Agenda (Appointed) - Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee - 20250604Town of Aurora
Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee
Meeting Agenda
Date:Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Time:10 a.m.
Location:Video Conference
Pages
1.Call to Order
2.Land Acknowledgement
3.Approval of the Agenda
4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
5.Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of April 2, 2025 1
That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee meeting
minutes of April 2, 2025, be received for information.
1.
6.Delegations
7.Matters for Consideration
7.1 Application from The Lighthouse Learning and Development Centre; Re:
Funding for Programs
5
That the Application from The Lighthouse Learning and
Development Centre; Re: Funding for Programs be received; and
1.
That the Committee provide direction to:2.
Grant the funding request; ora.
Deny the funding request; orb.
Defer consideration of the funding request to a future
meeting.
c.
7.2 Application from CAYR Community Connections; Re: Funding for 'A Taste
for Life' Annual Campaign
12
That the Application from CAYR Community Connections; Re:
Funding for 'A Taste for Life' Annual Campaign be received; and
1.
That the Committee provide direction to:2.
Grant the funding request; or1.
Deny the funding request; or2.
Defer consideration of the funding request to a future
meeting.
3.
7.3 Application from Aurora Cares Community Action Team; Re: Funding for
Ongoing Initiatives
16
That the Application from Aurora Cares Community Action
Team; Re: Funding for Ongoing Initiatives be received; and
1.
That the Committee provide direction to:2.
Grant the funding request; or1.
Deny the funding request; or2.
Defer consideration of the funding request to a future
meeting.
3.
8.Informational Items
9.New Business
10.Adjournment
Town of Aurora
Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
10 a.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Angela Covert (Chair)
Robert Gaby
Manuel Veloso
Members Absent: Elia Elliott
Ping Zhang
Other Attendees: Jason Gaertner, Manager, Financial Planning
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10 a.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on Anishinaabe lands,
the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island,
recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day,
the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this
territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of these
lands and waters. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
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Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes
April 2, 2025 2
Moved by Robert Gaby
Seconded by Manuel Veloso
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
5. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of February 26,
2025
Moved by Manuel Veloso
Seconded by Robert Gaby
1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee meeting minutes of
February 26, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Application from Starlight Children's Foundation Canada; Re: Funding
Request for 2025 Trick or Suite Event
Moved by Manuel Veloso
Seconded by Robert Gaby
1. That the Application from Starlight Children's Foundation Canada; Re:
Funding Request for 2025 Trick or Suite Event be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of
$2,000.00.
Carried
Page 2 of 19
Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes
April 2, 2025 3
7.2 Application from Easter Seals Ontario; Re: Funding for Programs
Moved by Manuel Veloso
Seconded by Robert Gaby
1. That the Application from Easter Seals Ontario; Re: Funding for
Programs be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of
$5,000.00.
Carried
7.3 Application from The ABLE Network; Re: Funding for Programs
Moved by Robert Gaby
Seconded by Manuel Veloso
1. That the Application from The ABLE Network; Re: Funding for
Programs be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of
$5,000.00.
Carried
7.4 Application from Big Brothers Big Sisters Peel York; Re: Funding for
Mentoring Programs
Moved by Manuel Veloso
Seconded by Robert Gaby
1. That the Application from Big Brothers Big Sisters Peel York; Re:
Funding for Mentoring Programs be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of
$5,000.00.
Carried
7.5 Application from Omar's Fashion Thru the Ages in Support of Southlake
Health Men's Health; Re Funding for Fundraising Event
Moved by Robert Gaby
Seconded by Manuel Veloso
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Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes
April 2, 2025 4
1. That the Application from Omar's Fashion Thru the Ages in Support of
Southlake Health Men's Health; Re: Funding for Fundraising Event be
received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of
$5,000.00.
Carried
7.6 Application from Marquee Theatrical Productions; Re: Funding for
Programs
Moved by Robert Gaby
Seconded by Manuel Veloso
1. That the Application from Marquee Theatrical Productions; Re:
Funding for Programs be received; and
2. That the Committee grant the funding request in the amount of
$5,000.00.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None
9. New Business
There was brief discussion regarding the funding criteria and guidelines.
10. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:54 a.m.
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100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Application to Receive Funds
The Aurora Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic has raised over $1 million to date and has financially assisted several community
organizations to provide much needed services to residents living in the Town of Aurora. Recipient selection is conducted
annually by the application review and disbursement committee of the Town of Aurora Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic and is
based on the information provided in this application.
Funding Criteria and guidelines;
Individual applicants and community groups must demonstrate financial hardship or a limited means to retain funds in
another manner. Individual applications demonstrating financial hardship will be kept confidential.
Individuals and organizations may not receive funding for more than two consecutive years.
Funding requests for more than $5,000 in a calendar year will not be accepted.
Funding requests for more than 50% of an initiative will not be considered and applicants must demonstrate how the
remaining funds will be or have been obtained
Applications should demonstrate a benefit to the residents of the Town of Aurora that receiving the funding will
provide
Successful applicants will be required to report back in any way they deem appropriate regarding the utilization of
funds within six (6) months of receiving funds
Name of Individual or Community Group *
The Lighthouse Learning and Development Centre
Address
Street Number and Name *
222 Edward Street
City/ Town *
Aurora
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Province *
Ontario
Postal Code *
L4G 1W6
Contact Information
Email Address *
laura.m@lhldc.com
Phone Number *
(416) 894-4248
On a separate document, please outline your initiative and any supporting documentation you have. The
information being provided should align with the funding criteria guidelines found above. Please attach your
documentation with this this form.
Page 6 of 19
April 3, 2025 Dear Town of Aurora/Application to Receive Funds, I am writing on behalf of The Lighthouse Learning and Development Centre, a proud member of the Aurora community for the last 10 years. As a non-profit, female-run organization, we have built a reputation as a vital resource for families and individuals affected by autism, offering behavioral interventions, educational support, and more. As an integral part of the Aurora community, we strive to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Over the years, we have expanded our services to meet the growing needs of the community, including offering adult programs. Our Career Connections Program, which partners with local corporations in Aurora, has been an incredible success, providing meaningful employment opportunities and professional development for neurodiverse adults. However, one challenge that remains is the lack of funding options to support these adult programs. This is where we are seeking your support. The adult programs at The Lighthouse offer a crucial service to individuals who would otherwise be left without the necessary resources to build and maintain careers. Unfortunately, the lack of funding for adults with ASD has made it difficult for many families to afford this invaluable service. We are reaching out to request financial assistance to help subsidize the cost of these programs and ensure they are accessible to families in need. Our funding request aligns with the guidelines for the following reasons:
• Financial Hardship: The families we serve often face financial hardship due to the unique challenges associated with raising neurodiverse children and adults. By offering subsidies for our adult programs, we can reduce the financial burden on these families and make our services more accessible.
• Community Benefit: The Lighthouse is deeply embedded in the Aurora community, and our programs directly benefit local residents. By supporting our adult programs, we are not only enhancing the lives of individuals with ASD but also
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contributing to the broader social and economic fabric of Aurora. Our Career Connections Program, in particular, fosters collaboration between local businesses and neurodiverse adults, providing valuable workforce development.
• Sustainability: The requested funding will allow us to continue to offer these critical services while we work on securing additional long-term funding sources. We are committed to ensuring that no individual is excluded due to financial barriers, and this funding will play a pivotal role in making that happen.
• Adherence to Funding Guidelines: We are requesting a subsidy of $5000.00 to help reduce the financial burden on families. This amount does not exceed the $5,000 funding limit set by the criteria, and it will be used exclusively for the direct support of our adult program participants. We are committed to ensuring that this funding will be utilized in a transparent and responsible manner, and we will provide a report on the use of the funds within six months of receiving the funding. We are grateful for the opportunity to apply for this funding and are confident that with your support, we will be able to continue to serve the Aurora community in a meaningful way. We look forward to the possibility of partnering with you to make these vital programs more accessible to the families who need them most. Thank you for considering our request. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information. Many thanks, Laura McLennan Director of Development Laura.m@lhldc.com 416-894-4248
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The Beginning
On November 24, 2014, I was told that if I punished my son, I could fix him.
Fix him—like there was something wrong with him.
That moment came 8 years and 2 months to the day after I first sat in a doctor's office and heard
the words: "Your son has autism." And now, here I was again, listening to someone tell me that
my beautiful, incredible boy was somehow broken—that I needed to fix him.
The Journey
For 8 years and 2 months, I had fought endlessly—trying to convince the world that my son
was worthy, that he deserved not the world, not the impossible—just basic respect. That night,
I had enough. The Lighthouse was born.
Six months later, we registered our first student. My son’s world changed, and with it, I hoped that
so many other families would finally get what they had always deserved—a chance.
Over the last 10 years, The Lighthouse has grown, breaking down barriers while providing world-
class intervention at the most affordable cost possible. The Lighthouse has partnered with the Els
for Autism Foundation® to bring their acclaimed adult services to Ontario — a program unlike any
other in Canada! Els for Autism® was established in 2009 by Liezl and Ernie Els, and Marvin R.
Shanken. The Els Center of Excellence® campus is located in Jupiter, Florida and serves as a hub
for disseminating innovative, evidence-based programs for families and individuals impacted by
autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the lifespan. Ernie Els has more than 70 career victories;
four major championships: the U.S. Open in 1994 at Oakmont and in 1997 at Congressional,
and The Open Championship in 2002 at Muirfield and in 2012 at Royal Lytham & St Annes. He is
one of six golfers to twice win both the U.S. Open and The Open Championship.
But here’s the truth: our fight has never stopped.
Despite our dedication, our relentless efforts to secure grants have been shut down time and
time again—without explanation, without transparency. Instead of wasting energy battling a
broken system, we are putting our energy into making these programs happen on our own terms.
This September marks our 10th anniversary.
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The Fundraising Campaign
And in honour of that milestone—and the fact that it only took 6 months to turn The
Lighthouse from an idea into reality—we are launching our first-ever fundraising campaign: 6
Months www.6months.ca
From World Autism Awareness Day (April 2nd) to our 10th Anniversary in September, we will
host 6 months of events, activities, and fundraising—to make up for every grant that has been
denied and to show the world what 6 months can do.
The First Event
Our first in-person event will be:
All In for Autism
• Date: Wednesday, April 30th (the last day of World Autism Awareness Month)
• What: A fun casino night
• Where: hosted at our centre in Aurora (222 Edward Street, Aurora, ON)
The Request
To make this event a success, we need you.
We are reaching out to our valued partners, friends, and families to help us bring this incredible
night to life.
There are so many meaningful ways you can help make a difference, and we are truly grateful for
your support.
• Purchase a Table – $1,000.00: We’ll place your ad on the table during our event and share
your business information on our social media every day throughout April, in honor
of World Autism Awareness Month.
• Donate a Prize: Big or small, every prize makes an impact — whether it’s a single item, a
collection of gifts, or a grand prize, your contribution adds excitement to the event and helps
us raise even more for our cause.
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• Make a Cash Donation: Every dollar counts, and we’ll show our appreciation by listing and
sharing our donors weekly throughout April to celebrate their generosity.
Your kindness and support remind us why we do what we do. Thank you for being part of this
incredible journey and showing us that truly, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IN 6 MONTHS.
Help us show the world what 6 months can do.
If you can contribute or would like to get involved, please reach out. Let’s make this a night to
remember.
With gratitude and determination,
Serena Thompson
Executive Director
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100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Application to Receive Funds
The Aurora Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic has raised over $1 million to date and has financially assisted several community
organizations to provide much needed services to residents living in the Town of Aurora. Recipient selection is conducted
annually by the application review and disbursement committee of the Town of Aurora Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic and is
based on the information provided in this application.
Funding Criteria and guidelines;
Individual applicants and community groups must demonstrate financial hardship or a limited means to retain funds in
another manner. Individual applications demonstrating financial hardship will be kept confidential.
Individuals and organizations may not receive funding for more than two consecutive years.
Funding requests for more than $5,000 in a calendar year will not be accepted.
Funding requests for more than 50% of an initiative will not be considered and applicants must demonstrate how the
remaining funds will be or have been obtained
Applications should demonstrate a benefit to the residents of the Town of Aurora that receiving the funding will
provide
Successful applicants will be required to report back in any way they deem appropriate regarding the utilization of
funds within six (6) months of receiving funds
Name of Individual or Community Group *
CAYR Community Connections
Address
Street Number and Name *
17665 Leslie Street, Unit 12.
City/ Town *
Newmarket
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Province *
Ontario
Postal Code *
L3Y 3E3
Contact Information
Email Address *
mkoning@cayrcc.org
Phone Number *
(416) 553-5650
On a separate document, please outline your initiative and any supporting documentation you have. The
information being provided should align with the funding criteria guidelines found above. Please attach your
documentation with this this form.
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April 24, 2025
To The Aurora Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic
Subject: Request for Support
I think we can all agree that the cost of living has increased.
Food insecurity is a real thing; homelessness is a real thing; the stats are there.
How can you help? By helping us offer folks in this community, a Taste for Life.
“My quality of life has improved as result of the financial, emotional, physical and
social services provided by the staff and well wishers of CAYR.”
Words like this, from our service users and clients, are the reasons why we need your
help to keep pressing on even when the challenges and hurdles seem insurmountable.
“This money (gift card) will help me buy my mental health back.”
I am writing to ask for your support toward our annual campaign, A Taste for Life. As a
York Region registered non-profit organization that provides essential supports and
services to our communities that include people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS,
people at risk of Hep C, people who use drugs and substances, and people of the
2SLGBTQ+ community, receiving donations during these challenging times is so very
important. We respectfully request your consideration and financial support in the
amount of $5,000.00.
While our office may be located in Newmarket, (as stated above), we serve all residents
of York Region, including Aurora.
Our Vision: We envision stigma-free, inclusive and informed communities, fostering an
environment where individuals thrive.
Our Mission: CAYR creates welcoming, confidential, and inclusive environments for
dignified support and education, empowering a diverse population .
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The people who seek support and services through CAYR face some serious life
challenging barriers that include poverty, compromised immune systems, homelessness,
and struggles with mental health.
We have seen an increase in the number of people seeking our services and support,
and the demand is continuing to grow. Over the years we have fought hard in
continuing to offer basic “quality of life” needs. This, together with our programming,
provide some vital services to some of York Regions most vulnerable.
A donation or sponsorship can help establish food security, access to needed heath
care, shelter, clothing, safety, and transportation. Help us give those in need “a taste for
life”. A taste for well being, dignity and self esteem.
So, I urge you to please consider making a financial donation to support our organization
and this campaign during these difficult times.
Together we can make a difference.
Together we can help make ‘A Taste for Life’ so much more meaningful for so many.
Please feel free to contact me at 416.553.5650 or mkoning@cayrcc.org if you have any
questions or require any additional information. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mark Koning
Manager, Communications and Operations
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May 23, 2025
Mayor’s Golf Classic Fund Committee
c/o Aurora Town Clerk
100 John West Way
Aurora, ON L4G 6J1
To Whom It May Concern,
The Aurora Community Action Team is planning to support youth in need in Aurora by liaising
with both School Boards to coordinate the distribution of backpacks and assorted school
supplies for students identified by their school administrators as being in need of support. We
are currently organizing the support for the YRDSB (estimated 160 students) to be distributed in
June. We have some committed donations from local organizations but will be needing to
purchase the majority of the items required. We will also be working with the YCDSB in the fall
(their timing) to accomplish the same goal. We will only be offering this to publicly funded
Schools in Aurora.
We are working to secure donations from local groups (Salvation army, Welcoming Arms,
Rotary, Optimist, etc) but will definitely require extra funding to execute this. We assume that the
YCDSB numbers will be similar to the YRDSB so we will require funding apart from any from the
Mayors Golf Classic Funds as well. The extra funding will be solicited from local businesses
and individuals.
In order to be prepared for any costs associated with providing these supports we are seeking
$5,000 from the Mayor’s Golf Classic Funds Committee to assist with initiatives of the Aurora
Cares Community Action Team.
I thank you for your consideration and look forward to your response.
Doug Steele
Chair, Aurora Cares Community Action Team
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Aurora Community Cares
Back Pack Program Requirements
All items were identified by the York Region District School Board Staff
Estimated 5/22/2025 Estimated
Item Needed Qty Requested Qty On Hand Qty Needed Current Identified Breakdown
Backpacks
Primary/Junior Backpack 100 100 30 male, 36 female, 31 neutral
Intermediate Backpack 40 40 6 male, 19 neutral
Secondary Backpack 20 20 all neutral
Content Items
Pencils 160 11 149
Pencil Crayons 160 2 158
Pencil Case 140 140
Pens 86 3 83
Markers 140 10 130
Highlighters 86 2 84
Books for drawing 140 1 139
Waterbottle 140 140
Binders 106 106
Paper 106 1 105
Lunch bag 140 3 137
Math Set (compass, protractor, etc.)60 60
Scientific Calculator 60 1 59
Organisers 60 60
Hand Sanitiser 84 84
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