Play for P.I.N.K.’s Annual Forsgate Country Club Golfathon

Thanks for taking the time to speak to us, Ernie. Can you tell us what motivated you to organize a P.I.N.K. event?

Ernie McCarren (EM): As a breast cancer survivor and as director of business development for MAMM, a magazine for women with breast cancer, I became keenly aware of the critical need for funding to support research to bring new and better therapies to market faster. By partnering with Play for P.I.N.K., we know that 100% of the funds that we raise will go directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

What kind of support do you get from Play for P.I.N.K.?

EM: The single, most important contribution would have to be the generosity of Bloomberg, who underwrites all of the program expenses, which allows us to turn over all of our proceeds to BCRF. And overall, the organization is very supportive, hosting an annual statewide planning meeting and supplying event materials, prizes, and gifts (donated by Bloomberg, Estee Lauder, and Wilson).

How do you go about fundraising? What kind of event do you hold?

EM: I believe we are the only club to use a golfathon format where participants solicit sponsors to pledge monetary support on a per-hole basis. The women then push the limits of their endurance to play as many holes as they can, with some reaching 36, 45, 70+ holes! In addition, we sell sponsorships for hole flags and signs and run other simultaneous activities like raffles and putting contests.

Do you have a personal connection to the cause?

EM: I guess initially, the cause was particularly meaningful to me because of my own personal experience with the disease. But it has become more about joining in the fight to eradicate breast cancer so that future generations will not have to experience this disease. The fact that finding a cure is within our grasp—possibly within our lifetime—is what compels so many of us to continue in the fight.

Thanks again, Ernie. The Oncology Nurse-APN/PA wishes you continued success with this program!