Golfing for a good cause

More than $3,000 raised for breast cancer research

Carolyn Westbrook, right, in wig, and Susan Jeppson, left, take part in a putting clinic before the start of the “Rally for the Cure” Ladies Golf Tournament on Saturday at the Del Norte Golf Course in Crescent City. For more photos, go to triplicate.com/photos. The Daily Triplicate/Michele Grgas Thomas

They took part in the “Rally for the Cure” Ladies Golf Tournament at the Del Norte Golf Course. Sponsored by the Del Norte Women’s Golf Club, the event raised more than $3,000 for breast cancer awareness and research.

Besides getting together with friends to play some golf, the women got creative.  This included some participants sporting  outlandish wigs, wearing colorful pink apparel, or decorating their golf carts in pink.

The tournament also had a more sober purpose: “To raise awareness of breast cancer issues,” organizer Jane Rumiano said. She added that the rate of breast cancer in Del Norte County “is very high,” which makes an event like this especially valuable here.

“We want to make them aware and for them to be responsible for their own health,” Rumiano said.

This includes how to detect breast cancer, what tests are needed on a regular basis, where to get screened and treated locally and what can be done to prevent breast cancer. 

Alexandra Eckart, 14 months, helps caddy for her mom, Alison Eckart, on Saturday. The Daily Triplicate/Michele Grgas Thomas

The festivities began with breakfast and a golf clinic presented by the Del Norte Men’s Golf Club, followed by a 4-person-per-team, 9-hole scramble. 

Prizes were awarded for “Prettiest in Pink” and best-decorated carts, which were both won by the Precision Eye Care-sponsored team.

The Accuracy and Long Drive competition was won by Chris Nichols and Tamara Lee in the handicap division, and Beth Brown and Sue Jeppson in the non-handicap division. 

The overall championship was a tie between Smith River Rancheria and Rumiano Cheese Co. There was a tie for third place as well, between the Precision Eye Care Team and Liz, Judy, Cindy and Pauline. The tournament was followed by lunch and a raffle.

“Oh gosh, we had so much fun,” Rumiano said.

She also thanked all the sponsors for their help.

“There was great local support and we really appreciate it,” Rumiano said.