GREENSBURG – The fifth annual Tee Off ‘Fore’ Tatas was a smashing success, bringing nearly two hundred local women together to raise awareness about breast cancer and funds for the Pink Ribbon Fund.
The event is hosted each year by the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County. Foundation Director Susan Burkhart said the goofy golf event brought in one of the largest crowds yet. Burkhart said 44 teams with 176 ladies participated, invading North Branch Golf Course with an army of pink-clad ladies determined to have fun. The event, which has very little to do with actual golf, has become a favorite of local women who like to enjoy a night out with friends.
“My favorite moment is when all the teams get announced and they walk along the Pink Carpet,” Burkhart said. “You really get to see the costumes.”
The ladies in attendance all cast a vote for the People’s Choice award, which is given to the team with the best costumes and theme. The winner this year was Flock You Cancer! This team was sponsored by Karen Higginbotham and they wore pink flamingo outfits, complete with tutus and feathery flamingo headbands.
Other popular teams were the Racing for the Cure teams from Dr. Eversole’s office. They dressed in their best Derby gear, including the big hats and fancy dresses. Sarah Wheat served as the teams’ jockey.
Though an exact amount was not yet available, Burkhart estimated the event raised between $22,000 and $23,000. All of the funds collected go to the Decatur County Memorial Hospital Pink Ribbon Fund.
“This fund was established to replace funds that were lost from the Susan G. Komen grants that radiology had gotten in the past,” Burkhart said. “The Pink Ribbon Fund is for anyone that is in need of a life-saving mammogram that doesn’t have insurance and cannot afford one. This fund will also pay for diagnostic tests that may be needed if a mammogram is abnormal.”
Since the program began in September of 2014, the Pink Ribbon Fund has completed 245 mammograms and 184 procedures for local women completely free of charge. The Pink Ribbon Fund is also used to educate the community about its existence and purpose. Above all, the goal is to help protect more women from the dangers of breast cancer by focusing on early detection and treatment. One of the items in the goody bags given to attendees was a shower card that explains the technique for a proper self breast exam.
“This fund is available for both men and women and is vital to keeping our community healthy. Early detection is what is necessary for survival,” Burkhart said.
Anyone in need of help getting a mammogram may call 812-663-1157 and ask about the Pink Ribbon Fund.
“This event is crucial to our community in that it provides free mammograms and diagnostic testing to the uninsured or underinsured individuals,” Burkhart said.
She thanked the committee responsible for the hard work and planning which goes into such an event. This year’s committee included Jenni Hanna, Courtney Crowe, Mindy Busemeyer, Vicki Rudolf, Carol Blasdel, Jan Ziegenfus, Angela Belter, Shannon Allgeier, Cheryl Johnson, Jody Coffman and Sheryl Atwood.
Burkhart also thanked the event’s sponsors, creatively grouped by cup size. The DD sponsors were Hilliard Lyons and Honda Manufacturing of Indiana. C Cup sponsors were Arbor Grove Village and Morning Breeze, and the A Cup sponsor was WTRE. Aramark provided the boxed lunches, Premier Hospice sponsored the sparklers and programs, and First Federal, ETC, and Aspen Place sponsored the drink carts.
“Kudos to everyone that participates in this event. Every one of us has been affected by someone that has had cancer, this is a super fun event for a great cause and all monies stay right here in Decatur County to help you, your family or your neighbor,” Burkhart said.
Next year’s Tee Off ‘Fore’ Tatas is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 13, 2019.
“Thank you to everyone for making this event so successful from our wonderful and generous sponsors, to the hard-working committee and most importantly the participants. The participants seem to have a great time and raise money all at the same time! It is a win-win for everyone. We are so very blessed to live in such a giving community. The Hospital Foundation and recipients of the Pink Ribbon Fund cannot thank you enough!” Burkhart said.
Rather than ending the evening with a Chinese lantern ceremony as they have in the past, organizers set up a sparkler ceremony. Throughout the day, the ladies were encouraged to write uplifting words on a canvas board with the theme, reading “Live. Love. Sparkle.”