Sugar Mill’s 'Swings for Donna' raises $55K for breast cancer support group

NEW SMYRNA BEACH – The Sugar Mill Country Club raised more the $55,000 at its recent Swings for Donna golf tournament. The event, which benefited The Donna Foundation, founded by Donna Deegan in 2003 dedicated to ending breast cancer, drew support for across the breadth of the club – from golfers to canasta players.

The “Pink out” day at Sugar Mill included not only lady golfers and putters, but the men as well. Also playing in the tournament were members of the club’s tennis and pickleball teams, and even the mahjong and canasta players of the club. A number of outside teams also paid to play golf and joined the evening cocktail party.

Halifax Health got on board as the event’s title sponsor, which meant for the first time ever, money raised would be in direct support for families in New Smyrna Beach and the surrounding region.

Dozens of local businesses, too many to list, also provided financial support for the tournament with contributing sponsorships at levels from $1,000 to $150.

About 42 local businesses donated to the Giving Tree valued at $4,200 and club members helped fund a $1,000 wheel barrel of Cheer. Funds continued to be raised from club members in the weeks before and during the tournament and evening event. Club members gifted money for 160 memorials to honor loved ones in their own lives touched by cancer. A new holly tree is being planted at the club as part of these memorials.

A cocktail reception topped off the event, highlighted by comments from the founder. Deegan spoke on the latest program successes, as well as the research and trials now beginning at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.

“The efforts of Sugar Mill Country Club and the community have truly touched my heart,” Deegan told the crowd. “The opportunity to work with such a dedicated group means that we are able to increase our support to those who need us most. These grassroots type efforts are the heartbeat of The Donna Foundation. Without them we simply could not do what we do.”

Each year, The Donna Foundation participates in a variety of community outreach and educational programs, and hosts several fundraising events to support its mission. Deegan, herself a three-time breast cancer survivor, early on recognized the overwhelming need for assistance for those living with breast cancer and who had trouble making ends meet. As a result, she established this foundation.