Cape Town - The inaugural Sun City Cares golf day raised R387 500 for the Els for Autism Foundation at The Lost City Golf Course on Wednesday.
South African professional Branden Grace accepted the donation on behalf of Els, who had to withdraw from this year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge because of injury.
A total of 30 fourballs took part in the golf day, which is a new initiative by Sun City to use the platform of the Nedbank Golf Challenge for greater social change. Companies were invited to purchase the fourballs, while Sun City was the main sponsor of the day.
Initially, R315 000 was raised for the foundation. But private donations and an auction of three places in the field for the Ernie Els Invitational tournament at Fancourt helped to raise a further R72 500.
“This day would not have been possible without the likes of all our sponsors, and it is with their assistance that we are able to make a difference in the lives of people living with autism,” said Mike van Vuuren, Managing Executive of Sun City.
Els also expressed his gratitude for the donation.
“I am really sorry that I couldn’t be there for the day and I’m disappointed to be missing out on this year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge due to injury. But I want to thank everyone who played in the day. I can assure you that your time and money makes a big difference to families on the autism spectrum and helping the Els for Autism Foundation achieve its goals,” said Els.
“My wife Liezl and I are very proud of what we have been able to achieve with this foundation. But we could not have done this and have the success we have had if it wasn’t for people, corporates and sponsors like those who took part in the Sun City Cares golf day.”