NGCOA Jeff Ciecko Benevolent Fund
In memory of Jeff Ciecko
In Memory of Jeff Ciecko
THE STORY THAT INSPIRED A NATIONAL FOUNDATION
In 2023, the Canadian golf industry lost one of its brightest champions — Jeff Ciecko. As an advocate for golf course operators, a connector of people, and co-founder of CK Golf, Jeff was dedicated to helping others succeed in the business of golf.
When his life was cut short, the outpouring of support and the desire to honour his legacy sparked something bigger. What began as a grassroots tribute evolved into the Jeff Ciecko Benevolent Fund to provide financial relief to NGCOA Canada member facility employees and their families facing unexpected hardships.
That same spirit of care, connection, and industry strength is what led to the creation of the NGCOA Canada Foundation. The Foundation now extends that vision even further supporting golf course employees in crisis, funding education for future industry leaders, and investing in the long-term strength and sustainability of the golf industry in Canada.
NGCOA CANADA FOUNDATION
SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE THAT SUPPORT CANADIAN GOLF
The NGCOA Canada Foundation was established under the stewardship of the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada to strengthen the Canadian golf community through charitable giving, education, and sustainability initiatives.
The Foundation is dedicated to supporting individuals and families within the golf industry, providing financial assistance to those facing unexpected hardships, funding education for future industry leaders, and advancing sustainability across the sector.
2023 Fundraising Event and Celebration of Life
On August 28, 2023 Tara and a close group of friends worked with the NGCOA Canada – BC Chapter to host the annual BC Chapter Golf Tournament at Hazelmere Golf Club as both a fundraiser and a Celebration of Jeff’s life.
The event brought together a large group of industry friends and family for a day of golf, dinner, drinks, laughs and tears. Old Fashioneds were served at the Celebration in Jeff’s honour.
The initial fundraising goal was $20,000. With the support of Golf Kelowna making a significant contribution, industry support through terrific prize donations, a dinner table auction and personal donations the event exceeded our first year fundraising goal.
The Ciecko and Knight families and a close group of friends are committed to this fund over the long term and plan to continue to grow the fund through various fundraising opportunities. Tara will continue to provide support and involvement over the long term.
Support ~ Thrive ~ Sustain
Who Will Benefit?
The fund is intended to provide assistance to those in need, including golf course staff members of an NGCOA golf course, in good standing, or their caregivers. Those in need of financial support will be required to complete an online application offered through the NGCOA website.
Our intent is to include not only golf course staff affected by cancer but those impacted by any other critical illness situation.
NGCOA facilities can apply on behalf of an employee of their facility, or can provide the applicant with a link to the application form.
Applicants must also explore all other avenues of financial support to be eligible for assistance from this fund. This includes employment insurance and/or extended health benefits.
This fund is not intended to cover lost wages.
What Assistance Can Be Expected From This Benevolent Fund?
Assistance will be “awarded” based on the application completed by the person in need to the Benevolent Fund committee. Approved applicants will be provided assistance for a set/pre-determined, temporary period of time. Applicants may apply for additional assistance should their original application expire. All assistance received is not required to be re-paid.
Specific Examples of funding assistance
How Will The Fund Increase and Grow?
Donations and Fundraising!
Our goal was to raise $20,000 in 2023. We were already off to a great start with Golf Kelowna pledging to donate $4,000 in Jeff’s name. The August 28, 2023 NGCOA Golf Tournament and Celebration of Life in memory of Jeff helped us exceed our first year fundraising goal.
The Ciecko and Knight families and a close group of friends are committed to this fund over the long term and plan to continue to grow the fund through various fundraising opportunities. Tara will continue to provide support and involvement over the long term.
The NGCOA Canada Foundation was officially certified as a charity organization on October 3, 2025. Now the growing and supporting really begins!
How Will The Fund Be Administered?
The NGCOA Canada BC Chapter will administer the fund. A Board of Directors for the NGCOA Canada has been established. Tara Ciecko is the current Vice-President.