Golfing for good: Encinitas Ranch women tee up $5,180 for breast cancer support

The Encinitas Ranch Women’s Golf Club recently turned a routine off-week into an inspiring show of community generosity, raising an impressive $5,180 to benefit Shades of Pink Foundation California (SOPFCA), a nonprofit that provides direct financial assistance to local women undergoing breast cancer treatment, according to a news release.

What began as a casual idea—something fun to fill the week after the course’s annual aerification—quickly evolved into a full-scale charitable event. “It all started with a simple question of what we could do the week after aerification when the course was still recovering,” said Wendy Eagle, a member who helped organize the effort, in the news release. “We thought maybe we could add a charity element if it stayed local—and it just took off from there.”

The Encinitas Ranch pro shop and golf staff immediately jumped on board. Head of Golf Operations Brad VanHorn secured donations from TaylorMade Golf, which contributed a driver, and Callaway Golf, which donated boxes of golf balls. The pro shop provided a bucket of range balls for every donation, and Golf Pro Jeff Munak even offered a “drive for a donation” on the course.

Behind the scenes, Chris Foster, first assistant, and Michelle Villarreal, tournament coordinator for Encinitas Ranch Golf Course and an employee of JC Resorts, provided invaluable support to the women’s club in organizing and promoting the event. Their coordination helped ensure a smooth and successful tournament day, connecting all the pieces between the club, the course staff, and the donors.

The men’s golf club also joined in, spreading the word and encouraging contributions for a chance to win the donated driver. The response exceeded all expectations. “People were very generous,” Eagle said in the news release. “When asked to give to a cause that has touched them or someone they know, the support was overwhelming.”

The Encinitas Ranch Women’s Golf Club, which counts 220 members with about 80 active players each Tuesday, is led by President Susan Hoffman. The September event was their first official charity tournament—and a resounding success.

Given the enthusiastic participation and community impact, the group has already committed to making the fundraiser an annual tradition. “Everyone is in for a 2026 event,” Eagle said in the news release. “With more than three weeks of planning next time, we think we can make an even bigger impact.”

The proceeds from the event will go directly to Shades of Pink Foundation California, which provides emergency financial support—through gas, grocery, and household gift cards—to women in San Diego County navigating breast cancer treatment.

“Fundraisers like this one mean everything to the women we serve,” said Vembra Holnagel, founding board member and grant administrator for SOPFCA, in the news release. “It’s a beautiful example of neighbors helping neighbors—and how the generosity of a community can truly lighten the load for those in crisis.”