Jeff Preston celebrates 15 years of fundraising

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Jeff Preston accepts a cheque from Port Elgin Rotary (L) and another from money raised at the Golf Tournament that bears his name (R)

The 15th annual Jeff Preston Golf Tournament was held Friday, July 16 with 260 golfers and celebrities taking part in what has become one of the largest tournaments in southwestern Ontario.

Preston who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy (MD) at age three, spoke emotionally of his parents and the commitment to ensuring he lead a 'normal' life and his community that has supported his fundraising efforts.

Jeff Preston accepts a donation from Bruce Power CEO, Duncan Hawthorne

"We needed a community that would show that I could be more than someone in a wheelchair.  Disabled is a lack of ability and everyone has that.  We all have limitations so we are disabled in some way," said Preston.

The Preston tournament reached $1million last year and is now working on its next million that goes toward MD research.  Although a final total is not yet in for the tournament, it is anticipated that more than $30,000 was raised.  With a silent auction the night of the kick-off and another auction, the night of the dinner, totals have yet to be determined.

NHL legend Bobby Baun (L) looks at a photo of himself as a young player that Chief Dan Rivett (R) purchased during the auction

Among the celebrities who attended were NHL hockey player Brett McLean and hockey legend Bobby Baun.  Locally, there were several well-known business leaders and politicians, including Mayor Mike Smith, Police Chief Dan Rivett, Bruce Power's Duncan Hawthorne

Still smiling after a long day, the staff behind the scenes - Sarah Stewart, Kelly Sonnenberg, Taylor Rosner & Jessica Van Santeen

Hockey legend Bobby Baun takes time out for one of his fans, Ernie Oliver

John Davidson talks of his son Jesse's battle with MD

Jeff Preston is about to embark on a new career as he joins the United Way in London

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Sunday, July 18, 2010