Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers is a registered charity that provides free supportive programs and educational services in the York Region to approximately 300 prenatal and parenting young women (from 14 to 29) and their children.
Since 1985, Rose of Sharon has offered life-changing resources— empowering young mothers as they embrace their strengths, build parenting skills and gain confidence while they create greater stability in their families’ lives and work towards achieving their hopes and dreams.
“Our young mothers come to us because they want to create a better life for themselves and their babies,” says Deanne Kukulewich, Executive Director. “We are very proud of how hard they work, their continuing accomplishments, and the importance they place on the well-being of their families and their future.”
The annual golf classic helps raise funds to support Rose of Sharon’s free programs and services.
This year’s tournament takes place on September 22nd at Silver Lakes Golf & Country Club and is sponsored by Picone Real Estate.
In addition to golf, there is lots to look forward to on tournament day. Kukulewich explains, “We will have delicious charcuterie breakfast boxes from The Platter Box and Newmarket’s popular Mercato on Main is contributing their award-winning veal sandwiches to our BBQ lunch, which also includes chicken, burgers, salads and dessert. Our friends at Market Brewing Company will hand out their favourite brews and give away beer for a year! We have fun contests planned, including a chance to win $25,000 when you hit a hole-in-one! Our community partners have been very generous in donating a great selection of raffle, silent and live auction items like an autographed Doug Gilmour jersey, and more.”
This year’s celebrity guest and auctioneer is John Catucci. Actor, TV personality and Food Network host, Catucci is a well-known Canadian famous for his friendly demeanor and love of food. When not hosting shows like You Gotta Eat Here and Big Food Bucket List, Catucci can be found working with charities to help them raise funds for their causes.
Kukulewich concludes, “Like all charities, we rely on community support through volunteering, and donations to continue all of our high-quality programming. We have a few foursomes left to fill before September 22nd!
Your participation in the charity golf classic will help us reach our goal to raise $30,000 in support of our free programs, which can make a world of difference in the lives of our young mothers and their babies. The basic items needed to raise a healthy family are so expensive now and young women have been hardest hit during this pandemic.
Many young mothers rely on our regular deliveries of practical supports, which includes shelf-safe foods, fresh vegetables, protein, dairy, baby formula, baby food, diapers and baby clothing directly to their doors each month. Monetary donations allow us to purchase what is needed for these young mothers and their infants, including supporting programs and services that are offered at no cost to the participants.”
To learn more about Rose of Sharon or the golf tournament, visit online or on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.