Ever challenging and often inspiring, golf and fundraising can make a marvelous mix.
The Ladies Golf League of Hawthorn Woods Country Club once again will be capitalizing on this opportunity to “Swing for a Cure and Play for P.I.N.K” on Sept. 9. Event chairperson, and former golf league president, Marcy Diamond encourages interested golfers to save the date.
Through four events over the past five years, dozens of female – and male – golfers have turned out for the league’s “Play for P.I.N.K.” outings, which have raised tens of thousands of dollars for the fight against breast cancer.
Play for P.I.N.K. fundraisers stand for prevention, immediate diagnosis, new technology and knowledge. The events benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, according to its website.
Nearly 95 golfers participated in the Hawthorn Country Club league’s outing in 2014 and raised more than $13,000. The group’s goal this year is to raise more than $15,000.
And you can help.
More Top Picks Best Magnifying Mirrors For Seniors
The outing begins at 11 a.m. and includes lunch, dinner, raffles, games, prizes and much more. The cost is estimated to be around $125 a player, which includes a $35 donation to “Play for P.I.N.K.”
For supporters who want to attend the dinner only, it will cost $50 a person. Diamond said guests to the club are more than welcomed and encouraged to participate in any and all activities during the outing.
According to the National Cancer Institute website, a common type of cancer is breast cancer, with more than “249,000 new cases expected in the United States in 2016.” The next most common cancers are lung cancer and prostate cancer, according to the site.
The Hawthorn Woods Country Club league joins the estimated 30,000 women, men, children and families who organize Play for P.I.N.K. fundraisers in 28 states across the country, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation website. The foundation also said Play for P.I.N.K. volunteers raised $4.9 million in 2015 and has helped raise $43.4 million total for life-saving research.
Diamond said she has a personal reason why she became involved with the Play for P.I.N.K. fundraisers.
“I have been personally touched by breast cancer,” she said. “My mom is a two-time survivor, and I have had many friends battle the disease and win.”
Of course, great events happen because of the efforts of the many hands involved. Diamond will be aided by Hawthorn Woods Country Club committee members Mary Jo Howard, Cherye Olmshenk, Linda Ballinger, Laura Fantom, Jackie Barr and Claudia Romer.
Local businesses and individuals are encouraged to donate items and funds for the event’s raffle, silent auction or sponsorships.
“We also offer hole sponsors for $200 each. And of course, we will never turn away volunteers for the day of or to help us gather donations,” Diamond said.
To play, donate or volunteer, email [email protected].
Kimberly Albrecht is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.