The third annual Abreast of Life Charity Golf Tournament is gearing up for another round on July 26.
The event is hosted by the Abreast of Life Dragon Boat Team, a society made up of breast cancer survivors and supporters who have come together to spread awareness about the disease.
"This is a really fun event and it's for a fabulous cause," said Sheila Abbott, a member of the society and a breast cancer survivor. "Everybody knows somebody who has been affected (by breast cancer) and this event gives directly back to the community."
Abbott said the tournament will be an 18-hole Texas scramble, with the majority of holes having some type of prize — including two cash prizes of $5,000 (donated by Harris Oceanside Chevrolet GMC and Marks Import Auto) and a brand new car (donated by Joe Cunningham Ford). The main sponsor for the event, Resortquest Whistler, also donated $3,000. The tournament requires teams of four to participate and is open to men and women of all ages.
Organizer Jean Sanderson said last year's event sold out early and this summer she is anticipating the same response.
Sanderson said the all-day event includes breakfast, lunch and dinner; there will also be a silent auction and plenty of door prizes. This year, the tournament will have a Hawaiian theme and participants are asked to dress for the occasion.
In the last two years, this function has helped the society purchase two chemotherapy chairs and donate $4,500 to the Cancer Centre at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
"If just one woman can be made aware (of breast cancer) by early detection, it's all worth it," said Abbott. "This team and this event are testaments that you can have a full and vibrant life after what can be potentially devastating."
The Abreast of Life team is looking for more sponsors for their event. If you are interested in sponsorship, donating silent auction items or registering to play, contact Jean Sanderson at
jeansanderson@shaw.ca.
Registration for The Abreast of Life Charity Golf Tournament is $99, with proceeds going partially to the society to fund cancer awareness, and partially to the NRGH Foundation. Registration is at 10 a.m. with a 1 p.m. shotgun start.
The event is set for Arrowsmith Golf and Country Club on July 26.