Pros for P.I.N.K. – The Kittansett Club
We are honored to feature Tyler Santacroce from The Kittansett Club in Marion, Massachusetts as September’s Pro for P.I.N.K. Every year, the club increases their donation to Play for P.I.N.K., thanks to Tyler’s help. Here are Tyler’s thoughts on Kittansett’s tournament:
In college, I was heavily involved with a year-long fundraising effort to raise funds for pediatric cancer research and treatment. After personally getting to know so many children affected by the disease and to see first-hand the impact it has on the families had a profound impact on me and is one of the many reasons why I’m proud to be a part of events like Play for P.I.N.K. To see the effects this disease has on people is disheartening, but also a large source of motivation to participate in events like Play for P.I.N.K. that make a difference and take us a step closer to a cure.
We raise money several different ways. In addition to entry fees, we have the opportunity for individuals to sponsor a hole for the event and we also host a “Four Square” competition where the professionals from the golf staff hit shots on a grid where spaces are sold – if the ball lands in the square reflected on the ticket you purchased you win a prize! This has been very popular among our tournament participants and generates a significant portion of the day’s total fundraising efforts.
Among the add-on fundraisers, mulligans and hand-wedges are the most popular. “Hand-wedges” are sold for $10 each and allows the golfer to pick up the ball and throw it without a stroke being counted. This becomes quite useful near the green when faced with a tough chip shot or bunker shot.
At the Club level, the best way to increase participation is to promote and talk about the event with any new potential participants. Posting information sheets on both the event and Club websites, in the Golf Shop as well as both locker rooms are the most effective practices for us at Kittansett. There are so many people who want to help and be a part of an event like this, it’s our job to make sure that they know about the opportunity they all have to help!
There is a great sense of pride working towards a cure and this event is an opportunity for myself and my fellow staff members to be a very small part of a very big effort in finding a cure. To see the enthusiasm from all those playing and to see the work that so many people put into each event is such a great feeling and puts into perspective how this disease affects so many of us. This is always one of the more rewarding days of the year and something everyone on our staff is proud and appreciative to be a part of!