Fundraiser a collective effort says Howdo

 

Howdo's Fundraiser at the Mangawhai Golf Club is an amazing example of one person's ability to bring a broad cross-section of the community together for a common cause. 

Mike ‘Howdo’ Howard has a long association with Mangawhai golf club, serving as president for a number of years. He now fills the broadly-defined role of ambassador as he contributes his remarkable ability to mix with the movers and shakers and twist their arms to contribute to his project of the moment.

On Sunday February 10 Howdo's Fundraiser brought a capacity field of 136 golfers to a day that challenged their skills on the course and their generosity in the clubhouse as raffles and auctions boosted the day's income. A very impressive prize table ensured those who played well also profited well. The clubhouse was packed as auctions, raffles and prizegiving continued, each playing group enjoyed catered platters and refreshments from the bar. 

Overall, the golf club and associated causes (including the Otamatea High School Duke of Edinburgh students) benefited by more than $25,000. 
“This is the most my fundraiser has ever raised for the golf club and I'm delighted that it will help the with many vital projects, including giving junior golf a real boost,” declared an exhausted but delighted Howdo. “I really can't thank our sponsors and supporters enough for their amazing contributions – they make the day the success it is and deserve all the credit. The day might have my name on it but it's a huge collective effort and I really appreciate the huge help received from everyone.”

Club president Tony Vale summed up the success of the event.

“I don't know of many people who could have brought this together so brilliantly. Howdo is a huge force in the club and the Mangawhai community and we all appreciate the amazing effort he has put into raising such a substantial amount for us.”

Far from playing second fiddle to the enthusiastic fundraising activity, the golfing side of the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all and the competition for prizes was hot across the three playing divisions.
 

On the beautifully prepared Mangawhai course, a capacity field of over 130 golfers gather before tee off. (PHOTO/Supplied)

Howdo's High Rollers: Bill O'Connor, Robert Gillespie, Mike Howard, Keith
Routledge. (PHOTO/Supplied)