Another successful Ladies 9 in the Pines fundraiser
More than 100 players participated in the Ladies 9 in the Pines annual golf tournament fundraiser, raising more than $200,000 toward the purchase of a high-tech ultrasound machine and to fund mammograms for uninsured women.
The Village at Castle Pines is filled with ladies who are part of a remarkable organization dedicated to making life a little easier for those facing breast cancer. The Ladies 9 in the Pines (Ladies) annual golf tournament and adjunct events were a sterling success to raise money and awareness.
Led by chairwoman and president of Ladies since 2019, Louise Melbye, the Ladies teed up for the yearly event on a perfect September day at The Country Club at Castle Pines (CCCP), the longest running event at the establishment. The scramble format was a day to unite for stewardship and sisterhood where the women playing were competitive, but all for a good cause.
For the past four years, funds have been used to purchase equipment for AdventHealth Castle Rock’s Breast Care Center. This year’s tournament goal was to purchase a high-tech ultrasound machine and to fund mammograms for uninsured women.
The Ladies met their quest by raising more than $200,000. Also, a donation was made to the Rock of Hope Campaign, AdventHealth’s arm for fundraising with a mission to raise $14 million to fund an infusion bay and bring cancer treatment services to the community, hopefully as soon as 2025.
Men have traditionally participated in the “shave your head” event for fun and more fundraising. In 2023, the Ladies raised $35,000 when Perry Kenney, the general manager of CCCP, shaved his head; and this year, Todd Porch, president of the board of directors for CCCP, followed suit.
A “Dink for the Pink” pickleball tournament was also held at CCCP for fundraising.
After the golf tournament, a first-rate luncheon and auction took place. The presentation included breast cancer survivor, Dawn Horn and her best friend Jennifer Boulay who was with Dawn throughout her cancer journey. The two reminded guests that with the various stages of breast cancer, knowing the importance of early detection through an ultrasound exam can be vital to creating the most effective treatment plan.
Michelle Fuentes, who was named the chief executive officer of AdventHealth in May, thanked all of the sponsors and guests for their contributions. Fuentes, who grew up 30 miles from Castle Rock, told the audience, “This is like a homecoming for me, and I am honored to join such a talented, passionate and skilled team at the hospital.”
Marcy Blair, who is a Ladies committee member and a breast cancer survivor herself, cheered everyone on to donate with their time, talents and resources.
“We switched from originally focusing on national breast cancer platforms to specifically raising money to benefit the woman in our own community,” concluded Marcy. “There are many women who can use our help.”
For more information on Ladies, visit Facebook and search “Ladies 9 in the Pines.” For more information on donating, visit www.rmahf.org/ladies9.html.
Professional auctioneer, CCCP member and resident Roger Sirens (center) volunteered his time, along with co-auctioneer Laura Huser (left) and committee member Marcy Blair (right).
Country Club at Castle Pines (CCCP) member Ryan Martin shaves the head of Todd Porch, CCCP president, as part of the annual Ladies 9 in the Pines fundraiser.
By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Marcy Blair
