14th Annual Taste of Croatia – Raising funds for the Vukovar Water Tower Restoration Project

By: Ana Bačić

The Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce, based in Toronto, on September 30, 2016, organized their Annual Taste of Croatia Golf Tournament at Glen Eagle Golf Club in Bolton, Ontario. The tournament, which has been sold out for many consecutive years, was expanded this year from 18 to 27 holes to accomodate the high demand of golfers who participated in the tournament. This fourteenth consecutive jubilee tournament attracted a record number of golfers – 216 in total.

The intention of the organizers over the years has been to bring the community together and create new business opportunities while enjoying a day of golf and Croatian food and beverages along the way.  Golfers sampled traditionally prepared “Kotlovina”, Karlovacko beer, seafood salad and many other delicacies throughout the day.

Attending this year’s golf tournament was special guest, UFC Heavyweight Champion, American of Croatian origin, Stipe Miocic (34).  Miocic was delighted with the diverse selection of Croatian specialties, he particularly enjoyed the “Kranjske” sausages, “Paški” cheese and cabbage rolls. “There is no way that anyone is walking away from the course hungry or thirsty,” commented Miocic on the abundant supply of food and drinks sampled throughout the day.  As an inexperienced golfer, Miocic tried his hand at golf and did remarkably well.  He then spent the day signing autographs and taking selfies with the golfers while topping off the afternoon sampling the roasted pig, which had been spinning slowly over the coals throughout the day.

Another surprise for the golfers was an appearance by T.S. Mejaši, visiting from Croatia who performed at two shows in Hamilton and Norval.  Mejaši spent lunch with the guests, chatting and meeting the golfers.  They also pulled out their tambure (musical instruments) and treated the guests to a pop-up performance.  Following lunch they toured the golf course, and like Miocic, accommodated everyone by signing autographs and taking pictures.

This well attended tournament is accompanied by various activities designed for the purposes of promoting Croatian delicacies and the endeavors of the Croatian-Canadian community. This year at the tournament, the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce launched their campaign to raise funds for the Vukovar Water Tower Restoration Project with an initial donation of $5,000 Canadian dollars.  The campaign will run through until the end of November, 2016.

Ivan Grbešić, board member of the Chamber, led the live auction and was pleased to announce, “This evening we auctioned two pairs of official UFC gloves worn and signed by Stipe Miocic and raised $8000 to be contributed towards our fundraising initiative!”

The entire event was very successful due to the generous response from golfers, sponsors and volunteers who enjoyed a fun filled day on the beautiful green lawns of the Glen Eagle Golf Club.

Photo Album  – https://www.flickr.com/photos/144795000@N03/albums/72157671478995523

Večernji List, Moja Hrvaska News Article – http://mojahrvatska.vecernji.hr/ovako-iseljenici-pomazu-hrvatskoj-rukavice-stipe-miocica-prodane-za-osam-tisuca-dolara-1119318

The Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce sincerely thanks UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic, T.S. Mejaši, Magarac Productions, all guests, volunteers and the following sponsors for their continued support and generosity in making the 14th Annual Taste of Croatia an incredible success.

TITLE SPONSORS

MNP LLP  Event Sponsor
BAKA  Event Sponsor
Stikeman Elliot LLP  Dinner Sponsor
Baka Gallery Cafe  Golf Ball Sponsor
Eurotrade Import Export Inc.  Parting Gift Sponsor
Thorsteinssons LLP  Golf Cart Sponsor
Krcmar Surveyors  Lunch Sponsor
Markes Lawyers  Student Sponsor
Accutel Collaboration Solutions  Martini Hole Sponsor
ALCiT  Golf Competitions Sponsor
JDIMI Consulting  Halfway Hut Sponsor
G.S. Die & Design Inc.  Driving Range Sponsor
Frontier Networks  Golf Competitions Sponsor
The Charger Guys  Registration Gift Sponsor
Investors Group  Hole-In-One Sponsor
Sounds of Croatia  Advertising Sponsor
Cromark Media Inc.  Advertising Sponsor

HOLE SPONSORS

HOLE OFFERING SPONSORS