Wednesday, June 29, 2011

12th annual LPGA Pros in the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer

(SOUTHAMPTON, NY) - One of the most impressive pro-am fields of LPGA golfers, including Hall of Famers Nancy Lopez and Karrie Webb, once again helped raise more than $500,000 for the Val Skinner Foundation at the 12th annual LIFE (LPGA Pros in the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer) Event held on Monday, June 27 at Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, NY.

LPGA veteran and Golf Channel analyst Val Skinner founded LIFE in 2000 in honor of her friend and fellow LPGA player Heather Farr, who died of breast cancer in 1993 at the age of 28. Since 2000, Skinner has raised nearly $7.3 million.

The LIFE event benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure and The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ), a national cancer institute-designated comprehensive cancer center located in New Brunswick, N.J.

"I am extremely proud of my fellow LPGA players and the LIFE partners for supporting our efforts to educate and assist young women as it relates to breast cancer," said Skinner. "Thanks to these funds, we've founded and launched important programs: as Komen on the Go™ our mobile educational tour and the creation of The LIFE Centers and now our six satellite centers across New Jersey."

As always, the LIFE Event attracted a field of top players, including Lopez, Webb, Laura Davies, Morgan Pressel, Brittany Lincicome, Jiyai Shin, Stacy Lewis, Azahara Munoz and more.

"All of us have been impacted by breast cancer in some way. For those of us who have played in Val's event year-after-year, it is fulfilling to see the impact we've been able to make through programs with Komen and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey," said Webb, who has played in 11 of the 12 LIFE Events.

Each year, Skinner recognizes and honors LIFE Heroes that she defines as individuals who have demonstrated courage in the face of breast cancer and/or purpose to fight the disease. Heroes honored this year were Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Fox News Channel national correspondent Jennifer Griffin and California attorney/advocate Jamie Ledezma.

"These women have all gallantly faced and survived breast cancer. Their willingness to proactively share their stories has helped other women and their families understand the importance of early detection," added Skinner.

LIFE enjoys great support from New York and New Jersey businesses and philanthropic individuals. LIFE partners include the Joe Plumeri family, Emblem Health, QualCare, Guy Carpenter & Company, Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC) and Genentech. Other notable supporters are Amy Perella, Assured Guaranty, C.R. Bard, The ACE Group and Cox Classic/Steven A. Cox Foundation.

For more information, visit www.valskinnerfoundation.org.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

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