The scene was festive and the weather matched the spirits as 104 golfers took on the Oasis Palmer course on Sunday, Oct. 28, for the second annual Valley Rally. The rally is a benefit for the Mesquite Cancer HELP Society (MCHS). The annual tournament is organized and sponsored by the Oasis Golf Course and the Oasis Women’s Golf Association.
A nearly equal mix of men and women flooded the course sporting some sort of pink attire ranging from soft pastels to bright, hot pinks that seemed to require either a long extension cord or batteries to make them glow so brilliantly. Pink is the color adopted by the cause to support research for the eradication of breast cancer.
Contestants played in two-person teams in a scramble format for winner prizes and fun situation prizes on each of the 18 holes. After the round the Grille Room at the Oasis Clubhouse provided a barbecue and spot to socialize and enjoy the early fall weather on the patio.
The big winner of the day was the MCHS as early estimates show a donation of over $6,500 from the proceeds. This is an increase from last year. The donations came from entrants’ fees; 36 local businesses and individuals donating hole sponsorships, many in memory of a friend or family member who lost their battle with cancer; locals donating an array of enticing items ranging from basket arrangements full of goodies to a delicious looking apple pie for raffle fodder; and on course donations for such services as a chance to win a golf cart and having a pro drive a team’s golf ball. All of these funds were collected for the society.
The hole-sponsor memorial tributes were a sobering reminder of to what the day was dedicated.
MCHS, a 501C3 tax-exempt organization, is strictly local–all funds stay in the Mesquite community. Yoli Bell, founder of the society explains that there is nothing they will not do, large or small, to assist cancer victims. The society has paid utility bills, helped with medical testing, paid for flights to Houston for treatments, provided transportation, and many more specifics to help reduce the stress sufferers experience.
Oasis Golf Professional Adam Schwartz welcomed the contestants and pledged future support for the tournament hoping for the time when both Oasis courses could be filled with golfers. That would allow for over 100% growth. Next year’s tournament is scheduled for the same weekend, the fourth Sunday in October. Mark your calendar.
For more information go to www.cancerhelpnv.com.