Since 2005, the Bonnie Hilghman Cancer Fund has given more than $51,000 in grants to help residents of the Mid-Shore who are fighting cancer and are in need of financial assistance. To help raise money for the fund, The 6th Annual Bonnie Hilghman Cancer Fund Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, October 5 at the Hog Neck Golf Course in Easton.
Bonnie Hilghman bravely fought breast cancer for seven years before losing her fight on August 10, 2004. Her husband and tournament director, Duane Hilghman, comments, “People who were diagnosed with cancer would often seek Bonnie out to ask how she dealt with fighting the battle and keeping such a positive attitude toward life.”
Hilghman is again partnering with Susan G. Komen Maryland on this annual event. Susan G. Komen Maryland was established in 1993. Since its inception, it has invested more than $35 million into the Maryland community for breast cancer education, screening, treatment and support services. Since 1998, $3 million has funded programs on the Eastern Shore alone.
Hilghman adds, “I know how difficult things are economically but, unfortunately, cancer is immune to economic conditions. In light of budget cutbacks on community programs taken by our state and local governments, it is more important than ever to reach out and help our fellow citizens who are having to deal with a deadly disease and the financial strains it may cause.”
The Bonnie Hilghman Cancer Fund is designed to help nonprofit organizations that provide services to cancer patients. It could be money for chemotherapy or the medications to combat the side effects of therapy. It might also support transportation, gas, child care, housekeeping, or nursing care. The Fund is a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, a public foundation designated as a 501(c)3 charity. Gifts to the fund are fully tax-deductible as allowable by law. The tournament is seeking sponsorships for the tournament: Gold at $1,500; Silver at $1,000; and hole sponsorships at $100.
Tournament registration takes place on Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. It is a Florida scramble format. Cost is $100 per player. Prizes include low gross and net, hole-in-one, closest to the pin on par threes and longest drive. Included in the price are a buffet lunch, an awards presentation and a silent auction. Registration is required by September 27. Contact Duane Hilghman at 410-820-0496 or dhilghman@verizon.net for further information or for a registration form.
In photo: The 6th Annual Bonnie Hilghman Cancer Fund Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, October 5 at the Hog Neck Golf Course in Easton. Pictured left to right are tournament organizers Lori Yates, Komen Maryland; Robbin Hill, Mid Shore Community Foundation; Duane Hilghman, Founder, Bonnie Hilghman Cancer Fund; and Andy Halverson, PGA, Hog Neck Golf Course.