The Lake Club Goes Pink

Thursday's  heat and humidity did not deter 44 women from playing in the first ever Play for P.I.N.K.  tennis tournament at The Lake Club. The event raised more than $3,000 for the The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

It was a round robin format, put together and supervised by Lake Club Head Pro, Berend van Toor and featured players from all levels.

Thirty one Lake Club members and 13 guests competed in the tournament. Teams split up after each eight-game set, changed partners and went on to the next round, playing five total rounds. 

 Van Toor, ran the event without a hitch saying "All courts were filled and I hope to double the attendance next year."

Play for P.I.N.K. is dedicated to raising funds through different sporting events, including golf, tennis, paddle tennis, swimming, equestrian games, wine tastings and card games. Its name stands for Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology and Knowledge.

Sheila Lillis, one of four chairs added,"We're thrilled to host this for the first time and I think all the players feel the same way." 

Lillis' co-chairs were  Lelei Coyle, Cathy Ratcliffe and Julie Hughes who, along with van Toor, made the teams and juggled matches when juggling was called for.

Following the tournament the players were served lunch in the air conditioned spectator  lounge where they held a raffle and watched the U.S. Open on television. P.I.N.K. merchandise was also available. 

"Everyone I spoke to said they had a ball," Lake Club member Cynthia Brandt said.

In speaking with a number of participants, the overwhelming theme was that breast cancer affects everyone–if not personally–then with a family member or a close friend.

The primary goal of Play for P.I.N.K.is to raise awareness and funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in New York City.The organization was established in the early 1900's by several women who wanted to do something significant for a friend undergoing treatments for breast cancer and at the same time help all women afflicted with the disease.

Play for P.I.N.K. has been a partner of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for the past 10 years and has made a total contribution of $18.75 million dollars to BCRF.

Over the past year more than 88 cents of each dollar donated to the foundation went directly to  breast cancer research and awareness programs.