HistoryThe MonSTaR Cup concept originated over a game of golf between Mark Golding and Hamish Pearce in early 2006. Mark and Hamish were discussing the value of contributing to the community and decided they would organise an event to raise money for charity. A close friend of Mark, Greg Hargreaves, joined the group to help with the organisation of the first MonStaR cup held at Pennant Hills Golf Club in March 2007.Mark's sister, Lisa, had an intellectual disability and died in her early thirties. As a sibling Mark recognises the pressure placed on families and the importance of receiving appropriate support and resources. Mark was introduced to Margaret Meaker, General Manager of STaR Association through his friends Ray & Ingrid Fuggle. STaR was a struggling charity and was therefore delighted to be a recipient of this newly conceived event. Hamish's wife Fiona was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at the age of 32. Fiona dealt with the atrocities of MND for 17 months before she died just two weeks after the first MonSTaR Cup. Fiona left behind her husband, Hamish, and their three year old son, Will. Fiona & Hamish's family and friends had shown tremendous support and generosity during her illness and Hamish felt the need to give something back... the MonSTaR Cup was the perfect way to do so. Hamish is driven to support research to find a cure for this horrific disease. Greg also has a sister, Carmel, who has physical and intellectual disability. Carmel still lives at home with her elderly parents. Mark, Hamish and Greg enlisted the help and support of friends and business associates to raise funds for these two charities: The Motor Neurone Disease Association of NSW and The STaR Association. The first MonSTaR Cup was well supported by the many members of the club and their families. Aptly, the MonSTaR Cup Golf tournament's perpetual trophy for the winners has become the 'Fiona Pearce Memorial Cup'. The MonSTaR Cup has in three years, raised in excess of $350,000, which has been equally distributed between the two charities. In December 2008, and in order to go some way to professionalising the event, Amanda Stubbs was approached by Mark, Greg & Hamish, to assist in co-ordinating the 2009 MonSTaR Cup. From March 2009 there has been a drive to formalise "The MonSTaR concept" so that it can continue to raise ongoing funds to support its vision and hence Amanda now works as a part time employee for the MonSTaR Foundation. In July 2009 Peter Overton was approached to be MonSTaR's Patron. As with most of us involved, Peter was touched by Motor Neurone Disease when his sister's best friend, Fiona Pearce was diagnosed in 2005. Peter did not hesitate when he was asked to MC the inaugural MonSTaR Cup and has been a willing participant ever since. We are more than grateful to have Peter as the Patron of The MonSTaR Foundation and thank him for agreeing to take on this role. With a more formal approach and structure it is anticipated that the MonSTaR Cup and associated events will continue to grow and provide much needed support to MND and STaR. Meet our executive team |
                                           
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