Preregister now for the Hit for the Cure Tennis and Golf Tournament

Take a swing at cancer. “Swing whatever you want, a tennis racket or a golf club,” said Hit for the Cure Co-Chair Judy Smee.

Judy has been drumming up support continuously for the 11th annual Hit for the Cure. This remarkably successful fund-raising event will be coming around again to the Red Mountain Ranch Country Club (RMRCC) on Friday, Nov. 9, and on Saturday, Nov. 10.

“Last year, we raised more than $19,000, the most ever, for the American Cancer Society—East Valley,” Co-Chair Wendy Skarda proudly announced. “Judy donated some extra dollars to round off the sum.”

The Hit for the Cure originated out of a genuine concern for Red Mountain Ranch neighbors who were struck with cancer. About 12 years ago, Jan Edson, a 15-year breast cancer survivor, was coordinating car pools for a breast cancer patient support group.

These bosom buddies developed strong bonds of friendship and the iron will to do something. Many of these women also had a passion for tennis. Soon, a match was made with RMRCC’s tennis division. And so the Hit for the Cure was born.

The Hit for the Cure, strongly driven by local survivors, such as Wendy Skarda and cohorts of seriously committed volunteers, has continued to evolve. Last year, the mission was changed to include all forms of cancer.

“Now, we moved to a later date, not the usual Breast Cancer Awareness Week in October, to include more winter visitors,” Judy stated. She became engaged in the Hit for the Cure in memory of her mother, who was lost to breast cancer.

All new this year is golf. Now, you can do it all, golf in the morning and tennis in the afternoon, with a lunch served in between. The Hit for the Cure will kick off with a Bean Bag Bash and Cocktail Hour the evening before.

Matches start at 7 a.m. Saturday, and will be played all day. The dinner, a Texas-style barbecue, served by the Club’s culinary team, starts at 6 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony. The auction will include select items, such as tennis or golf lessons. The winner of the 50/50 raffle also will be announced then.

Like last year, members of the band Chord on Blue will donate their time, and provide the music for the evening. Sheridan Skarda, Wendy’s daughter, will perform some very moving songs, which she wrote about her mother’s exemplary fighting spirit.

Once again Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center has stepped forward as the main sponsor by adopting court 1. Other courts are still available for advertising banners at $500 each.

Donations for the Hit for the Cure can be made any time in the form of Wall Donation certificates of $50 or $100 each. New are the net sponsorships, at $300 each. Additional volunteers are welcome any time, as well.

There are many ways to get involved in the Hit for the Cure, even if you play no sports at all. Sponsor a tennis court, buy a wall donation, or simply spread the word. Cancer affects all of us at some point in life.

So, strike back soon enough, because it is better to have a hoot than not give a dime. The Hit for the Cure isn’t just a fund-raising event, but also the friendliest community event in the neighborhood.

“This is a great opportunity for all of us at the RMRCC to get everybody together for a common cause,” tennis pro Ray K. said. And it also is a welcome chance for all nonmembers to check out the wonderful amenities of the club.

Preregistration is required to save your spot. Spaces on the courts and on the greens are limited. So, register early via e-mail with Ray K. Anybody can participate in the Hit for the Cure. For more information, e-mail Ray at rayk@rmrcc.com.