Friends and colleagues tee it up for Virgoe family
By Chris Simon

Photo by Chris Simon Golfer Joe Monardo takes a shot during the David Virgoe Memorial Golf Tournament, which was held at Harbour View Golf and County Club in Gilford Saturday. About 70 golfers participated in the tournament, which raised about $7,000 for the Virgoe family.

The sun was shining for Debbie Virgoe Saturday.

With the support of about 70 friends, family members and colleagues, Virgoe hosted the David Virgoe Memorial Golf Tournament at Harbour View Golf and County Club this weekend. Virgoe's husband David died during an alleged street racing incident on Highway 400 several months ago. The transport truck he was driving rolled over while attempting to avoid other vehicles.

The incident has helped raise awareness on the need for more stringent street racing laws, said Virgoe.

On Sunday, the Ontario Provincial Police introduced new laws aimed at reducing street racing incidents. Those laws include the confiscation of vehicles caught exceeding the posted speed limit by 50 kilometres per hour.

"What's really important is the law that's coming into effect," said Virgoe, during the golf tournament. "It's going to make a big difference and give the OPP the tools they need to keep going forward."

In addition to the new laws, the Virgoe family has been circulating a petition during the last few months, requesting the Ontario government introduce stricter penalties for people who are caught "street racing".

Events like the golf tournament help raise awareness about the dangers of speeding, said Virgoe.

"I can't believe that all these people would come together to support David's memory. A lot of the people here, at some point in time, have either worked with the family or David himself," she said.

"We're trying to get the awareness out, as far as changes go, to the laws, so that David's death means something."

Organizer Ben Ciampichini says the tournament was a success. It's instilled a sense of camaraderie between David's friends and family. Organizers also hoped to raise about $7,000 for the Virgoe family.

"That would be a nice number to reach. Obviously, the weather has worked out," said Ciampichini.

"(It's) bringing people together, and actually making people aware of the danger of racing on (Highway) 400."

The last few months have been tough for Debbie and her family.

"There's a lot of things that you face that you don't know until you're put into this situation," said Virgoe. "It's (been) awful; it's pretty lonely. You have you're moments."