King Island Classic raises over $21k for Make-A-Wish

The 2019 Essendon Fields King Island Classic held last month at Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes has made a series of wishes come true for critically ill children.

Media release

The successful event, held over two days on two of the world’s most spectacular golf courses, raised a total of $21,044.85 for Make-A-Wish Australia.

Essendon Fields helped create this special golf event in conjunction with Air Adventure to offer a special experience for golf lovers who also want to give something back to the community.

On the weekend of March 2-3, 53 participants flew directly from Essendon Fields to King Island thanks to Air Adventure and played 18 holes at the Cape Wickham course on Saturday followed by 18 holes at Ocean Dunes course on Sunday.

This year, Subaru Essendon was the major sponsor of the event and invited a number of their key clients. The eventual winner of the event was Michael Yeo whose prize pack included: Callaway Chrome gvolf balls, 1-night accommodation at Hyatt Place Essendon Fields; $100 Mr McCracken restaurant voucher, a LaManna Hamper and a Callaway cap.

David Rodda, Franchise Director of Subaru Melbourne, said the 2019 Essendon Fields Golf Classic was not only a golf lover’s dream come true, but it was also special to make the dreams come true for a range of deserving children.

“It was an incredible weekend, the golf and the weather were amazing, but to hear the stories of those kids whose lives we were going to help by granting them a special wish certainly made the event something everyone will remember,’’ he said.

“Subaru Essendon are an important member of the Essendon Fields community and its automotive precinct is a great success. We were proud to support such an important charity event,’’ he said.

Mark Wiegerink, Group Head of Partners & Supporters at Make-A-Wish Australia said it was only through the support of organisations like Subaru Essendon, Essendon Fields and Air Adventure that the organisation was able to grant life-changing wishes to critically ill children across the country.

“As an independent children’s charity, Make-A-Wish relies solely on the generosity of incredible individuals, businesses and community partners, to ensure no child misses out on a life-changing wish journey.

“We are extremely grateful for the significant contribution the 2019 Essendon Fields Golf Classic has made, every dollar helps us reach even more kids in need.”

Proceeds from the event support future wishes for children like Archie Schiller, who at just seven years of age has spent much of his life in hospital as he battles a life-threatening heart condition.  When only three months old, Archie had his first open heart surgery and has had another 12 further surgeries since, resulting in many missed days of school and playing with friends.

Archie’s wish was to be the captain of the Australian Cricket team which came true at the iconic Boxing Day Test in 2018.

Archie proudly led the Australian Cricket Team out to a roaring crowd, while also taking part in the national anthem and giving his team mates some helpful playing tips   – a life changing experience he will never forget.

Air Adventure’s John Dyer said: “We are proud to be able to host this wonderful event.

“We offer regular tours that fly directly to King Island from Essendon Fields Airport and it is one of our most important aviation markets. We know there are many reasons to visit King Island and playing golf on magnificent golf courses is just one of them, but to enjoy playing golf while supporting an event that raises so much money for Make-A-Wish is extra special,’’ John concluded.