In only its fourth year, the 2011 Golf Fore Red tournament, held at The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge, raised twice as much money as it did the previous year, as over $17,000 was raised for the local affiliate of the American Heart Association and the Hope Heart Institute.

Co-founder and tournament director Mary Robinson credited her all-volunteer committee and the generosity of sponsors and donors as major factors in the event’s success. “We surpassed expectations on our trio of goals – to raise money, to promote awareness of heart disease as the No. 1 killer of women and how women can lead more heart-healthy lifestyles, and to cultivate friendships around a common cause,” she said.

A total of 144 women golfers began the day and more than 70 companies and individuals supported this year’s Golf Fore Red tournament by donating prizes and sponsorships.

Golf Fore Red was founded in 2007 by Robinson and her lifelong friend, Shelley French, as a tribute to their mothers, who both died of heart disease.