TURNERS FALLS — On Friday, July 24 at 8 a.m., the Thomas Memorial Golf Club Women’s League will tee off for its second annual Pars for a Purpose Ladies Golf Tournament at 29 Country Club Lane in Turners Falls.
The 18-hole tournament and prize raffle will donate all proceeds to Cancer Connection, which provides free one-to-one guidance, education, peer support, integrative therapies, and creative programs for people with cancer and their loved ones. Cancer Connection is the only independent cancer support center in Hampshire and Franklin counties and draws additional participants from throughout the region. In August, Cancer Connection is opening a second location in Springfield.
The Pars for a Purpose Ladies Golf Tournament raises money through tournament registrations, sponsorships from many individuals and businesses, and a vibrant raffle. Spectators will enjoy a festive event, including more than 18 teams playing the course, a parade of decorated golf carts, food and drink, and a giant prize raffle.
The tournament is sold out for golfers, but the general public is invited to be spectators and to participate in the raffle, which includes more than 100 prizes. Everyone is welcome to come by the club Friday morning to buy raffle tickets. Winning tickets will be drawn near the conclusion of the tournament.
The first Pars for a Purpose in July 2025 raised more than $9,300 for Cancer Connection, and officials are hoping to break $10,000 this year.
“The effort, commitment, and enthusiasm by the members of the Thomas Memorial Women’s League for our tournament is just incredible,” said Jenn Murphy, event director. “Our event benefits the local nonprofit Cancer Connection Inc., and we are so proud to support such an amazing organization.”
At Cancer Connection’s annual Harvest Dinner in October 2025, the organization honored Pars for a Purpose for its support. Chelsea Kline, executive director of Cancer Connection, noted that “we have been absolutely blown away by the amazing women of Thomas Memorial Women’s League. They are raising deeply needed funds to bring our services to more cancer patients — and doing it with a superbly run and truly fun event. We are so grateful and can’t wait to be there on Friday.”
