2024 Josh Morrissey Classic
Friday the 13th was our lucky day this September - sponsors, volunteers, and Dream Kids all came together to celebrate the 7th annual Josh Morrissey Classic, presented by Exchange Income Corporation. This year, the JMC raised over $274,000 in support of Dream Kids - crossing the $1 million mark since the inception of the Josh Morrissey Classic 7 years ago!
Pictured: Josh and Margot Morrissey present a cheque for $1 million raised in celebration of 7 years of the Josh Morrissey Classic.
Left to right: Kate Holden (Board Chair), Mike Pyle (CEO of Exchange Income Corporation), Margot and Josh Morrissey (Dream Factory Ambassadors), Don Smith (Committee Chair), Marc Simard (Past Committee Chair), Andrew Kussy (Executive Director), and Joe Aiello (Committee Member/Event Emcee).
We started the day off at Pine Ridge Golf Club with the VIP Breakfast, where we were joined by Mark Chipman, Executive chairman of the Winnipeg Jets, who spoke on the importance of community connection. Mark celebrated the tremendous impact that Josh Morrissey’s leadership has had both on and off the ice. Josh Morrissey spoke passionately about the significance of giving back and how this event has brought together supporters over the last 7 years to make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.
As the breakfast concluded, golfers were energized and ready to tee off for a fantastic day of golf!
Pictured: Dream Kid Dante and his parents shared special moments with Josh Morrissey.
Out on the course, we had a blast! There were all sorts of activities at each hole: from (plastic) axe throwing to candy bacon from Brazen Hall. Everyone enjoyed samples from The Pourium, Namesake Brewing, and Empty Cup. From amazing prizes at the putting green and hole-in-one contests, to a sugar-filled candy bar, there was something for everyone on the golf course!
A team of Dream Kids could be found selling golf ball kits on the course with our friends from the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg. Leading up to the tournament, we invited Dream Kids to come paint golf balls and bags to carry them in. We understand how frustrating it can be to lose those balls, so we made sure these were decorated with a vibrant array of colors!
Throughout the whole day, Dream Kids and their families came out to meet Josh Morrissey and his teammates on the Winnipeg Jets. The excitement was in the air as they gathered to get autographs and take photos together. The joy on the Dream Kids’ faces as they interacted with their heroes was truly heartwarming.
Once the golfers finished their rounds, it was time for dinner!
Dream Kid Dante and his mom, Deseree, shared the powerful impact The Dream Factory has had on their family. Dante may be an energetic and goofy 6-year-old, but he’s been through a lot in his young life. Dante was born with a rare genetic disorder that effects his growth - as well as his liver and his heart. This young dreamer has had to spend loads of time in the hospital, at appointments, and getting treatment for his disease.
But because of Dante’s Dream Factory experience, he and his family will get to look back on his childhood and remember all the fun things he took part in, like learning to make pizza from scratch at Pizzeria Gusto, attending a Jiu Jitsu/Grappling event as a VIP, his Dream Trip to Disney World, and much, much more!
Pictured: Josh took time to chat with each and every Dream Kid, like Dante and Nixon!
Pictured: Dante and Nixon co-hosted the auction, encouraging the bidding wars to get ever higher!
The auction portion of the evening was kicked off by legendary auctioneer, Joe Aiello. Guests bid on fantastic, one-of-a-kind experiences and awesome, prized items. Dante and his pal and fellow Dream Kid Nixon stood on chairs to be co-auctioneers for part of the auction, calling for bids of ‘a gazillion dollars!’
Pictured: Dante arrived for the golf tournament ready to get a hole in one!
We are so grateful for everyone who made this day so special.
Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, our generous sponsors, all of our golfers, our Winnipeg Jets Dream Ambassador Josh Morrissey, and of course - the Dream Kids who stepped up and inspired this entire community with their courage and strength.