Pros for P.I.N.K. – Delaire Country Club
This month we are fortunate to feature two Pros for P.I.N.K. – brothers Joe and Billy Jones from Delaire Country Club in Delray Beach, Florida. Having been personally affected by cancer they know firsthand the importance of research. Here are their stories:
Joe Jones, PGA Head Golf Pro: I am a cancer survivor. In 2014, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had successful surgery in 2016. My son, Joseph, 33, was diagnosed with brain cancer. After two surgeries and a year of chemo and radiation, thankfully he is stable. When I was asked whether cancer had ever impacted my family, my answer was definitely YES! I’ve been at Delaire for thirty years and seen cancer affect many friends and members. The club has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Play for P.I.N.K. by corporate and tees/greens sponsors, entry fees, card parties, golf and tennis tournaments, a wall of fame, vendor boutiques, and anonymous donors. Recently, we added a putting and chipping contest the night before the golf event, as well as a Play for P.I.N.K. walk that is held on the golf course. This is always a “do good, feel good” event for me, and it’s so well attended. One of the more moving moments is a slide show during the luncheon of cancer survivors and victims, most of whom I know personally. It’s very heart-warming to be involved in raising funds for such a good cause.
Billy Jones, PGA Assistant Golf Pro: Cancer has hit my family hard. My wife had thyroid cancer. My sister is a 5-year breast cancer survivor. My nephew had brain cancer. And, my brother survived prostate cancer. They are all the reasons I work hard to make Delaire’s Play for P.I.N.K. event a success – it’s personal. This year we added a really fun fundraiser and featured a guest bartender at the Happy Hour where cash donations were made. We are having a limited raffle for a golf cart that could bring in a significant amount towards our overall donation to Play for P.I.N.K. In addition, we’re conducting an all-day, 9-hole putting contest on our “PINK Day at Delaire”. When this event started at the club, only women participated. Over the last few years, men have joined and it is now a club-wide event. For the members, and for me, this is an absolute “do good, feel good”. Anytime you can raise money for a charity that touches as many lives as this one does, it’s always a good thing.