craigdailypress.com

At about 9 a.m. Wednesday, the casual observer will see one noticeable change at the Yampa Valley Golf Course: pink.

Lots of it.

"All you will see is pink," said Susan Utzinger, Yampa Valley Ladies Golf Association member.

She expects more than 40 women to pack up their clubs Wednesday morning to participate in the ninth annual Rally for the Cure, an event benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Moffat County Cancer Society.

All of them wearing pink, of course.

Last year, the event raised a little more than $2,000, said Utzinger, one of the event's coordinators.

This year, she said, she hopes the rally collects about the same amount.

Event proceeds are split between the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Moffat County Cancer Society. The majority of the rally's funds stay local, Utzinger said, with most of the proceeds benefiting the Cancer Society.

The rally is played in scramble format, and participants play in teams of four.

Entry for the rally costs $40 and includes lunch, prizes, gifts and a subscription to the magazine "Golf for Women." Prizes range from T-shirts and travel bags to cameras and wine.

"We have gifts for everyone," Utzinger said.

The entry fee does not include green fees or cart expenses.

On Monday morning, about 45 golfers were signed up for the event, she said, adding that she expected a few more to register later in the day.

She said she considers the turnout "incredible."

Nevertheless, Utzinger said, the crux of the event can't be calculated by a headcount or a dollar amount.

"It's more than raising money," she said. "It's really more of a day of sharing and caring."

Breast cancer in some way has affected many of the women who have played in past rallies, she said, including those who have survived the disease or another type of cancer.

To sign up for the rally or to donate to the event, call Susan Utzinger at 824-9656.

Bridget Manley can be reached at 875-1795 or bmanley@craigdailypress.com