The 21^st annual Canadian auto industry golf tournament hosted by Canadian Black Book, is being renamed in honour of the company’s former CEO, Kathy Ward.

Moving forward, the tournament will be called The Canadian Black Book Kathy Ward Memorial Golf Tournament.

Kathy lost her battle with cancer in December of 2017, a loss that struck Canada’s auto sector as a whole.

Kathy was a mainstay at Canadian Black Book for the better part of 30 years. Her list of accomplishments runs long, but perhaps her favourite was the inception of the company’s annual golf tournament, in 1997, in support of the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation.

“Kathy loved to golf and mingle. This was her favourite day of the year. She was so happy to support the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation each year,” said Harm DeJonge, Kathy’s husband.

After hearing about the idea from Brad Rome, President at Canadian Black Book, DeJonge made an incredible offer. As recognition of the appreciation from him and his family, DeJonge has committed to match any donations made in Kathy’s memory, until the end of this year’s tournament, up to $50,000.

“Harm and the family have been through so much lately.  For him to step up like this just adds to Kathy’s legacy, I can feel her smiling and being proud.,” said Brad Rome.  “Making the cheque presentation this year along with Harm to the Foundation will be a proud moment, knowing the amount of money will surely make a meaningful difference to a lot of kids, and that would make Kathy happy,” added Rome.

For 2018, the Canadian Black Book Kathy Ward Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on September 10, at one of Canada’s premier private golf courses, Magna Golf Club in Aurora.

Registration is limited and is expected to fill up quickly. For sponsorship and foursome enquiries contact Dave Cook. To make a donation to Tim Horton Children’s Foundation in memory of Kathy Ward, visit timhortons.com/ca/en/childrens-foundation