In 1957, two long-time institutions got their start in Lethbridge, as both Cox Financial Group and Lethbridge College opened their doors. In celebration of their shared 60th anniversaries in 2017, Cox Financial Group is providing a generous $25,000 gift through the college’s annual golf tournament.
The Cox Financial Group’s donation gives a strong start to the 34th annual Lethbridge College Golf Tournament’s goal of raising $60,000 for 60 years by the end of this year’s event. All money raised during the tournament on Aug. 29 at the Lethbridge Country Club, will go towards the creation of new student awards, to aid the education of both students and student-athletes.
“Almost every year, without fail, we see the folks from Cox Financial out on the course, supporting our tournament and our students,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO. “For them to kick off this year’s festivities with this amazing gift is a natural fit. We are thankful that they are so invested in supporting students here in southern Alberta.”
Established by Harry Cox in 1957, Cox Financial Group is now a third-generation advisory firm, run by Harry’s sons, Geoff and Brad, and his grandson, Jared. Cox Financial Group has previously been a hole and shootout sponsor at the golf tournament, and Harry, Brad and/or Geoff have golfed in 30 of the previous 33 college golf tournaments.
The gift is part of Cox Financial Group’s 60k for 60 Years initiative that also includes donations to the University of Lethbridge men’s hockey program and the Southern Alberta Art Gallery. The donation to the college will spur the creation of the Cox Financial Group Award that will go to support students in the skilled trades.
“Many of our clients employ graduates of the Lethbridge College’s trades programs,” says Jared Cox, partner at Cox Financial Group. “We wanted to make sure that we supported these programs to keep the trades thriving in our community.”
Cox Financial Group is urging other businesses and individuals to follow their lead, as part of a challenge to help the charity golf tournament reach its $60,000 goal. Donations can be made on the course, or online at any time through lethbridgecollege.ca/golf by clicking on the “donate” button.
The 34th annual Lethbridge College Golf Tournament is now sold out, although those interested in golfing can still join the waitlist. This year’s tournament will feature all six Kodiaks coaches and 22 student-athletes throughout the course, interacting with participants and taking part in a variety of fun contests.
Lethbridge College’s Golf Tournament is the longest-running charity golf event in southern Alberta. The event has raised more than $200,000 over the last five years and more than $832,000 over the tournament's 33-year history.