Hope is what the Swing for the Cure provides to countless women suffering from cancer.
The River Landing Golf Association for Ladies (RL GALS) initiated the Swing for the Cure as an extra Play Day 22 years ago. The donations were given to the Susan G. Komen Organization and from there the event became an annual focus.
Wanting to donate locally, the RL GALS changed the beneficiary to UNC Lineberger in 2004. The funds were used for Seed Grants, which continues to invest over $100,000 for breast cancer needs.
The Swing included lunch after golf, guests, auctions and raffles which increased donations and led to exciting events like the Helicopter Ball drop.
In 2018, the RL GALS voted to use the event funds in Eastern NC to assist women in need. The perfect recipient became the amazing Cancer Care Center in Greenville. The state-of-the-art facility serves primarily Eastern NC residents. Local satellite hospitals provide care close to home. The RL GALS could witness the good their efforts produced.
ECU Health Cancer Care is a premier cancer care system. It focuses on increasing clinical trial availability, reducing barriers, increasing awareness of cancer prevention, early screening and detecting, and collaborating with the regional ECU Health hospitals. This integrated, modern organization provides high-quality care.
Donations go to ECU Health Cancer Center which is a premier cancer care system with a focus on increasing clinical trial availability, reducing barriers, increasing awareness of cancer prevention, early screening and detecting along with collaborating with regional ECU Health hospitals.
The success continues. 2024 Swing for the Cure activities include a golf tournament and following luncheon. October 19 will add Putting for Pink—a five hole putting competition open to residents and guests of any age. The young and the gently aged can test their skills. Pink is the order of the day.
It moves the heart to see the signs lining every tee. Local businesses and residents love to see their names prominently displayed. Repeat hole sponsors find great pride in having their generosity acknowledged. In 2023, more than $6,000 was donated to ECU.
While all the small events generate money, nothing matches the excitement of Helicopter Ball Drop. It starts with the purchase of a golf ball, a numbered ball. It’s not really a purchase. Every rented golf ball is loaded into a helicopter. This fabulous spectacle comes after lunch where they are dropped onto the field!
The verandas of the River Landing clubhouse are filled with people in pink. They cheer when the helicopter roars past. They wait anxiously as the pilot hovers over a single flagstick in the middle of the fourteenth fairway. From their perch, everyone watches as the balls are poured from the chopper. The cascade carries the hopes of everyone watching. Closest to the pin wins a cash prize. So do second closest and third closest. When the helicopter veers away, those people in pink know that the day has been a success.
In 2023, the Swing for the Cure events generated over $25,000 for ECU Cancer Care. RL GALS and volunteers take great pride in their yearly efforts. They know their hard work contributes to the progress enjoyed by ECU, progress that serves those who suffer from cancer.
The generosity of the community which sponsors the events always humbles the RL GALS. Every effort translates into more funds for ECU Health Cancer care. Every event generates hope…and hope is a very good thing.
RLGALS are humbled by the generosity of the community and want to thank everyone who helped us maximize our contribution to ECU Health Cancer Care. We look forward to everyone’s support for our Swing for the Cure on October 19 at River Landing.
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