Sport
Mooroopna Golf Club’s ‘Chip In 4 Craig’ fundraiser hailed a massive success by Craig Prothero
“The community of Shepparton should be proud of themselves for how they support people.”
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Those words of gratitude belong to Craig Prothero, who was blown away after seeing more than 150 people flock to Mooroopna Golf Club for Sunday’s ‘Chip In 4 Craig’ fundraiser.
Prothero rolled around the course greeting faces ― some familiar, others not ― as they assembled to raise money for their beloved club manager, who was diagnosed with Giant Cell Glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, earlier this year.
It didn’t matter if they stayed for a putt, pot or 18 holes.
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Boom town: Lachlan Coates. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 14
Going long: Annette Gallagher. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 14
Ready to rip: Darren Humphrey. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 14
Down the fairway: Greg Freere. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 14
Having a blast: Charlie Prothero, Will Griffin, Will Prothero, Caleb Enders and Zac Wallace. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 14
Whack: Wayne Tonks. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 14
Off the tee: Travis Ryan. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 14
All smiles: Di Madill, Liam Donovan and Di Newman. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 14
Straight as an arrow: John Beaver. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 14
Special day: Craig Prothero, Christine Griffin and Kirsty Prothero. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 11 of 14
Winding up: Bron Hockey. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 12 of 14
High and handsome: Marg Hennery. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 13 of 14
A O-Kaye: Kaye Faulkner. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 14 of 14
It’s all in the hips: Craig McIntyre. Photo by Rechelle ZammitSeeing the swathes of golfers lining the fairways, a kind reminder of his lasting impact, was “overwhelming” in Prothero’s eyes.
“The field was full and there were still people trying to get in,” he said.
“You sort of forget from being at the club so long, the connections I’ve made with members and businesses around town, and throughout the state really.
“We had border clubs donating packages for golf and different things like that. It was just a fantastic day.”
Mooroopna Golf Club president Paul Prosser backed up Prothero’s sentiment, noting it was all hands on deck to make Sunday memorable.
Members from the bowls club hopped on the barbecue, volunteers sold raffle tickets: everyone really did chip in for Craig.
“The response was excellent; people stayed around right until the end with the raffle and the golf presentation which was good,” Prosser said.
“It was just a good day by all, there was just a lot of love.”
Though he decided not to have a hit, Prothero jumped in a cart and did the rounds throughout the day, catching up with those who’d made the effort to show some support.
And it’s to them and the countless others who’ve donated to his GoFundMe page or simply sent a message of support, who he’s so grateful to.
“I just wanted to thank everyone that was involved with getting it going ... I really appreciate the support I’m receiving,” he said.
“I’m getting donations through our GoFundMe page from people who I may have had a little bit of contact, and then there’s some people who I don’t even know who they are.”
ˑ Prosser said that anyone wishing to make a donation could still do so through the Mooroopna Golf Club account ― BSB: 083 894 ACC: 50 773 9410.
Sports Journalist