Play for P.I.N.K.: Making a Difference

TON - September 2011 Vol 4, No 6 — September 16, 2011

Golf balls may be small, but if struck by one, you would know that they have tremendous impact. So it was in the beginning of the Play for P.I.N.K. (PFP) organization when a small group of women proved to make a huge impact on funding for breast cancer research.

Driven by the elements of the PINK acronym (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge), PFP is a grassroots fundraising organization using lifestyle and sporting events to raise funds for breast cancer research. An impressive 100% of all proceeds are donated to the group’s partner, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, to fund top researchers.

PFP began in New Jersey in 1990 when a small group of women, shocked and saddened by the news of their friend’s diagnosis of breast cancer, decided to do something to help their friend, themselves, and anyone touch ed by breast cancer. One of the founders suggested a golf tournament; she had experience in coordinating golf tournaments, so this seemed a perfect fit for a fundraiser. Indeed, it was.

In 1996, because of increased interest in PFP events and the desire of the founders to reach more people, the organization decided to reach out to individual country clubs throughout the tristate area of New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut in hope of inspiring each club to host its own event. In the first year of this expansion, PFP held golf tournaments at 6 clubs in New Jersey and raised an impressive $77,000 for breast cancer research. Since then, participation has grown to more than 220 clubs in more than 24 states across the United States. Each year, an estimated 20,000 women, men, and children have participated in and enjoyed this fundraiser.

Although PFP originated as a golf tournament, their fundraising efforts have expanded to include other creative events—tennis tournaments, equestrian events, card games, knitting circles, and even spa days. One of the charity’s most notable achievements is their significant 2010 contribution to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the amount of $3,250,000, bringing PFP’s total contribution to more than $22 million.

TON as Event Sponsor

The publishers of The Oncology Nurse- APN/PA were proud to support PFP through hole sponsorship at the Annual Forsgate Country Club Golfathon Event. (PFP “sells” hole flags for a donation.) On June 22 of this year, a total of 42 golfers turned out to support the cause, raising an estimated $37,000.

The Play for P.I.N.K. golfers take to the links at Forsgate Country Club

Forsgate County Club remains among the top contributors to the PFP organization and is an excellent example of a grassroots effort supporting the cause of breast cancer research. The club graciously donates the use of the golf course, cart fees, and the support of their staff. Each year, they adopt a theme for their event—this year’s theme was Support Our Heroes in honor of the women of Forsgate who are survivors or currently undergoing breast cancer therapy. As literal and figurative signs of support, the club displayed posters where members, Golfathon participants, and staff could write the names of their loved ones living with cancer. Forsgate Event coordinator Ernie McCarren was kind enough to speak to us about her involvement in this extraordinary event.


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