$1 million raised by long-running Kelowna golf tournament

One of the Okanagan’s longest-running celebrity golf tournaments has hit a major milestone.

Since its inception, the Sandman Harvest Celebrity Golf Classic has raised more than a million dollars to help local families in need.

The tournament began 14 years ago and was originally known as the Greg Adams Celebrity Classic. After Adams retired from the NHL he stepped down from the tournament.

For the past five years, the tournament’s honourary chairman has been Chuck Kobasew. Kobasew is an Okanagan native who played for the Kelowna Rockets and is now a member of the Minnesota Wild of the NHL.

Kobsasew says the event seems to be more popular than ever.

"We get stronger every year," says Kobasew. "We’re sold out again this year. It shows people are willing to come back and support us."

Over the past 12 months alone, the foundation has donated $91,767 to local families and charitable organizations. All of the money stays in the Okanagan. A lot of it is used to help children who need specialized medical care.

This year’s event takes place July 19 – 20 at the Harvest Golf Course in Kelowna.

It is expected that a number of well-known NHL players will participate, including members of Canada’s gold medal Olympic hockey team.