Once again community members and business owners banded together to support the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC). The 6th annual Turn Copper Into Gold golf tournament on Sept. 30, hosted at The Ridge at Copper Point raised over $40,000 to assist in paying the mortgage of the CVCC Visitor Centre.

On the course 139 golfers played for a host of prizes.

First place was taken by Nick Berzins, Ken Willimont, Jim McRitchie and Ken Roome and was sponsored by Scotiabank and Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Second prize, sponsored by Eagle Ranch Golf Resort and Fairmont Resort Properties was won by Doug McIntosh, Ann McIntosh, Mickey Riches and Lloyd Wilder.

Third place went to Barry Maybuck, Cheryl Maybuck, Jurgen Striegel and Louise Striegel, sponsored by Ron Overy, Marble Canyon and Windermere Valley Golf Course. The most honest golfers was sponsored by Springbrook Resort and went to Barney Maslaniec, Jan Maslaniec, Devon Maslaniec and Dave Bennett. Men’s longest putt, sponsored by BMO went to Greg Scheffer. Ladies' longest putt went to Lorna Scott, sponsored by Valley’s Edge Resort and sponsored by A&W.

Chris Fenn and Helen Kipp won the men’s and ladies' closest to the pin, sponsored respectively by Stuart Tutty Financial Services Ltd. and Valley’s Edge Resort.

The total raised since the event began has reached nearly $200,000. Ron Mason, Copper Point’s president and managing partner, announced last spring that Copper Point will commit to hosting the tournament for an additional five years.

Also contributing to the success of the event were the many businesses that donated and sponsored prizes, including The Valley Echo, who donated $1,000 to offset the cost of the buffet dinner, as well as Tex Lorstcher who volunteered his services as auctioneer.