P.I.N.K. All Stars – Laura Hilliard and Chris Kocak
Twenty-one years ago in Ohio, Roe Kilbane began Mallard Creek’s pink crusade. Laura Hilliard got involved because she wanted to do her part to promote awareness, raise funds, and bring together women golfers who are survivors and/or supporters of the cause. After more than two decades, Laura is proud to say they have a strong following and support from the community.
We have a volunteer team of about 20 people, many of whom have been involved for much of that time. We all know that successful events depend on personal commitment. I can’t say enough about our team’s efforts, creativity and the time they’ve dedicated to ensuring a great day and a great outcome. The best part is we enjoy what we do and have fun doing it. I have met some great people through this event and witnessed the generosity and kindness of so many sponsors, participants and businesses. It’s definitely been a rewarding, do good-feel good experience.
I continue to stay involved because of the enthusiasm of our participants and the fact that we are making a difference with our annual donation which increases every year. So many of our participants offer to help or reach out to their contacts who might be able to donate to our event.
What I like most about PINK events is that we celebrate survivors. I love that everyone who comes out and participates is excited to do so. They’re very creative and make the most of this pink ribbon themed event!
I got involved with Play for PINK because my golf league was asked to help run the outing at our home course. At the time, I did not have any close friends or relatives who were diagnosed. When my grandmother was diagnosed later in life, the battle to find a cure for breast cancer became personal. I’ve also been blessed to meet so many survivors through Play for PINK. They are truly an inspiration!
Chris Kocak says her involvement with Play for P.I.N.K. and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation has been the single most important part of her life next to her family, of course. When she played in the ladies’ golf outing for the first time, and after having lost a very dear friend to breast cancer, she knew she had found something to dedicate to forever! Here is Chris’s story in her own words:
Play for P.I.N.K. has been a wonderful beneficiary for our events and our participation in northeast Ohio grows every year to near sell out capacity for ladies’ golf and our winter fundraiser. Even though I have relocated to North Carolina, I remain involved with Laura Hilliard and Roe Kilbane and our overflowing committee and volunteers in organizing the ladies golf outing in June. It is the event of the year! Though we have lost many wonderful people to this disease, we continue to rally and celebrate our survivors and continue our efforts to raise awareness and funding for research. We have Play for P.I.N.K. to thank every day for all your work to find a cure in our lifetime.