Damp course conditions could not put a damper on spirits, enthusiasm and support at the annual Pink Par-Tee charitable event June 6 at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club. More than 200 golfers, volunteers, and caddies donned pink attire and participated in a day of golf, fun and fellowship while supporting breast cancer awareness, treatment, and support services.
The event is organized by the Warwick Hills Women’s Golf Association and has earned more than $150,000 over the past six years. This year, event organizers were projecting record proceeds from sponsorships, silent auction donations, raffle drawings and tournament fees. All proceeds will go to the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint, where a special patient care fund has been established to help women who are fighting cancer with their daily financial or personal needs. Some of the funds will also provide specialized equipment for patients who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
The day kicked off with a moving opening ceremony, in which participants formed a human pink ribbon on the putting green and heard a musical tribute to breast cancer survivors and those who had lost their battle with this disease. Following the round of golf, participants gathered back at the clubhouse for lunch and the closing ceremony which featured a dove and butterfly release in a special tribute.
“On behalf of our patients and staff, I would like to thank the Pink Par-Tee for once again partnering with McLaren Flint/Karmanos Cancer Center and supporting our breast cancer patients with funds that can be used for basic needs, such as medication, food, heat and rent,” said Chris Boyce, Director of the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint. “The funds will also be used to enhance our technology (breath hold tech software) that reduces excess radiation close to critical structures such as the heart and lung. We are truly grateful to be the recipient of these funds, which make such a positive impact on our patients. It means a lot to patients when they see such an outpouring of community support and caring, such as is demonstrated by the Pink Par-Tee organizers and participants.”