Women's Golf Association of Longboat Key putts for a cure

A sea of pink could be seen on the golf course of the Longboat Key Club bright and early on Feb. 27. 

"This cause is very meaningful," said golfer Kari Smith. "Everyone is somehow impacted by breast cancer, whether that is because you are a survivor or you know someone. It is tied to everyone's life somehow." 

The Women's Golf Association of Longboat Key held its annual "Go for a Cure" golf tournament starting at 9 a.m. on the sunny Tuesday. All proceeds including registration went to Breast Health Sarasota. 

Golfers could become sponsors of the event by donating money for the nonprofit as well. Bill and Linda Mitchell and Jan and Mike Wilcox with the Wilcox Family Foundation were platinum sponsors by donating $5,000 or more. 

They also hosted a silent auction and a helicopter drop as another way to donate. In the helicopter drop, golfers could purchase golf balls to be dropped from a helicopter above the ballroom. The ball dropped closest to the hole won a prize. 

The event was organized by Mary Taylor for the Key-Niners and the Eighteen-holers. A luncheon followed in the Harbourside Ballroom.

Smith designed custom shirts for her team, the Golf Gals, for the event. The back of each shirt represented a person they knew who had breast cancer. Smith had her mother's name on her shirt, who was a 33-year survivor.

Last year, Taylor said they raised over $100,000. This year, they are hoping to top that and move Breast Health Sarasota further along with its goals.

"Helping these women, everybody is behind it," said Key-Niners President Amy Price. "Everyone has this amazing enthusiasm for it. Our groups have grown so we love to make sure we are doing everything we can to help, especially since this cause affects a lot of people."