Circle of Seven – A Decade of Giving…
The Circle of Seven is a group of men with a common goal…to give back to the community they grew up in, while enjoying the friendships and passions they share. Their objective is to raise funds for the less fortunate in our community by way of golf tournaments and other fundraising events. There are over 31 charitable groups that benefit from the generous donations and support of this unique group of men.
2006 marks the 10th anniversary of the annual John Ferguson charity Classic Golf Tournament. The event took place August 14th at the Essex Golf & Country Club with 144 golf participants. On the eve of the tournament, the tradition continued with the Circle of Seven in partnership with Freeds hosting the annual pre-party celebration. This special event brings recognition to the charitable cause (Children’s Aid Society, 2006) and welcomes celebrity golfers and out of town guests. The display of fine cuisine and live entertainment provided the ambiance and warm atmosphere leading into the live and silent auction – the meat and potatoes of the event contributing to the overall fundraising efforts. The celebration kick off and tournament this year raised over $130,000.
This group of diverse and dynamic individuals, when brought together, exemplifies modern day superheroes. With old-school work ethics and respect for one another they each bring something magical to the table. Seven separate personalities with one common interest – to serve our community – the city of Windsor and Essex County.
The Circle of Seven include: ‘Mr. Community’ Ed Agnew, long time AKO Fraternity executives Don Wiley and Bob ‘Knobby’ Knudson, community minded successful real estate agent Rob Agnew, Freeds’ vice president and auctioneer extraordinaire Keith White and former NHL hockey stars Tom Williams and John Ferguson.
The Circle of Seven supports many worthwhile causes. Close to home, however, is cancer care and with health and wellness related concerns that are of special interest. Both in July, the Circle of Seven and various business friends gathered at the Caboto Club upon the request and by invitation of Tony Toldo Sr. The media attended, anxiously awaiting a special announcement and what began as a call to action with a financial challenge to encouraging the fundraising efforts to raise $100,000 for a new state of the art digital ultrasound used for brachy therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. Tony Toldo Sr. pledged a contribution of $10,000 requesting other individuals and companies to match the challenge. In less than three months, the Windsor community pulled together and met the challenge with the even raising in excess of $140,000.
The 10th anniversary reaches new heights. We, the community and city of Windsor salute your 10th anniversary and thank all of the Circle of Seven members for your compassion, sincere care to make this city a better place to live and for your personal gift of time and talent. The Circle of Seven celebrates 10 remarkable years donating over $1, 650,000. Certainly worth everything to many and priceless to others. From all of us, we thank each of you and wish the Circle of Sven a Happy 10th Anniversary!!!
