Share and Scare Open golf tourney at Dentonia Park helped raise funds, donations for local food bank

By JOSHUA McGINNIS

Local golfers recently grabbed their clubs, food donations, and Halloween costumes and teed off in the name of charity and sport.

On Saturday, Nov. 2, a total of 71 avid golfers gathered at Dentonia Park Golf Course on Victoria Park Avenue for the Share and Scare Open, in support of local charities. Tee times began at 1 p.m. and ran into the early hours of the evening.

The idea for the tournament first emerged in 2020. Dylan Silver, the event’s founder and organizer, said golf was a way to get out of the house during the COVID-19 lockdowns. 

“It started four years ago with my brothers and a couple of their friends. Everything was closed except for golf, and we thought it might be fun to dress up and go to Dentonia, play 18 holes, and that was it; it wasn’t until last year that we got charities involved,” said Silver. 

Since last year, he and other organizers have decided to include local food bank making the tournament about more than golf.

Feed Scarborough is a local charity that partnered with Share and Scare. The organization has six different food bank locations throughout Scarborough and offers residents a wide range of support through community gardens, vaccine clinics, and more. 

Two truckloads worth of food donations and $350 in total cash donations were collected at this year’s tournament.

Maneesh Singh, one of the golfers present who has played this tournament since 2020, said this about the event as a whole:

“To be caring and generous doesn’t mean making grandiose gestures infrequently; it’s about being present and kind frequently in the moment – such as enjoying a round of golf with friends for an amazing cause,” said Singh.

The round’s lowest score was a reported 57, just three above par. According to Dylan, competition usually takes a backseat at the tournament as most players just want to have fun and contribute to charity.

However, costume selection was at the front of most people’s minds. Some players wore full hockey gear, while others were in Santa suits.

“The most important part about choosing a costume is finding something that has good mobility,” said Silver.

As the rest of the tournament played out, there were many big smiles and friendly energy.

“The day was great. I was happy to be playing golf and having a good time with buddies, all while donating to a good cause,” said Ronnie Telford, a participant in the tournament.

Silver told Beach Metro Community News that the event is growing.

“Four years ago, we had eight people; this year, we had 71. I don’t see any reason why we can’t step it up next year. Next year, we hope to go digital, set up a donation page, and open it up even more to anyone who wants to get out, play golf, and donate to charity.”