2 BigHearts Foundation Raises Over $25,000
At Its First Annual Golf Tournament in IN.
LONG BEACH,
IN (Sept. 26, 2004) —On a crystal clear Sunday afternoon, over 120 golfers, supports and well-wishers converged on the Long Beach Country Club here Sept. 26, 2004 to attend the First Annual 2 BigHearts Foundation Golf Tournament. The event was a resounding success, raising over $25,000 for education and research into heart disease affecting women, the number-one killer of women.
The 2 BigHearts Foundation was established in the summer of 2004 to increase awareness of the issue of heart disease in women, and to raise funds for worthy not-for-profit organizations dedicated to education and treatment of women’s heart health. The Foundation was created by Jim Clarke, whose wife Gigi Clarke and Gigi’s sister, Sally Czechanski, died on the same day, June 25, 2004, following heart attacks. Both women suffered from previously undiagnosed cardiomyopathy, or enlargement of the heart muscle. Gigi was 44 years old; Sally was 49 years old.”
“This is a tremendous turnout, and I am grateful to each and every participant for giving of themselves and attending this important event,” Mr. Clarke told the group at dinner following the golf outing. “The money we’ve raised here today will be put to very good use — educating women about the dangers of undiagnosed heart disease.”
“A platinum pendant encrusted with 132 diamonds and designed specifically for the 2 BigHearts Foundation by noted private jewelry designer Vic Joyner, was auctioned at the event, raising $5,500 for the Foundation. A variety of other items, including a luxury vacation getaway at a private Harbor Country home, were also auctioned, raising thousands to help the Foundation in its mission of education. ”
“The 2 BigHearts Foundation was established to honor the lives and legacies of my wife and my sister-in-law,” Jim Clarke continues; “to remember how they lived, and to honor their spirit of giving, sharing, and touching other people’s lives. They were the most giving and benevolent people I will ever know, and I want to continue that legacy of pure altruism through the work of this Foundation.”
“The mission of the 2 BigHearts Foundation also has a strong educational and informational component, according to Jim. Gigi and Sally suffered their heart attacks as a direct result of cardiomyopathy, a silent killer that is completely avoidable with diagnosis and treatment. Neither Gigi or Sally experienced any prior symptoms, nor were they ever diagnosed with any heart problems..”
“With the 2 BigHearts Foundation, my mission is to educate others regarding the dangers of undiagnosed heart disease, and to support those organizations dedicated to research and education,” Jim says. “What happened to Gigi and to Sally should not ever happen to anyone. Life is precious, and if some level of understanding, hope and inspiration comes from this Foundation, it will be worth every second. And worthy of the memories of Gigi and Sally.”
“For more information on the First Annual 2 BigHearts Foundation Golf Tournament and the 2 BigHearts Foundation, visit www.2 BigHearts.com.
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