The following was submitted by the Belleville General Hospital Foundation
The team at Black Bear Ridge was thrilled to present Belleville General Hospital Foundation with a cheque for $4735.00 to support the incredible work being done every day in Oncology at Quinte Health Belleville General Hospital. The funds were generated with the support of the incredible golf community here in the Quinte Region and players from across Ontario through the sale of the tasty Premium Lager, ‘Swing Easy’ brewed in Prince Edward County by Midtown Brewing Company.
The bespoke brew was developed to honour BBR’s beloved Head Professional Bill Kerr, who’s been with Black Bear Ridge since it opened in 2005. “His cancer diagnosis last season was a shock to the entire team and we wanted to do something uplifting to recognize his years of contributions to this business, community and also the Golf industry” says Cale Fair, Vice President, Black Bear Ridge. ‘A PGA of Canada ‘Class A’ Professional with over 25 year tenure, Bill’s been the anchor of BBR since 2005 and has been a key part of cementing Black Bear Ridge’s sterling reputation in the golf industry and public players alike.’
Bill comes by his vocation honestly. The Kerrs are a multi-generational golf family with a sterling legacy of contributions to the sport in Canada. Their name has even graced the Masters stage—the pinnacle of golf. ‘Swing Easy’ is a phrase used by the Kerrs for decades as their chosen valediction on letters and messages. BGHF Executive Director Steve Cook adds ‘It takes a community to fight cancer, and Swing Easy is the perfect expression of this. It showcases the incredible spirit of solidarity and compassion in support of Bill, while also providing critical resources to help those across our region who are battling cancer. BGHF is grateful to be a part of this tribute to our friend Bill and it’s only with exceptional partners like Black Bear Ridge that we can keep exceptional cancer care, close to home.’
Over 12,000 cancer patients received oncology care at Belleville General Hospital last year. Improving survival rates, population growth and an aging demographic means ever increasing number of our friends, family, neighbours and colleagues will be living with cancer into the future.
With opening day scheduled for mid-April, Black Bear Ridge is proud to announce that Swing Easy is back in 2024 with a portion of proceeds once again benefiting BGHF and continuing to honour Bill and his family! Black Bear Ridge is also proud to welcome back BGHF Fairways for Fractures Tournament, Thursday June 20th, 2024 – and continuing to be a part of raising funds for this incredible Foundation!
