Date: February 05, 2011
Author:

ARTICLE – CHEQUE FOR FIONA PIKE CAMPAIGN

rnToday at the ISPS Handa Women&aposs Australian Open, Annette Anning presented a cheque to Louise Pike for $3,566.55 for the Fiona Pike&aposs Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign.

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Fiona was a touring professional for more than 13 years, shortly after retiring doctors found a deep skull-based tumour which was eventually diagnosed as melanoma. Even though her tumour did not present as a skin lesion that could have been screened, tested or detected, more than 99 per cent of melanomas do present on the skin surface.  Tragically, after a brave and stoic three year battle she passed away in March 2009.

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She contributed to the fight against cancer with determination and enthusiasm. Her legacy continues with campaign activities to raise awareness of protective behaviours that reduce the incidence of skin cancers.The Fiona Pike Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign is calling on all golfers and sporting enthusiasts to take the lifesaving steps to properly protect their skin and to check their skin every three months.

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The money was raised through the “The Avenues Invitational” Charity Golf Day, held at Emerald Lakes Golf Club on 19th November 2010.  100 played teed up for a fourball ambrose, while a further 20 fined with the field for lunch.

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Louise was extremely grateful for the cheque and it will certainly help in raising the awareness of skin cancer.

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Below is a history of the charity day is provided below:

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"The Avenues Invitational" charity golf day (Annette lives at The Avenues, Palm Meadows Resort, Carrara Gold Coast) was first held in 2008 while she was recovering from chemotherapy and radiation therapy for breast cancer.  She held the first of the charity golf days for breast cancer research. What started out to be a $10 donation from each player turned out to be the origins of an ongoing event generously supported initially by City Subaru and subsequently RE/MAX Australia came on board.

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In 1998, Annette first met Fiona Pike while volunteering at the Australian Ladies Masters and over the years I got to know Fiona and Fiona&aposs mother Kay.  So in 2009, when she heard of Fiona Pike&aposs campaign, she decided that the 2010 Avenues Invitational would contribute 50% of funds raised to her campaign.

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Annette thought because Queensland is arguably the melanoma capital of the world and because of Fiona&aposs contribution to golf on the Gold Coast,  the Gold Coast community should acknowledge Fiona&aposs campaign.
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rnSo on Friday 19th November at Emerald Lakes Golf Club where Annette is a member, 100 players teed up for a 4ball Ambrose. While a  further 20 dined with the field for lunch.

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Significant financial support was provided by Chris Bagley-(General Manager Emerald Lakes Golf Club, Shane Bright-Sales Manager City Subaru, Nick Thiele – Regional Director RE/MAX Australia, and Joel Burn CEO of JB Air.

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City Subaru donated $500 for a hole in one and the prizes for the Longest drive for women and men. The longest drive prizes were literally the use of a Subaru for a week . City Subaru donated the $500n to the charities when the hole in one was not claimed.

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RE/MAX also arranged for the RE/MAX Australian Long Drive Champion who turned a Par 4 into a par 3 for donations.

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ALPG players, Joanne Mills, Nancy Harvey, Carmen Hajjar, Lee Harrington, and Rachel Hetherington generously gave their time and donated articles for the auction. They also helped with registration, fund raising and playing with local golfers. Nancy Harvey played with the RE/MAX team won the day!

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Jane Crafter who has been a generous supporter from the first charity day arranged for signed golfing memorabilia from  Karrie Webb, Cristie Kerr, Katherine Hull, and Paula Cramer to be auctioned.  

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Other articles for the auction and raffles were provided by Tom Linskey Golf Schools Australia,  Jenny Godfrey owner of Bazaar Framing, Cricket Australia and local merchants.
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rnA total of $6813.10 was raised from donations, raffles and the auction. $3246.55 for National Breast Cancer Foundation and $3566.55 for Fiona Pike&aposs Skin Cancer Campaign . 7 August 2011 has been pencilled in for the next charity golf day at Emerald Lakes.