A global pandemic couldn’t stop some Cape golfers from raising money for their favorite cause recently.
The Cummaquid Ladies 9- and 18-Holers recently hosted the 11th annual Pink Day Golf Tournament. At the July event, they raised $4,300, half for the Cape Cod Women’s Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Fund and half for the Breast Cancer Reconstructive Surgery Fund of The Cape Cod Foundation.
“We all have someone in our lives who’s been touched by cancer,” said Marcia DelVecchio, president of the Cummaquid Ladies 9 Holers. “I think that’s true of everyone who donated. We’re very fortunate to have a good cancer center here on Cape Cod.”
The money raised will greatly benefit patients at Cuda Women’s Health Center in Hyannis, said Beatrice Gremlich, director of advancement at the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation.
“We are so very grateful for their efforts. The money they’ve raised will be split between two vital funds that are highly utilized by the healthcare team at the Cuda Center to assist their patients,” she said. “It is such an honor to partner with the Cummaquid 9 and 18 Holers to help the women of Cape Cod.”
The Cape Cod Women’s Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Fund supports preventive care services for women’s cancers that are not covered by insurance. The fund covers 3D mammography, FAST MRI, and Genetic and Familial Screening.
The Breast Cancer Reconstructive Surgery Fund covers the costs of unpaid bills that fall outside of insurance coverage, including, without limitation, deductibles, co-payments and/or all surgical costs for women who have had all or any part of either or both breasts removed due to a cancer diagnosis.
Since 2010, the golf tournament has raised $25,775 for Cape Cod Healthcare.
This year’s tournament was held a month later than usual and the organizers had to make a few other changes. The tournament usually has a shotgun start, in which all players tee off at the same time at different holes. This year there were assigned tee times. The usual luncheon and group photo were canceled.
But spirits were high. Everyone wore pink, pink flags were placed in the holes, and the 48 players used pink golf balls. Players and donors were given a pink mask made by Ellen Whelan of Yarmouth.
“We did it in a different manner this time, but we still managed to raise the most money we’ve ever raised in a year,” said DelVecchio who organized the event with 9-Holer vice president Paula Donahue. “Everyone was thrilled that they could be a part of it this year, and they were very generous.”
She cited the assistance of the Cummaquid Golf Club’s pro shop and grounds crew for their help with the event.
“Our whole team is very grateful for all that the doctors and caregivers have done and all that they’re doing here on Cape Cod,” said Del Vecchio. “We don’t have to make the trip to Boston. We can get quality care right here.”
