Gwen Kaye is the co-organizer of the annual Atton's Lake "Swing for a Cure" fundraising golf event to benefit the Saskatchewan Breast Cancer Foundation and Breast Cancer Action Saskatchewan held Aug. 6. In its 10th year, this event shows no signs of slowing down.
In its first year, this event raised just over $3,000. Last year the event hosted 172 golfers and raised more than $31,000 making a nine-year total of upwards of $144,000 that has been donated equally to the Breast Cancer Foundation for research and to Breast Cancer Action Saskatchewan, which uses funds for "First diagnose" kits - distributed at doctors' offices - printed material and patient support.
One of the more notable fundraising efforts this year began with Unity's Sandra Wagner choosing to have her head shaved if $5,000 was raised. Once Wagner was into her campaign, Dr. Williams decided to match the $5,000 if 10 women joined Wagner in her honorable gesture. It didn't take long for a group of 10 women from Unity and Cut Knife to jump on board, enabling the fundraiser to benefit from Dr. Williams's generous offer, while also supporting Wagner in her fundraising initiative for the event.
Although the other women are also making a brave choice, several head-shaving participants have commented they wouldn't be in this challenge if it had not been for Wagner's initiative.
Wagner said, "I have thought about this for a long time. It all started years ago when the RCMP would have a big fundraiser and shave their heads; I thought that would be cool. Then about eight years ago I was at my karate class and Shirley Holzman showed up head shaved. She inspired me. I thought, if she can do it so can I.
"It took me till last summer to find an event that I wanted to do it at. My neighbour helps organize the 'Swing for the Cure' event and we were talking. I found out that 2014 was the 10th anniversary and they wanted to do something big. I said 'I'll shave my head.' It went from there. I am so inspired by the strength and determination of survivors and their families and I hope this helps.
"When I made the decision to shave my head, I didn't want to do it for a small sum, but I wanted it to be an attainable goal and $5,000 seemed like a good figure. Because I had chosen to do this early in the year I was anxious feeling that the fundraising process was slow but then the co-op, where I work, sponsored a fundraising barbecue and other donations started to pour in."
Before she knew it, Wagner had reached, and surpassed, her goal well before her actual haircut day.
Wagner also commented, "When I heard Dr. Williams was inspired by my decision and chose to add some more dollars to the pot, I thought that was awesome that I wouldn't have to do it (have my head shaved) alone. I am not as nervous now having my head shaved knowing that 10 others are doing it as well so it feels like fun."
She added, "I am participating in the golf event along with coworkers Kristine Moon, Christie Gerein, Tammy Ward in addition to Meika Williams and Kim Ducherer."
Wagner concluded by saying, "I have left the head shaving process to the event organizers. My family was shocked at first when they heard what I committed to but they have been supportive of me because they know it's for a good cause. It has taken some explaining to get my children used to the idea that I won't have any hair, now they are kind of excited."
Asked what the first thing she will do once her head has been shaved, Sandra laughed, "sunscreen!"
Kaye is thankful for long-time, dedicated committee members Diane Smith, Cindy Stapley and Janice Duvall who helped put the plan in motion. Through the years they have added more people to aid in pulling the event off successfully year after year. Larry and Linda Wilkie have been added to the core group. Kaye knows, once the core committee have the plan outlined, people just pitch in and help get the job done.
When asked why she chose to commit to such a tremendous and noble task, Kaye replied, "I wanted to make a difference in the fight for a cure, because our area seemed to be very high for breast cancer. With the help and support of so many people and businesses, we have made a difference. It's heart-warming to see ladies take days off work every year and for those who make the trek out to participate from Regina, Calgary, Fort McMurray, Edmonton and surrounding area to be part of this fundraiser."
Kaye added, "All of the donations as well as the sponsorship of Innovation Credit Union in Cut Knife enable us to say this to be a no-cost fundraiser. Participants pay a $50 entry fee and get a $50 tax deductible receipt."
The Atton's Lake golf board and course staff in addition to the Cut Knife Elks help make this event possible as without their help and support the event would be much more difficult to manage for the small committee
The 10th annual "Swing for a Cure" golf fundraiser is just one way women have banded together for a common cause. The event was created to not only fundraise for breast cancer research and patient support, it is intended to share a vision, to work together supporting this common cause, to support breast cancer patients and survivors who are part of the event or known to those who taking part, and just to come out and golf the day away having a whole lot of fun.
