Golfing, lots of laughs and plenty of prizes are all “fore” a good cause Thursday at Redstone Resort.
Golf Fore the Cure tournament is in its third year of raising money that stays local to help people affected by cancer.
“This is the only one held in the West Kootenay and we ask that our money is used to help the Kootenay people in need of help for stays or prosthesis etc. who are affected by cancer,” says Deborah deTremaudan, a volunteer who began the tournament two years ago.
Since 2013, the event has raised about $3,000 each summer and this season, organizers are hoping to get the word out, and up the ante by doubling the number of participants.
Entrance fees for Redstone members is $44 and $69 for non-members. Besides making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, tickets include dinner in the clubhouse and plenty of prizes and door prizes, says event volunteer Kelly Rintoul.
“The biggest part of this, is that it is fun,” she explained. “It's a fun scramble, you don't have to be a good golfer and it's open to men and women.”
Golfers can sign up individually, in teams of two, or in teams of four.
So far, 42 golfers are ready up to kick off the tournament with a 5p.m. shotgun start in a nine hole scramble.
"We are happy to see so much support from the community to raise funds for a much needed cause," said deTremaudan. “But to Golf Fore the Cure you don't 'have' to fundraise, just come out and join us.”
Golf Canada's Golf Fore the Cure event is aimed at growing women's participation in the game of golf.
A unique element to the program, which is a partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society and Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, allows women from across the country to participate in golf activities and raise money for a cause close to all women's hearts, breast cancer research.
To date, Golf Fore the Cure has raised over $4.5 million towards the fight against cancer.
Participants are encouraged to dress “pink” and decorate their carts in “pink” if they so wish, but it is not required, added Rintoul.
For information, contact the Redstone Pro Shop at 362.9141.