Nationwide Volunteers Raise $3 Million for Breast Cancer Research Through Play for P.I.N.K.

The sports and activities-based nonprofit galvanized golf and tennis clubs around the country to safely support critical research

Play for P.I.N.K. (PFP) recently donated $3 million to BCRF. Despite a global pandemic that cancelled more than a third of the organization’s annual events from coast to coast, PFP volunteers rose to the challenge. At golf and tennis clubs across the nation, volunteers found new and safe ways to continue raising funds for research.

Through safe and socially distant tournaments, online fundraising, and virtual events, volunteers forged ahead. PFP has raised more than $65 million for research since the organization was founded over 20 years ago. PFP currently funds 24 BCRF-supported researchers studying the entire spectrum of breast cancer research.

PFP support is essential to advancing BCRF’s mission. “If not for this support, we would not have had the resources to develop a novel targeted therapy for treating breast cancer metastasis that is now being readied for use in the clinic,” said BCRF investigator Dr. Robert Benezra.

“Each year, I am astounded by the volunteer leadership that donate their time, energy, and funds to raise money for research,” said Laura Lassman, PFP’s president and founder. “Collectively, we have raised millions—undoubtedly saving lives and improving outcomes. I am so proud of all we’ve accomplished and look forward to continuing this critical work.”

Lassman started Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) as a one-time golf tournament in New Jersey to fund breast cancer research. Inspired by her close friend who was diagnosed with the disease, Laura rallied her local country club to raise funds and her community was tremendously supportive.

After Laura was introduced to BCRF Founder Evelyn H. Lauder, PFP named BCRF as its sole beneficiary. Thanks to its title sponsor, The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign, PFP donates 100 percent of funds raised directly to BCRF. Each year, PFP empowers 30,000 volunteers from across the country to host hundreds of lifestyle and sporting events to advance breast cancer research. PFP is BCRF’s single largest independent donor.

Join PFP in rallying for research with creative ways to continue fundraising when gathering is a challenge. Here are a few safe ideas:

For club participants:

• If an in-person event isn’t possible, send a custom fundraising letter to your members asking for their support.
• Post signage to collect donations or sell sponsor signs to display at the club.

For events taking place with restrictions:

• Turn the fundraiser into a week-long event, with smaller groups of golfers or tennis players participating over an extended period of time.
• Offer tee times instead of a shotgun start.
• Arrange boxed lunches in lieu of a sit-down reception indoors.
• Create a custom online registration or donation page for you or your club to collect donations.

To learn more about PFP or to organize an event, visit playforpink.org.