Imagine turning a casual round of golf into a life-changing event that raises over half a million dollars for critical causes. That’s exactly what three friends from Toronto managed to pull off, and their story is as inspiring as it is impactful. Graham Rosenberg, Brian Cohen, and Jonathan Pollack, longtime buddies and supporters of Mount Sinai Hospital, were teeing off in Muskoka, Ontario, when a simple conversation sparked something extraordinary. ‘Why not channel our passion into supporting another worthy cause?’ they wondered. And just like that, the Muskoka Invitational was born.
But here’s where it gets even more meaningful: the trio didn’t just pick any cause—they chose two that hit close to home. North York General Hospital, where Rosenberg received life-saving treatment for a heart condition and now serves on the foundation’s board, and where Pollack’s wife, Sacha Hayward, battled breast cancer. The second beneficiary? State of Kindness, a Toronto charity offering scholarships and mentorship programs, which Cohen’s company, State Window Corp., has supported for years.
The event, hosted by Öviinbyrd Golf Club last June, brought together 72 players and raised a staggering $525,000 through individual donations and corporate sponsorships. The funds were split between North York General’s heart and breast cancer programs and State of Kindness’s scholarship fund. And this is the part most people miss: raising this kind of money isn’t just about the cause—it’s about the community coming together, proving that when people care deeply, they’ll step up in a big way.
What’s next for these philanthropic friends? They’re already planning the next tournament, hoping to make it an annual tradition. ‘Who would’ve thought we could achieve something like this?’ Pollack, 54, reflected. ‘Raising money for charity isn’t always easy, but when the cause resonates, people are eager to contribute.’
But here’s the controversial question: In a world where so many causes compete for attention, how do we ensure that smaller, local initiatives like these get the support they need? And is it fair to rely on personal connections to drive fundraising efforts? Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts in the comments below!