would say, ‘How can I play on that?’ This is how the Vagina Open Charity Classic was born in what is now our 10th yearthe GRANDMOTHER.”

On October 10 a check was presented to Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice for their capital campaign to build a new facility.

“This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our community, friends, family, golfers, volunteers and generous sponsors,” said Ferras. “New friendships were forged, unforgettable memories were created and vital funds were raised for a cause deeply rooted in our hearts.”

The second annual tournament will be held next September.