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Golfers tee it up to fight cancer in Janesville

JANESVILLE — Pink will be the color of the day when more than 100 women swing their golf clubs to fight breast cancer at the fifth annual "Tee It Up for Women."

Organizers of "Tee It Up" on Tuesday are hoping to top a five-year total of $100,000 raised.

"Tee It Up" is held at the Janesville Country Club and is open to the public.

The money goes to the Madison chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. Seventy-five percent of the money stays in the area to fund breast health and breast cancer programs, primarily for low-income women. The remaining money goes to breast cancer research, said Ann Duesterbeck, Milton. She and Kathy Cullen of Janesville co-sponsor the event.

At the first "Tee It Up," 81 women golfed and $11,000 was raised.

The "nice little outing" snowballed from there, Duesterbeck said.

Two years ago, it was opened to women citywide.

Last year, "Tee It Up" had 104 golfers and raised about $33,000. The event also has received non-profit status.

"Tee It Up" has raised more than $70,000 over the four years, and organizers hope to top $100,000 this year.

Who hasn't been affected by breast cancer, either individually or through a loved one? Duesterbeck asked. One woman who attends the event has two male relatives who have battled breast cancer. Some of the attendees are typically cancer survivors.

Men volunteer to work the event, and they usually wear pink, as well.

The golf outing is not a competition but rather an opportunity for women to come together to have fun and raise money for an important cause, Duesterbeck said.

Women can skip the golf and attend the night reception, which includes an appetizer buffet, a silent auction and raffle.

Chef Rob Gamble every year donates his time and energy, Duesterbeck said. He lost his mother to breast cancer.

This year, Gamble is offering for auction a gourmet dinner for six.

Chef Henry Pariser is donating a gourmet tasting dinner for eight.

Other items include manicures, jewelry, UW-Madison football and basketball tickets and signed sports memorabilia.

Local businesses and residents have donated generously, Duesterbeck said. Lycon is this year's corporate sponsor. Others donate as pink-ribbon sponsors and tee-sponsors.

"Even in a down economy, we've been fortunate our donations are where we hoped they would be," Duesterbeck said.