By Michael Oliveira


Urban Angel Golf Classic chair Mike Thompson, former event co-chair John Manning, health network president and CEO Dr. Tim Rutledge, and St. Michael’s Foundation president Lili Litwin celebrate another year of raising more than $1 million through the event.
(from left to right) Urban Angel Golf Classic chair Mike Thompson, former event co-chair John Manning, health network president and CEO Dr. Tim Rutledge, and St. Michael’s Foundation president Lili Litwin celebrate another year of raising more than $1 million through the event.

The 31th annual St. Michael’s Urban Angel Golf Classic presented by Middlefield Group has raised more than $1-million net for the 12th year in a row.

Held at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham on July 18, the tournament has grown to become one of the biggest one-day charity golf events in Canada and one of the country’s longest-running hospital fundraisers.

There were 288 golfers participating in this year’s tournament, which was MC’d by Crystal Goomansingh, a Global News anchor and reporter.

“Every discovery, every big win, every first, best and only are backed by our community,” said Dr. Tim Rutledge, president and CEO of the health network made up of St. Michael’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Centre and Providence Healthcare.

“We know there are many causes out there worth championing and I just want to say we hugely appreciate your support of us,” Dr. Rutledge told the crowd at the end of the event.

“It’s supporters like you that fuel the innovation that provides the resources required to bring breakthroughs to the bedside. We couldn’t do it without you.”

PGA Tour Canada was a big supporter of the event again this year. Six professional golfers – Aaron Cockerill, Cody Blick, George Cunningham, Michael Gligic, Taylor Pendrith and Tyler McCumber – offered tips and showcased their talent on various holes.

The first Urban Angel Golf Classic was organized by St. Michael’s Engineering Department in 1987 and raised $17,000. Over the years, the event has matured thanks to the continued commitment of volunteers and donors.

About St. Michael’s Hospital

St. Michael’s Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in more than 29 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, care of the homeless and global health are among the Hospital’s recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael’s Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.