Tee-Off for Tatas Raises Money and Awareness for Breast Cancer

Over 130 golfers turned out on Monday for the Fourth Annual Tee-Off for Tatas golf tournament at Bentwood Country Club to raise awareness, and money, for breast cancer.

Tons of prizes were up-for-grabs during the tournament, including a hole-in-one to win a two-year lease on a Cadillac, as well as a raffle for several prizes donated by local businesses.

Highlighting the day of game-spirit for a good cause however, was the bra drop. Participants purchased a bra for $10, all of which were dropped together from a helicopter over a small basket attached to a pink golf cart.

Four winners split half the pot and received $100 dollars apiece, while the other half of the bra sales benefitted the Oncology Center.

But no matter how many cool raffle items or how much prize money was at stake for the tournament, it was unmistakably about the cause.

One golfer, J.B. Mooring emphasized how much he loved the tournament and the cause it raised money for.

“I’d give the money back,” said Mooring as he elaborated that this tournament is one of the most ‘fun’ tournaments in San Angelo, “It’s not about winning the prize, but the competition makes it fun.”

The ‘fun’ was plain to see as all the golfers laughed and celebrated raising money, gently ribbing one another, and throwing money at the cause.

Many ‘winners’ of money at this and previous tournaments donated prize money back, “The guy who won the bra drop last year, he gave it all back” said Mooring.

Another example is Dr. David Cummings who donated the pink golf cart to be raffled off, won the very same cart, then donated it right back.

Cummings is the Director of Oncology at Shannon Medical Center, making the Tee-Off For Tatas Tournament an important event for him

“It’s easier for people to deal with the side effects of the treatment they have to go through” said Cummings in reference to some of the amenities that Shannon’s Oncology center offers.

“I think the little things make a big difference,” said Cummings, “and I think that’s what sets us apart from other areas [where] you can receive treatment.

“Our center is about educating people about cancer prevention,” Cummings explained, “it’s about empowering people to get through the cancer treatment.”

Lyndy Stone, Director of Marketing at Shannon, was ecstatic about the turnout and working with cancer survivors to put the tournament on.

 “We also have a lot of cancer survivors here with us today too,” Stone exclaimed, “they’ve been touched by cancer and they also want to give back.”

She also explained the avenues in which the money raised would go.

“The money will help fund equipment, order educational resources or whatever is needed to better enhance patient care,” said Stone.

Total amounts of funds raised has yet to be calculated, but it’s certain to be a part of the ‘little things’ that Dr. Cummings spoke about.