In what has become an annual gathering, a few ‘Iowa gals’ participated again this year in the Naples Invitational Golf Tournament to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation earlier this week as part of the Play for P.I.N.K. efforts. Those from Iowa that participated in the charity event included Kathy Fortune, Janece Schwartzkopf, Janis Owens, MaryAnn Brown, Cristy Schmidt, Amy Smith, Judy McCarty and Janet Berry. Smith is the daughter of Jill (and Tom) Blackwood, who passed away on earlier this year from complications due to cancer. Blackwood was elected to the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame class of 2019 and along with partner Judy McCarty participated in the Play for P.I.N.K. event in Naples for 13 years.

Tom Blackwood is pictured with Janet Berry and daughter Amy Smith.

To speed advances in breast cancer detection, treatment and survivorship, Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) supports thousands of volunteers nationwide as they raise funds for research through sporting and lifestyle events. Their efforts raise $4.6 million annually — and 100% of that goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Play for P.I.N.K. supports events in 30 states across the country, with more than 30,000 annual participants turning their passion for golf, tennis, and other sports and lifestyle pursuits into substantial support for research. To date, Play for P.I.N.K. has raised nearly $53 million and currently supports 26 scientists at leading academic medical institutions around the world.

To learn more about Play for P.I.N.K. click here