Breast cancer awareness is synonymous with the color pink, symbolizing hope, strength and remembrance.

These attributes are the driving force behind the GoPink! fundraiser in Martin County. Founded over 20 years ago by members of the Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club, the event honors breast cancer survivors and those who have passed away from the disease.

The annual GoPink! golf event and auction took place from February 6th-8th and raised more than $92,000 to benefit the Cleveland Clinic Breast Health Navigator Program in Martin County. The philanthropically funded service provides information, resources and assistance to more than 200 breast cancer patients each year.

The Breast Health Navigator Program supports the mission of the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, specifically for breast cancer research and care. The program is an integral part of the personalized care patients receive at the Weissman Cancer Center at Martin Health, providing guidance and counseling to women planning their future care. It also provides no-cost mammograms and related services to women who do not have health insurance.

Several new community events were added to GoPink! this year, including a pickleball tournament, a “Best in Pink” tennis attire contest, and a “Pink Your Pooch” dog kerchief event at the Dog Park. More than 250 golfers took to the greens for the charity golf tournament, which featured a luncheon, cocktail party, and silent and live auctions.

Photography Credits: Martin County Office of Tourism

Why I Support GoPink!

The GoPink! fundraiser has special meaning for many in the Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club community. Some of the event organizers shared their inspiration for supporting the fundraiser and raising awareness for breast cancer.

“I chair and support GoPink! because I feel everyone has been impacted by breast cancer. My husband’s sister lost her battle at 62 and I had an up-close experience of what it was like, as she lived with us through her last six months. My tribute to her is why I give back. I am hopeful that the funds we raise help women who are unable to afford mammograms and other treatments through the Breast Navigator fund at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health. Our community at Harbour Ridge gives in memory of Emily Crandall, and we hope this keeps her memory alive.” –Becca McCoy

“I lost my mother to breast cancer when I was 25 and she was only 58. I think all we can do is try to provide caring and dignified treatment while people fight their fight. That’s what we are doing for the people in this area.” – Beth Warner

“Supporting the GoPink! the campaign has a lot to do with personal reasons and experience. My mother died from cancer in 1993 and my sister—diagnosed with breast cancer over 30 years ago and then ovarian cancer 4 years ago—just recently passed away in October 2021. What I learned about GoPink! is how very personal it is to the people of Harbour Ridge. There is passion about what was the beginning of the event over 20 years ago, the history of the event and the purpose of the event. It’s really special.” –Val Lesniak

How You Can Help

To make a donation to support the Breast Health Navigator Program at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, please visit the website.