While the Tofield Golden Club is beginning the fundraising task for an ambitious $1.5 million building expansion, club member Ron Goeglein, shared the story of his first donation to the club for a previous planned expansion in 1983. Goeglein, 92, is the club’s most senior member and one of at least 50 people who came out for their Annual General Meeting and potluck lunch Jan. 26.
“I was out on a tractor working in the field and Thomas Jacobs come along. Thomas used to live two miles north of town and was an old-time resident of the community. He said what they were planning on doing, and I said, ‘Well, I won’t be using this for a while. But if I live long enough, I hope to make some use of this building.’ So I said, yeah, I’ll donate $100. It was pretty hard finding that $100 in those days, but it came through and that was my first donation,” said Goeglein. “In the meantime, my dad was a regular member of this organization when it started. So it’s kind of in my blood to be community minded and do things for the community. And that was part of the reason I did this, and I’ve enjoyed using this building ever since. I’ve never regretted it.”
Fundraising and Grants Coordinator Adele Miller told Goeglein ‘I can say it was probably one of the best investments you’ve ever made.’
Meanwhile, the club’s youngest member, Teresa Grier, 50, felt so moved by Goeglein’s story she left the AGM and came back a short time later with her own $100 donation. Treasurer Jim Robichaud said Goeglein’s story inspired more than only Grier.
“She listened to Ron’s story of investing 100 dollars 40 years ago and left the meeting to return shortly after with her 100 dollars to do the same. As treasurer I decided to match her efforts and we did the donation together,” he said by email.
“Our most senior member and our most junior member made a connection.”
Robichaud said plans for the expansion project are expected to move forward this year with a possible ground breaking this spring and completion of the facility by fall.
Jana Semeniuk
Staff Reporter
