Pretty in Pink

Carrie Baldwin Smith (right) with her mom Sue Baldwin at the first Pink Classic, celebrating Sue’s 10-year anniversary of being in remission.

When Carrie Baldwin Smith decided that she wanted to somehow honor her mom Sue Baldwin celebrating her 10-year anniversary of remission from breast cancer, she immediately thought “pink.” Baldwin Smith, an event planner, knew that it had to be fun and definitely a celebration. So, in June of 2007, the “Pink Classic: An Event to Prevent” golf tournament was born.

The outcome of this event was clear. Baldwin Smith wanted to establish a dedicated fund to support the early detection of breast cancer by providing financial support to those needing screening. A fund was established through the Wellness Center of Door County and the “Sue Baldwin Fund” came to life.

“I do this because I know how good it is for our community and that there is a definite need, especially in this economy,” says Baldwin Smith. “I hope that someone will read this and realize that there is a fund out there set up to help, so that anyone can get the screening done. Even if you have insurance, but have a deductible, this fund can help pay that deductible.”

The Pink Classic, to be held at Horseshoe Bay Golf Club on June 3 this year, spotlights breast cancer awareness by requesting each golfer wear pink. “It’s so much fun to see everyone in pink,” says Baldwin Smith. “People will decorate their golf cart, wear pink golf shoes, pink wigs – we’ve even had a man wearing a pink kilt!” There are prizes for men, women and the coveted “Prettiest in Pink” award.

“I’m passionate about breast cancer awareness, so I started a golf tournament,” she adds. “I hope that people realize that if they’re passionate about something, they should do something about it – start a mini-golf tournament or a run, but do something. Hopefully, by establishing the Susan Baldwin Fund, someone out there will catch and detect something that will ultimately save their life.”

Without a doubt, perhaps the “Prettiest in Pink” award should go to Baldwin Smith herself for taking the initiative to raise awareness of a disease that has touched her family personally. Through her work, and the hard work of those who volunteer to make this event happen, someone out there might be given the chance to celebrate a 10-year anniversary as well.

To volunteer at this year’s event, golf, provide a donation or learn more about the Sue Baldwin Fund, contact Carrie Baldwin Smith via email at [email protected] or by calling 920.839.1114. Additional information is also available by visiting http://www.wellnesscenterofdoorcounty.com.

For additional volunteer opportunities throughout Door County, please visit http://www.VolunteerDoorCounty.com or contact the Volunteer Center for a copy of the new “Volunteer Guide.” The Volunteer Center of Door County is located at 62 S. Third Avenue in Sturgeon Bay. For more information call 920.746.7704 or email [email protected].