Annual “Robbie” tournament continues the tradition

By Mark Pavilons

The support for a former Bolton teen continues to break records, and keep his memory alive.

The 14th annual Robert Naccarato Memorial Charity Golf Tournament was held July 8 at Copper Creek in Kleinburg.

This is where the majority of the fundraising comes from. Organizers say they received “great support from companies, organizations, and individuals who share their vision and hope for improved child health.

“Thank you for supporting a charity that is very close to our families' heart!”

To date, the event has raised more than $2.2 million.

Maria Naccarato-Ruffolo said 18 years ago, “Our spirits were crushed when our youngest son, Robert Naccarato was killed in a car accident. Our family has been heartbroken ever since.

“With the support of family and friends, we get through our days by concentrating on what is important to us, what makes us strive to be better and, most importantly, keeping our son Robbie alive in our hearts. Robbie had many dreams and he died much too soon.

“He was a generous and thoughtful child who always put others happiness and pleasure before his own. He wanted to do ‘good' for the world and so on his behalf began The Robbie Foundation.”

The Robbie Foundation is a registered charity and proceeds from the golf tournament are given to The SickKids Foundation.

More specifically, The Robbie Foundation has been awarded a designated room named “The Robert Naccarato Playroom” on the eighth floor of the leukemia ward at SickKids Hospital.

Further fundraising proceeds will be diverted to Make a Wish Foundation, Sunnybrook Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Princess Margaret Hospital.

Organizers praised the support of sponsors such as Adidas/TaylorMade, Masters Insurance, Majestic Wine, Zito's Marketplace, and many others.

The family has lived in Bolton since 1987. Robert attended Pope John Paul in Bolton and went to high school at Robert F. Hall.

He played hockey in Bolton with the Hawks, and played with the organization until he moved onto AAA hockey in the city.

“We are very fortunate to have extraordinary people, dedicated businesses, family and friends working with our family to continue making ‘Robbie's Dream' a reality! Likewise, there are many people in our local area that need our support too and those…individuals are for whom this charity was designed to help. Together, we can make a difference in their lives.”

For more, you can contact them at The Robbie Foundation, 14 Guardhouse Drive Bolton, Ontario, L7E 5W6 or email therobbiefund@hotmail.com.