DECA Students Support Alzheimer Society with Memory Drive Golf Tournament
September marked World Alzheimer’s Month, and with that in mind, CDS Grade 11 students Michael Polygenis and Lukas Speranza took action - organizing a charity golf tournament to raise funds for the Alzheimer Society of York Region (AS York). The Memory Drive Golf Tournament served as both a passion project and their DECA community awareness initiative for this year’s provincial competition.
As members of the international business club DECA, the pair were challenged to design and execute a community event that raised awareness for a meaningful cause. Lukas and Michael chose to support AS York because of Lukas’ personal experience of losing his grandfather to the disease six years ago; a loss that left a lasting void and inspired his family’s ongoing support of the cause.
While Michael does not have that firsthand connection, a visit to AS York’s day program in Aurora convinced him they had chosen the right cause to support. There, he and Lukas met the organization’s CEO and saw firsthand the compassion and care provided to families navigating life with Alzheimer’s.
Their initial goal was modest: to gather 60–80 participants and raise a few thousand dollars. But organizing a full-scale golf tournament was no small feat. From securing a course and date to finding sponsors, every step brought new challenges.
Undeterred, the boys leaned on family and friends for advice and support, ultimately booking Rolling Hills Golf Club in Stouffville for Saturday, September 28. They promoted the event tirelessly - dropping off flyers around King, cold-calling potential sponsors, and quickly learning that much of success in fundraising comes down to the power of networking and building relationships.
With growing confidence, they began securing sponsors on their own - including an impressive $7,500 sponsorship from Canada Life, their largest contributor. Along the way, they learned the importance of email etiquette, how to present themselves in Zoom and TEAM meetings, and the power of sending thank you notes.
Their hugely successful Memory Drive Tournament drew 144 golfers and 170 attendees, double what the boys had initially forecasted. The event featured a shotgun start, foursome best-ball format, gift bags, raffles, a silent auction, and prizes for the winners. Guests enjoyed a continental breakfast, on-course souvlaki and pizza stations, and a barbecue lunch, all included in the $175 entry fee.
Representatives from the Alzheimer Society of York Region were also on hand, participating both as volunteers and players, adding to the spirit of community and purpose that defined the day.
Representatives from the Alzheimer Society of York Region were also on hand, participating both as volunteers and players, adding to the spirit of community and purpose that defined the day.
This week, with every expense now accounted for, Michael and Lukas proudly presented a cheque for $40,350 to the Alzheimer Society of York Region - far exceeding their original goal.
“It’s important to support AS York because of the incredible work they do for people affected by Alzheimer’s,” said Lukas. “They provide essential resources, education, and assistance to families. Having experienced this disease in my own family, I know how vital that support can be.”
We wish them all the best as they prepare for their exam to qualify for provincials!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
