Staal Foundation Open breaks record, donates $250K back to community

The Staal Foundation Open concluded Sunday, and representatives from the organization announced that $250 thousand will be donated back into the region.

According to organizers, this is the largest donation in the event's history.

Eric Staal of the Staal Family Foundation said that this year's donation surpassed all of their expectations.

"Presenting this cheque here today is what the tournament is all about for us and why our family chooses to be a part of this event," Staal said, "it's about kids and giving back to the community that we grew up in." 

As well as breaking it's fundraising record, this year's event had thousands of spectators and broke the record for all time high attendance.

Mackenzie Tour president Jeff Monday said he was impressed by the way Thunder Bay came together to support the event.

"In its first three years at Whitewater Golf Club, this tournament has typified the PGA TOUR spirit of creating a positive community impact," Monday said, "and I would like to thank the Staal Family, the host organization and all the volunteers and sponsors for their efforts in making it possible."

American golfer Taylor Moore won the Open, shooting a final round of 18 under. 

Over the last three years, the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel has raised over $500 thousand in support of families and children battling cancer. The donations support regional programming, outreach, patient care and new equipment in northwestern Ontario.