October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Terranea Resort (Resort) has joined with Providence Little Company of Mary, City of Hope and other sponsors to host their annual Birdies for Breast Cancer event at The Links at Terranea. Full Moon Yoga, and a special edition of Dueling Pianos in the Lobby Lounge are also among their featured fundraising events to support the Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSCSB).

The CSCSB is a non-profit organization offering a variety of no-cost mental health services to cancer patients, survivors, and their families members and close friends. Support services include individual and group counseling, nutrition classes, and other individual and family activities.

Ralph Grippo, Terranea Resort President, explains, “What better way to raise awareness for a wonderful cause than at our stunning oceanfront golf course, The Links. We are proud to support breast cancer awareness throughout the month of October, and invite our local community to join us for a variety of special dining menu and experiences along our treasured coastline.”

The Resort kicked off their month-long activities as they joined their major sponsors, Providence Little Company of Mary and City of Hope, on the 1st Sunday of October as hosts of the 9th edition of Birdies for Breast Cancer at The Links at Terranea golf course.

Prior to teeing off, golfers had the opportunity to sample beverages including Tanteo Tequila, Tito’s Vodka, and Evian bottled water. Also on hand was The Movement Schopp, a physical therapy studio that addresses nagging pains and injuries that interfere with participating in sports activities such as golf.

Rounding out the offerings were street tacos prepared by the Resort’s own mobile Terranea Taco Truck. Before setting out on the course, participants had the opportunity to bid on a number of silent auction items including Resort stays, golf equipment, and food/beverage items.

In addition to the course’s scenic oceanfront views, course activities included closest to the pin contests on selected holes and beverages samples provided by Cutwater Spirits and Santa Monica Brew Works.

The Resort’s Director of Golf Operations, Mike Hill, shares, “This is the 9th edition of Birdies for Breast Cancer. The Resort donates 100% of the proceeds from the event to the CSCSB, and since its inception, we’ve been able to donate over $115,000 to CSCSB. Last year’s event, raised over $15,000 and this year’s event appears to be just as promising.”

Hill states that the idea for the event came from one of our golf employees and we developed the idea into an event. Hill remembers, “The event started as a “shot gun” start with one tee time and positioning a single foursome of golfers on each of the course’s nine holes. Through the support of our community of golfers and members, our participants list has steadily grown, and we’ve extended our starting times to a list of tee times ranging from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.”

Hill explains, “We spend over six months planning the event. Over the years, we have been able to expand our sponsorship list to include Providence Little Company of Mary and City of Hope, which has taken our event to the next level. This year Francesca and Douglas Deaver have added their support to the Birdies for Breast Cancer event as major sponsors. These sponsorships continue to allow us to take the event up another step. And when this event concludes, we will be thinking of ways to grow next year’s event.”

For those who may not golf, Caitlyn Piercy, Public Relations and Communications Manager, points out that the Resort has planned featured events and month long special menu options at our restaurants to support the CSCSB.

For yoga enthusiasts, on October 28th, the Resort is hosting Full Moon Yoga beginning at 6:00 p.m. With the sunset scheduled to set at approximately 6:00 p.m., participants will be able to enjoy the last few moments before sunset as the sun’s rays dance across the water and the rise of the full moon from the Ocean Lawn at the Resort. Each participant’s $20 donation will go directly to the CSCSB.

Also, on October 28th beginning at 7:00 p.m., the Resort is hosting a special edition of Dueling Pianos in their Lobby Lounge. The Lounge will have a variety of signature cocktails and gourmet creations. The CSCSB and Play for P.I.N.K. will be conducting a silent auction.

Rounding out the month of fundraising, the Resort will donate $1.00 from the sale of any item on their specially selected Terranea Turns Pink menus featured at each of the Resort’s restaurants. Also, Tanteo Tequila will match any donation from the sale Tanteo Margaritas. The Resort will also donate $1.00 from each Spa treatment. These activities will take place throughout October.

More About the Cancer Support Community South Bay

The CSCSB is part of a network of Cancer Support Centers throughout Los Angeles County, but focuses on serving South Bay residents suffering with a diagnosis of cancer and their impacted family members and friends with no-cost counseling and other support services. Just as importantly, they provide a variety of programs and activities designed to support the hearts and minds of individuals plagued by their diagnosis and their family members. As a result, participating in the support groups and other programs and activities, individuals and families come to realize they are not alone as they endure the many trials they face daily and they often develop deep connections with others experiencing living with cancer.

Norma Gonzalez, Outreach and Kids Community Manager, stresses, “The CSCSB services are provided at no cost to any participant. And though many of their participants are referred by local hospitals, individuals can directly contact the CSCSB to begin services. Many of the individual and group counseling and support services are delivered via Zoom, but some counseling and groups services are delivered in hybrid format, which provides in-person and online sessions.”

Gonzalez reveals after a few sessions, many of the clients no longer feel that they are alone as they progress through this difficult journey. Additionally, they find that their conversations with other clients are a learning experience and find their shared knowledge extremely useful and comforting as they work with their physicians and plan their treatment protocols.

Lastly, Gonzalez states, “There is no timeline when it comes to taking advantage of CSCSB services. Patients and families can continue to participate in the counseling, support groups, and other activities as long as they feel is necessary. In some cases, individuals do not contact us until years after living with a diagnosis or after the passing of a loved one. It is important for them to know that we are here, whenever you need us.”

The CSCSB is a non-profit organization and depends on their fundraising activities and donations in order to continue serving those in need.

If you wish to learn more about the CSCSB visit: www.CSCSouthBay.org.

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Steve Tabor

This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve began his photography career photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. His experiences have led him to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics in his portfolio. As a contributor and photojournalist, he has published stories about the people, places and events in and around the Palos Verdes Peninsula and beyond.

Interested in seeing more of Steve’s work, visit website at: www.stevetaborimages.com