By Angela Higginbotham
angela@floridanewsline.com
On Oct. 12, women golfers from Ponte Vedra and the surrounding communities will make their way to the tee box at the beautiful Ponte Vedra Inn and Club. The 11th annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic has become a much anticipated event led by volunteers, many of whom are breast cancer survivors. The Pink Ribbon Golf Classic supports both Baptist Medical Center – Beaches and Mayo Clinic – Jacksonville by providing direct financial support for breast cancer research and related services.
“The money raised here, stays here. Funds will be raised through the registration fees and through both corporate and individual sponsorships. Cocktail party tickets, a silent auction, the David Yurman Trunk Show at Underwood Jewelers, and the sale of flags displayed during the golf tournament, will all contribute to the fundraising,” said committee member and volunteer Sara Strom.
The fundraising goal for this year is $150,000 for breast cancer research and treatment, with $1.2 million already donated over the years by The Pink Ribbon Golf Classic, an event that started out small as a group of women hoping to help support the fight against breast cancer. All proceeds from the event go directly to the medical facilities. The funds will be used in predetermined ways to help improve the outcome for local breast cancer patients.
Contributions over the past decade have helped purchase state of the art equipment and assisted with many important aspects of patient care. A tremendous help in pioneering research, the event helps bring hope and resources to many. Based on requests made by Baptist Beaches and Mayo Clinic, each year the Pink Ribbon Golf Classic committee reviews and then chooses what the raised funds will go towards. A huge effort is made to target what the community needs most.
This year’s contribution will help Baptist Medical Center – Beaches purchase a second mammography unit, the Senographe Pristina, that offers improved clarity for radiologists and will reduce the current backlog. This will allow next day appointments and reduce patient discomfort and physical strain. The contribution to Mayo Clinic – Jacksonville will support The Jacoby Center for Breast Health. The Jacoby Center is committed to bringing patients innovative new therapies and supporting clinical trials.
Administrators at both medical facilities have expressed appreciation and emphasized the importance of The Pink Ribbon Classic’s financial support. This type of local commitment helps to attract and retain medical talent.
“Being part of Mayo Clinic facilitates unique opportunities to interact with patients, identify a clinical question that is relevant to patient care and act in a timely, meaningful way. Through the support of benefactor funds, it allows us to consistently and steadily work toward a solution,” said Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Sarah McLaughlin.
Additional events supporting The Pink Ribbon Classic include a Tee-Off Cocktail Party on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017. This will be open to golfers and nongolfers alike and held at a home in Marsh Landing. The party will feature the work of prominent area artists offered in a silent auction.
A David Yurman Trunk Show and Cocktail Party at Underwood’s Jewelers in Ponte Vedra will be held Nov. 14 – 16, which will provide an opportunity for early holiday shopping with 10 percent of the proceeds donated to The Pink Ribbon Golf Classic. The highlight is a reception and the presentation of checks to Baptist Medical Center – Beaches and Mayo Clinic – Jacksonville, on Nov. 16, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
These events would not be possible without the passion and determination of many women volunteers striving to make a real and tangible difference in the fight against breast cancer. Visit www.pinkribbonjax.org for more information and for online registration.
Photo courtesy Pink Ribbon Golf Classic
Golfers sport pink attire while golfing to raise money for breast cancer research and related services at the Pink Ribbon Golf Classic.