TJ Duffy and Debbie McGeehan
SaddleBrooke once again played host to a varied fundraising event in the fight against skin cancer—the most common form of cancer. The 7th Annual Skin Cancer Research Fundraiser featured an eclectic silent auction, spirited and entertaining UA Women’s and Men’s Tennis Team warm-up drills and games, STC/Wildcat-am tennis and POP dubs, as well as a bevy of delicious eats and beverages. And, yes, giving to this cause is also loads of fun!
The ever-expanding silent auction highlighted a wide variety of enticing products and services, such as a U of A Men’s Basketball basketball (autographed by Tommy Lloyd), hair styling, tennis lessons, golf cart services, various handmade or commercial items, entertainment tickets, racquet stringing, plus numerous gift cards/vouchers/gift certificates for scrumptious eats. Here is a partial list of donors for this year’s event:
UA Skin Cancer Institute, Dylan Miller
The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
UA Biosphere 2
Stylin’ Hair Salon
La Hacienda
Guadalajara’s Mexican Restaurant
DesertView Performing Arts Center
Lupe’s Mexican Restaurant, Oracle Junction
Carol Zupancic
Olive Garden, Oro Valley
Firebirds, La Encantada
Blanco Tacos & Tequila
Bubb’s Grub
Pottery Fiesta
SaddleBrooke Ranch Grill
Sprouts Farmers Market
Happy Vine, Oro Valley Marketplace
Safeway Supermarket, Oro Valley
UA Head Coach Ryan Stotland
UA Women’s Assistant Coaches
Holly Rose
Carrabba’s Italian Restaurant
Chili’s Restaurant
STC Teaching Pros
It’s All Greek to Me
Golf Cars of Arizona
SaddleBrooke One Food & Beverage
UA Head Coach Clancy Shields
UA Men’s Assistant Coaches
Catalina Craft Pizza
North Italia, La Encantada
Uptown Burger on Skyline
Liam Flynn
Saffron Bistro
Rubio’s Coastal Grill
UA Men’s Basketball
The Skin Cancer Institute (SCI) unites the University of Arizona Cancer Center’s many skin cancer research and prevention endeavors, bringing together innovative research, clinical care, education, and community outreach. Dylan Miller, Community Outreach Coordinator for SCI, explained, “Our mission is to prevent and cure skin cancer. In the last several years, there have been some great advances in the treatment of melanoma, which is the more serious form of skin cancer and can be deadly.” He went on to say, “Every dollar raised stays at the Cancer Center and is primarily used to fund seed grants, which often lead to research breakthroughs.”
Over $2,000 was accepted from STC members for joining the Wildcat Tennis Teams on the courts for some thoroughly fun doubles tennis and POP tennis. Midori Castillo-Meza, one of the LadyCats, even joined us on her 21st birthday. How’s that for commitment?!
Lon Federwitz (POP Committee chair) expressed his experience playing with and against the Wildcats: “The kids were a lot of fun. They all picked up POP instantly and enjoyed a different aspect of the game they love. We all sat and chatted for a bit and learned what they are doing and where their plans are going forward. Great kids. The play was super, lots of laughs and banter. Their skill is amazing. Glad I did it.” Steve Nelson added, “I played in the Wildcat Skin Cancer Research fundraiser for the second time and will be playing again next year! The student athletes were gracious and interesting, with varied backgrounds and goals in tennis and beyond. It was great to meet them personally, and playing with and against such strong and talented players is always fun and inspirational.”
The volunteers in our club are well-known for selflessly giving their time and energy! They exhibit an attitude of “working together for a common goal,” which makes these events possible.
The annual fundraising event continues to grow, with a total of nearly $6,000 raised for a cause that will help all of us, as well as generations to come, benefit from the cure and prevention of skin cancer. Remember, we all have skin in this game!
STC continually projects its dedication to the health and enjoyment of all SaddleBrooke residents.