Another sellout is expected for this year’s Golf Fore Red tournament for women, with about half the 144 spots already reserved, according to the event chair. The 2013 tournament, scheduled for July 27 at The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge, combines fun, heart-health education and fund-raising.
Registration for the sixth annual event opened in mid-February, with early registrants including a mix of golfers who were on the waiting list last year, returning players and new participants. Tournament director Mary Robinson, said she expects most golfers will again be attired in red, the color that symbolizes women taking a stand against heart disease.
Women of all golfing abilities are invited and may register for the scramble-format tournament as individuals or in groups. The $140 fee includes a continental breakfast, range balls, green fee, cart, awards luncheon, prizes and a goody bag of gifts from various donors and supporters.
Golf Fore Red began as a tribute to the mothers of event co-founders Shelley French and Mary Robinson. Their mothers both died of heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women.
In just five years, the fund-raising has jumped from $2,800 in year one to last year’s total of around $20,000. Net proceeds from previous tournaments have support local education and science for women’s heart health through research and programs of the American Heart Association and the Hope Heart Institute.
Along with fund-raising, the tournament emphasizes heart health education and having fun. Sponsors, beneficiaries and luncheon speakers provide exhibits, demonstrations, goody bag items and information to help women better understand heart disease symptoms, risk factors and ways to lead more heart-healthy lifestyles.
To supplement the Golf Fore Red mission, an “off season” event was added in 2012 in partnership with Hope Heart Institute. The “Women Take Heart” program, offered in February during Heart Awareness Month, combines wine- and chocolate-tasting with an opportunity to socialize and hear informative “heart health” presentations.
Golf Fore Red, trademarked in 2010, earned IRS approval in 2011 as a 501(c)3 organization. In addition to registration details, the website includes information for prospective sponsors, donors and volunteers.
