On July 6, 1997, the fourth annual L.A. Art/Canamotive Golf Tournament was held at Hunter’s Glen Golf Course in Bolton, Ontario. The tournament was organized by Mike Mele, the lead station attendant at Air Canada, and co-sponsored by his brother Paul, owner of an automotive re-manufacturing company. The event was held to raise money for Dreams Take Flight, a charity that helps underprivileged and sick children visit Walt Disney World.
More than 100 golfers participated in the tournament, which featured a $10,000 prize for a hole in one. Sponsors paid $50 to display their company name on the green of each hole, and the tournament raised over $900 for Dreams Take Flight.
Rich Learmont, a station attendant, came close to winning the hole in one prize, with his golf ball coming within 60 cm of the target. The tournament winners, who had placed second and third in previous years, scored a 64 in the best ball event to take first place. An Air Canada team, consisting of Joe Arezza, The Late Alex Haidy, Steve O’Hara, and Cal Meloche, came in third with a score of 67.
Caroline Page and Suzie Rozniowski, customer sales and service agents, were recognized as the most honest golfers at the tournament. Other Air Canada staff who participated in the event included Glen Gordon, Jim Stafford, Joe Concepcion, Pete Madsen, Brian Burns, Dan Fabian, Peter Torrey, Steve Byers, Rich Wellham, Kevin Flemming, Mark Yeo, Karl Bousche, Craig Finn, John McTaggert, Steve Gottschlitch, Randy Reid, and the late Jim Anderson.
After the tournament, the golfers enjoyed a sit-down meal in the dining facility at the golf course. The food was reportedly excellent, and people were able to have seconds if they wanted. There were also many prizes given out after the meal. Later, some of the participants relaxed by the swimming pool, where Alex Haidy (RIP) was thrown in fully clothed by Brent,
in good fun. Overall, the tournament was a successful and enjoyable event, raising money for a worthy cause while providing entertainment for the golfers.
