The Nathan Morantz Z"L Memorial Golf Tournament organized by the Canadian Associates of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, the proceeds of which were directed to The Negev Autism Center at the University, was a huge success.

"We raised close to $120,000 for autism research," said Zach Ostrove, Executive Director of the Manitoba Region of CABGU, noting that there were 128 golfers, a virtual sell out. "We are extremely grateful to the Morantz family for allowing us to be a part of honouring Nathan's memory by raising money for research into autism at Ben-Gurion University in Be'er Sheva, Israel. The two CABGU co-chairs Susan Feldman and Grant Zipursky should be very proud of their efforts.”

This tournament is also a promise fulfilled that was made over 2 years ago, commented Board President Sheldon Zamick. “I visited the campus of Ben Gurion University at the Board of Governors meetings and had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Ilan Dinstein in person and made him a promise that someday Winnipeg would help to fund his amazing work. I am thrilled that we are able to fulfil that promise and hope that we can continue to do so for years to come.”

Ostrove added that there will be a plaque placed at Ben-Gurion University honouring the memory of Nathan Morantz.

Mark Mendelson, National CEO of CABGU, flew in especially for the tournament and commented on how outstanding a day it was, and that it was really “a fitting tribute to Nathan z”l, an incredible and much-loved young man.”

Marty Morantz told the Winnipeg Jewish Review that "It was very gratifying that people donated their time and money to autism research." He said that when his family was approached by the Board of the Manitoba region of CABGU with the idea of the event in memory of his son, Nathan, "We talked about it as a family and decided it was a good thing to do." He noted that Dr. Ilan Dinstein, Head of the Autism Research Department at BGU, recorded a heartfelt message to his family that was played at the event, which was very appreciated. 

Morantz said that he had the pleasure of golfing at the event with Mayor Brian Bowman, who "was a very good player," adding "I was impressed."

Morantz wanted to also thank Michael Kowalson and Larry Reid, who put so much time and effort into making the tournament successful, including helping to get sponsorships and prizes for a live auction that was held at the event. "Michael and Larry did a great job," Morantz said. 

When asked for his opinion of the evet, Larry Reed responded, "The whole day encompassed great friendship and camaraderie. Everything went well and Mother Nature made it a great day to golf. We were all brought together to honour Nathan's memory. This is a wonderful charity and hopefully through honoring Nathan's memory we can reach out to others with autism and their lives can be made better as a result." He noted that the Morantz family "is so well thought of," and that he has been involved in other golf tournaments for other causes and "raising anything over $60,000 is like hitting a home run."

Honourary co-chairs of the event were the Honourable Heather Stefanson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General and His Worship Mayor Brian Bowman.