Sandy Jessop
It started with a small idea from the SaddleBrooke Ranch Tennis Association events coordinator, Sue Cook. “October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so let’s make everyone aware by ‘pinking out the Ranch’!” The goal was to raise awareness and a few dollars while enjoying a lively and fun tennis tournament.
That idea has blossomed into a month-long, event-packed community project involving more than a dozen clubs and partnerships in what is sure to bring cancer awareness, charitable donations to cancer organizations, and neighborhood support.
Tennis
The first event, Serve for a Cure, takes place on the tennis courts from Sept. 30 through Oct. 2. Cheer on your neighbors who all made a donation to play (in lieu of a registration fee) as they ‘volley’ back and forth.
The tennis event ends with a fabulous, all-ranch happy hour filled with special pink drinks and appetizers, two auctions (one silent and one live) with auctioneer and want-to-be comic Dennis Eckmeyer. You won’t want to miss this event at the Ranch House Grill patio. And be sure to bring your checkbooks—all proceeds go directly to the American Cancer Society! Items include:
* Painting by resident artist Susan Swanson
* Doggie drop-in service by Loving Care Pet Sitters
* Gourmet meal for six
* Wine and appetizer pairing for four
* Wine tasting for eight
* Four dozen home-made pierogies by Bo Jessop
* Pizza dinner on the grill by Marci Whitehead
* Private tennis lessons
* Beading by We-Be-Beaders
* And more!
NOTE: Cash or checks (preferred) only. All checks should be made out to the American Cancer Society.
Golf
The SaddleBrooke Ranchette Putters’ Pink Out Day will take place on Oct. 2. They ask all ‘putters’ to show their support by wearing pink golf attire. Additionally, they ask that all putters to bring putting money, and the board will match the total amount raised! They will also sport course incentives on the course, double money holes, etc.
The men’s and women’s golf associations also are promoting skin cancer awareness and prevention as members play golf in October. The theme, Golfers have Skin in the Game, means that funds raised from the men’s event on Thursday, Oct. 4, and the women’s event (tentatively scheduled) on Oct. 29, will have proceeds earmarked for skin cancer research, awareness, and prevention.
Women’s Club
The Women’s Club is addressing cancer awareness at their Oct. 14 meeting in multiple ways. Their decorations will be “pink out” familiar ribbons, and part of their program will address skin cancer. They will be honoring one of their former presidents, Martha Sampson, who died of cancer this year.
Pickleball
The Pickleball Club has planned a Pickled Pink week at the Pickleball courts during the week of Oct. 14. Stop by and check out the festivities!
Crafters of the Ranch have found ways to join the campaign as well!
Piecemakers
The Ranch Piecemakers will deliver a bounty of quilts to the University of Arizona Cancer Center to be given to patients receiving treatment. We Be Beaders are busy making items to sell, with 100% of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society! Keep an eye out for their beautiful craft.
Mudslingers
Join the SaddleBrooke Ranch Mudslingers to learn techniques of hand-built pottery while supporting the American Cancer Society during the month of October.
SaddleBrooke Ranch Cancer Support Group
Finally, the SaddleBrooke Ranch Cancer Support Group is sponsoring and encouraging participation from all Ranch residents on Saturday, Oct. 26, when we join together as Team SBR: Strong, Brave, and Resilient for a one-mile walk at the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night at Park Place in Tucson. There is no cost to join the team. In the last three years, we have consistently won awards for both team size and fundraising efforts. Check out the event on the SaddleBrooke Ranch NextDoor and Facebook pages, or contact Sandy Jessop at [email protected] for more information.
The bottom line is that there are so many ways to participate. So, this October, we can all Rally for a Cure!