While snow was falling in Pinehurst and many were stuck inside during the coldest winter in years, several women members from Pinehurst Resort and Country Club's Course No. 7 began thinking about organizing a benefit for breast cancer awareness.

"We met in February to begin tossing around ideas," says a spokesman. "Our first consideration was to donate to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, but the more we thought about it, the more we realized that making a larger impact to our own community would be more rewarding, so 'staying local' was the answer.

"Though the Susan G. Komen Foundation is a worthwhile cause, none of its funds earmarked for Raleigh make it down to Moore County. Having spoken with Moore Free Care Clinic (MFCC) and many of the medical practices in the area, we found that there is a void and tremendous need at MFCC to provide screening mammograms. MFCC is a private, nonprofit organization, providing medical care to limited income people who lack health insurance."

The inaugural breast cancer detection fundraising event is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 12, at PCC, Fairwoods on 7 and will feature a round of golf (which is sold out), followed by an evening event with additional fundraising activities.

A tax deductible minimum donation entry fee of $75 per person is the ticket to attend any or all of the day's events.

"For every entry we receive, at least three women will be able to have a screening mammogram," says the spokesman. "If you are not able to attend and would like to contribute, there are three levels of ribbons - $50, $100 and $150 - as well as luminarias that can be purchased for $10 each or 3 for $25. Or you may become a sponsor or donate to the silent auction. We are hoping to raise at least $20,000 to get the project under way. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Moore Free Care Clinic to be used for early detection of breast cancer."

Call (910) 255-0779 or (910) 986-1889 for additional information.