Golfers Unite to Honor ‘Holmer’ at $31,600 Charity Fundraiser

A spirited gathering of golfers in east Auckland raised an impressive $31,600 for Bowel Cancer New Zealand during the second annual Daisy Chang Golf Day. The event, held at Whitford Park Golf Club, was organized by Ted Waters and Carmen Holmes, co-owners of the Daisy Chang restaurant in Howick, to honor Carmen’s late husband, Greg ‘Holmer’ Holmes, who passed away at the age of 58 after a courageous battle with bowel cancer.

The charity event attracted a remarkable turnout, with 145 players participating, a feat that Waters noted was achieved by selling out within three weeks. He expressed gratitude to the attendees for their support, highlighting the community’s commitment to the cause. “A big ‘thank you’ to everyone for turning out,” he said, emphasizing the significance of the day.

Before teeing off, Waters shared insights about the day’s activities, which included 19 holes of golf, with one dedicated to the “Jack Daniels Putting Lawn,” a popular fundraiser from the previous year. In addition to golf, participants enjoyed food stations scattered throughout the course, ensuring that players remained energized during their rounds.

Generosity was evident not only among participants but also from sponsors, with Dayne Riddell of Gilmours Manukau contributing $10,000 towards the event. Other notable sponsors included Hancocks, Aramex, Clevedon Coast Oysters, and Jayco Auckland. An auction for a golf organizing shelf also took place, raising $275.

Waters acknowledged the special significance of the day, mentioning that players were competing for the prestigious Holmer Cup. “Many of you are here and supporting Bowel Cancer New Zealand because of Holmer,” he stated. He recalled how Greg Holmes had taken numerous friends across New Zealand to play every 18-hole golf course, creating lasting memories along the way.

Phil Aickin from Golf New Zealand also participated, sharing personal memories of playing with Holmer. “The last one is something I’ll always remember,” he said, recalling a match late last October. Aickin noted the strength Holmer displayed during their game, motivated by the presence of his son, Tom.

As a tribute, Aickin presented Carmen Holmes with a framed citation recognizing Holmer’s achievement of playing all of New Zealand’s 18-hole golf courses. “This is really cool, Holmer would have loved this,” Carmen said, reflecting on how her husband’s golfing journey kept his spirits high during his illness.

The impact of the fundraising efforts was highlighted by Peter Huskinson, chief executive of Bowel Cancer New Zealand. He emphasized that the contributions from events like the Daisy Chang Golf Day enable the organization to provide vital support to those affected by bowel cancer. “Thanks to community support, we’ve been able to expand our nursing service so more people can access one-to-one support when they need it,” Huskinson stated.

Holmer’s legacy continues to resonate within the golfing community. His friends and family celebrated not only his life but also the shared experiences that brought them together. The Daisy Chang Golf Day stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie and support in the face of adversity, illustrating how community events can significantly impact lives.