Tonto Verde tops leader board — it isn’t just about golf – it’s about people

A small community with a very generous spirit ranked Number One in Arizona for the 2010 Rally for the Cure. Raising more than $87,000, the golf club community easily out-distanced the runner up in southern Arizona which contributed $29,000. Twenty other country clubs raised more than $5000 and 112 clubs participated.

Surprising – perhaps, but even more remarkable is that little known Tonto Verde achieved second place overall nationally in 2009 and 2010. Ballantyne CC in NC is the only club raising more funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Until recently, Tonto Verde has been a well-kept secret. Nestled in the northeast valley, surrounded by panoramic mountain peaks and desert vistas, residents discovered this golf community has more than spectacular views. It has people who care about each other and value friendships.

Community spirit spurs volunteers from varied backgrounds to come together for this important cause. They each honor those who have or have had breast cancer and the memory of others who lost the fight. Their hard work results in an exciting day of golf, dinner and auctions as they give of themselves and their hearts.

The Tonto Verde Rally for the Cure began in 2000 as a one-hole, Par 3 golf contest with one volunteer, Heloise Plazak, then president of the WGA who raised $250. In 2002, men were included. The event has now expanded to a two course Rally Golf Tournament with hole events and sponsors, hundreds of donors, live and silent auctions. The Rally for the Cure this year will be held, March 4, 2011.

Donors include businesses from Fountain Hills, Scottsdale and the surrounding Northeast Valley as well as area residents, all contributing to the successful fundraising.

The challenge: If just a small community like Tonto Verde can stir the spirit of generosity, will another club be willing to match or exceed fundraising this year?

The Susan G. Komen Foundation provides funding for breast cancer research, education awareness and treatment. One out of 8 women has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.