CFM Stories
Donation from the Rizzuto Family
November, 2020
Could it be done?
The challenges brought on by Covid 19 have been numerous and onerous. As the pandemic progressed we began to see how widespread the need was and that it was to be greater than ever. But, with restrictions and lockdowns, how could we possibly run our annual golf tournament, our one big fundraiser?
The Toni Lynn Campership Fund was created in memory of our daughter/sister. Toni was outgoing, charismatic and tenacious. This tenacity inspired us to continue to plan, to wait, to pray and hope that Covid numbers would reduce to acceptable levels to return to play. Our patience and behind the scenes planning proved successful. On an incredibly sunny day in September, we hosted an equally patient group of excited golfers at the beautiful Muskoka Bay Club. With stringent safety protocols in place, essential distancing & mask wearing and keeping in mind everyone’s bubble, the group enjoyed a fabulous day and raised a staggering $35,000.00 for the Children’s Foundation of Muskoka.
We are eternally grateful to our friends and family who return to support this endeavour every year. We would be remiss to not mention Arista Homes, Venus Beauty Supply, Taylor Made Golf, Italpasta, Sardo Foods, Lazio Bakery, The Policaro Auto Group and Mercedes Benz Mississauga who have generously donated since our inception. A special shout out to Danny Mantella of Mantella & Sons for his very thoughtful and abundant donation at this particularly challenging time.
The success of this event is because of the tremendous collaborative effort of everyone involved. Each golfer, every monetary or prize donation, each invitation to a friend who may enjoy a day of great golf on a stunning course for a very worthy cause. This allows us to send a child to camp, give them the opportunity to play a sport, enroll in an engaging after school program or simply purchase a new winter coat.
Thank you for helping us to “ignite their spirit!”.
The Rizzuto Family
The CFM is so grateful and proud of the Rizzuto Family for this, their 12th annual golf tournament, being run in support of the CFM. Tony and family have raised the incredible sum of $320 000 over this period of time and remain our greatest benefactor. In the past 2 summers, 135 lucky kids from Muskoka attended local camps because of the Toni Lynn Rizzuto Campership Fund.
We look forward to camps being back up and running in the summer of 2021 so that more kids will experience the magic and joy of summer camp in Muskoka, thanks to the Rizzuto Family.
Dave Lyons, E.D., Children's Foundation of Muskoka.
The Men of Grandview
November, 2020
The Men of Grandview (“MOGV”) Foundation is a relatively new and somewhat unusual resource for charitable giving in Huntsville. It was initially entirely funded by donations from the membership of the Grandview Golf Club in Huntsville, however in recent years local businesses and “friends of Grandview” have also become contributors. Its primary mandate is to support charitable organizations that truly make a difference for the people of Huntsville and surrounding communities. Another key goal of the Fund was to help build a support system for Huntsville youth…that is how the partnership with the Children’s Foundation of Muskoka evolved.
The membership at Grandview Golf course is an interesting mix of long time Huntsville locals, new residents and cottage owners who hope to call Huntsville home one day. Their common interest in golf first brought them together, however it quickly became apparent that their shared interests and the desire to give back to the community went way beyond golf.
The initial organizers of the Foundation were always impressed with how quickly and generously the Men of Grandview rallied around worthy causes that were introduced. It was the galvanizing moment that, in 2015/2016 spawned the idea of an informal MOGV Benevolent Fund. With the success of this informal Fund, the organizers then canvassed the membership about putting some structure and sustainability around their generosity, received overwhelming support, and moved forward with the MOGV Foundation in 2018.
In addition to Children’s Foundation of Muskoka, the MOGV Foundation currently supports other local charitable causes including the Chrysalis House women’s shelter in Huntsville, run by the Muskoka Women’s Advocacy Group, Algonquin Grace (Hospice Huntsville), several local Food Banks and the Pathways Program, run by Huntsville Community Living. They also maintain a separate Fund for “grass roots” giving in cases where they can provide direct support to worthy causes that are not registered charities.