Tennis players suited up in their brightest pink gear Saturday for the "In the Pink" tournament at tennis facilities across Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The annual event raises thousands of dollars to support breast cancer patients and their recovery at Martha Jefferson Hospital.
Sue Frazier, an "In the Pink" player, said, "All of us playing feel blessed that we can play and have fun out here. And it makes us think of the people that have had difficult times with this, and [we] feel like we're contributing in some way."
All proceeds from the tournament support Marianne's Room, which provides wigs, hats, scarves and post-operation prosthesis free of charge for breast cancer patients at Martha Jefferson Hospital.
"I have a good friend who really utilized their services and may not have been able to … benefit from some of the things, so the free services were awesome," said Frazier.
More than 200 competitors played matches in eight different locations Saturday.
"In the Pink" Chair Brenda Myers said, "It was really fun driving in and seeing the pink ribbons and just the festive atmosphere everywhere."
At Farmington County Club, awards were given not only to the winning team but also to the players wearing the most pink. Players wore pink shirts, hats and even shoelaces to show their support for breast cancer patients.
Frazier said, "There are so many of us that are touched by breast cancer and being able to support something where the funds go directly there, just makes for a great community."
This year's "In the Pink" tournament raised more than $32,000 for Marianne's Room.
