Why Inn at the Quay Continues to Support the Rotary Pot of Gold Golf Tournament

For many years, Inn at the Quay has been a familiar supporter of community initiatives in New Westminster. This year is no exception as the hotel once again lends its support to the Rotary Pot of Gold Golf Tournament, with proceeds going to Purpose Society and other beneficiaries.

For General Manager Kathy MacKerricher, the decision to get involved is an easy one.

"It's important to give back," she said. "There's lots of need in the community. We like to participate and do it, and it feels good and it feels right."

As a long-time Rotary member and community volunteer, Kathy has seen firsthand how much can be accomplished when local businesses, volunteers, and residents work together toward a common goal.

This year's tournament will support Purpose Society, an organization that provides education and support programs for vulnerable youth along with other beneficiaries.

What stands out most to Kathy is the role Purpose Society plays in helping young people who may struggle in traditional educational settings.

"With the Purpose Society, they feel safe and they get their education during those vulnerable years," she said. "For a lot of families, those are students who might otherwise slip through the cracks of the standard school system."

It's one of the reasons she believes supporting the organization through events such as the Pot of Gold Golf Tournament is so important.

The Pot of Gold Golf Tournament has become one of New Westminster's best-known fundraising events, bringing together sponsors, golfers, businesses, and community members for a day that combines fun and fundraising.

Much of that success comes from the people behind the scenes.

"We're all volunteers working on it," she said.

Because so much of the planning and organization is done by volunteers, all of the funds raised can be directed toward the organizations being supported.

While Purpose Society is one of this year's beneficiaries, the impact of the Pot of Gold Golf Tournament extends much further. Funds raised support a variety of local youth and community initiatives, including RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), Adventure Programs, Rotaract, Interact, the hot lunch program at New Westminster Secondary School, Youth Exchange, the Rotary Club of New Westminster, Royal City Rotary Club, Salvation Army New Westminster, and the Lower Mainland Purpose Society.

"It's because of the great volunteers that coordinate it and the generosity of the people that come out and support it," Kathy said.

Another important part of the fundraiser is the annual online auction. Kathy noted that approximately 45% of the tournament's fundraising revenue comes from the auction, with every item generously donated by local businesses and supporters.

This year's online auction is scheduled to run from July 4 to July 26. Businesses interested in donating an item or service are encouraged to contact Kathy MacKerricher at [email protected]

Kathy believes New Westminster is uniquely positioned to support initiatives like this because of the relationships that exist throughout the community.

"It's a very tight-knit community," she said. "There's good camaraderie between the people."

That sense of community is evident throughout the tournament. Businesses donate prizes. Sponsors contribute financial support. Volunteers donate countless hours. Golfers return year after year.

"We just band together and put on a great tournament," she said.

Supporting community causes has also become part of the culture at Inn at the Quay.

Located on New Westminster's waterfront, the hotel has welcomed guests since opening in 1988. Over the years it has hosted weddings, family gatherings, business meetings, conferences, celebrations of life, and visitors from around the world.

The hotel's reputation, Kathy believes, is built on its people.

"We've got really good employees," she said. "Lots of longevity, and it's positive."

After more than three decades working in New Westminster, Kathy still enjoys the challenges that come with managing a busy hotel.

"When I started in the hotel industry, there were no computers," she laughed.

While the industry has changed dramatically over the years, Kathy believes the fundamentals remain the same. Good people, strong relationships, and a commitment to service still matter.

When asked what keeps her motivated after all these years, her answer was simple.

"I really do love the people I work with."

That appreciation extends to both her hotel team and the broader community she has worked alongside for so many years.

Inn at the Quay continues to support a wide range of local organizations and initiatives. Kathy believes local businesses have an important role to play in strengthening the community and helping worthwhile causes succeed.

"We do try to support the requests of the community first," she said.

It's a philosophy that aligns naturally with Rotary's mission of service above self.

For businesses that have never participated in the Pot of Gold Golf Tournament, Kathy has a simple invitation.

"Why don't they come out and enjoy a day on the golf course and see what we're about? Plus you can check out the on-line auction.

For her, the tournament represents much more than a day of golf. It's an opportunity for people to come together, support a worthy cause, and strengthen the community they care about.

After more than 30 years working in New Westminster and many years as a Rotary member, she continues to believe that communities thrive when people are willing to help one another.

That belief is one of the reasons Inn at the Quay continues to support the Pot of Gold Golf Tournament year after year.

Learn More

Located at 900 Quayside Drive, Inn at the Quay has been welcoming guests to New Westminster since 1988. The hotel offers accommodations, meeting space, weddings, family gatherings, celebrations of life, and special events.

Whether you're hosting visitors from out of town or planning your next event, Kathy encourages residents to keep their support local. As she puts it: "Support Local."

Address: 900 Quayside Drive New Westminster, BC

Phone: Toll-free: 1.800.663.2001
Direct: 604.520.1776

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