Swing for the Cure unites golfers in fight against breast cancer

Members of the Key Niners and Women's Golf Association united Feb. 24, despite a chilly start to the day, to play golf and support community members with breast cancer.

The scramble took place at the Longboat Key Club and concluded with a luncheon and results announcements at the Harbourside Ballroom.

Breast Health Sarasota Chair Suellen Kaeb, a founding member of the organization, thanked the women in attendance who have supported this fundraiser for many years. The nonprofit has been serving Sarasota since 1999.

"You all are the real heroes today for braving the weather," she said of the 40-degree start to the day," she said. "Our mission is to make sure that nobody goes without the breast health services they need."

Cumulatively, the Longboat Key Club has raised more than $750,000 for the organization, Kaeb said.

Gloria Hartman and Lisa Tyson co-chaired the event.

Championship victory was especially sweet for the team of Pat O'Connell, Brenda Baril, Beth Scheible and Kim Lawrence, considering Lawrence is a cancer survivor.

The team, "Been There, Beat That!" attributed the day's success to everyone playing their part to their best, giving particular credit to their putter extraordinaire.

Teammates said they were proud to support the cause and glad so many of their peers participated this year. The kick-off Go for the Cure games day on Feb. 11 saw record attendance this year with 150 members.

Proceeds from both events support preventative and supportive breast health services in the community.

Those interested in learning more about the nonprofit or donating can visit BreastHealthSarasota.org or call 941-927-2226.