Val Skinner Foundation Set to Reach $10 Million Raised at 16th Annual LIFE Event

(BAY HEAD, N.J.) - Former LPGA professional Val Skinner is set to eclipse $10 million dollars raised for breast cancer awareness and research at her foundation’s 16th annual LIFE Event (LPGA Pros in the Fight to Eradicate breast cancer). The signature fundraiser of the Val Skinner Foundation, the 2015 LIFE Event is set for Monday, June 1 at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, N.J.

Over the past 15 years, the Val Skinner Foundation has been one of the largest single-day breast cancer fundraisers in the country. The Val Skinner Foundation partners with the LPGA Tour’s top players to raise money for scientific research, early detection programs and clinical support for those affected by the disease. Skinner again expects to generate $500,000 at this year’s event.

Joining Skinner this year will be some of the biggest names in women’s golf including World Golf Hall of Fame Member Nancy Lopez and Dame Laura Davies, an honorary member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews who will also be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame later this year.

The full participant list features established major winners and rising stars including:
* Marina Alex
* Laura Davies
* Kathleen Ekey
* Sandra Gal
* Tiffany Joh
* Christina Kim
* Brittany Lang
* Brittany Lincicome
* Nancy Lopez
* Azahara Munoz
* Anna Nordqvist
* Ryan O’Toole
* Brooke Pancake
* Jane Park
* Gerina Piller
* Demi Runas
* Jodi Shadoff
* Sarah Jane Smith
* Alison Walsh
* Cheyenne Woods

“The LIFE Event is about more than golf. It is a tremendous experience for those passionate about the fight against breast cancer,” Skinner said. “Our 16th event will be as fun--and emotional--as our first. We are as strong as ever in our commitment to this cause, and we believe our path forward with both our existing programs and new research and educational initiatives is an exciting one.”

Funds raised through the LIFE Event have benefited a number of organizations including the LIFE Center at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Young Survival Coalition. Skinner plans to announce a groundbreaking new national education initiative for high school students this year.

The LIFE Event also honors those whose lives have been affected by the disease. The 2015 LIFE Heroes are mother and daughter Ariana and Maria Saenz from Houston, Texas and father and daughter Jamie Pleva Nickerson and Ted Pleva from New York.

Skinner played on the LPGA Tour for 21 years, won six times and spent seven years ranked in the top 15 in the world. She is a member of three golf Halls of Fame and has received numerous awards for her philanthropy and advocacy for breast cancer research. In addition to overseeing her Foundation’s work, Skinner has competed on the Legends Tour and worked for more than 12 years with the Golf Channel.

More information on the Val Skinner Foundation, LIFE Event and programs funded by the event can be found at www.valskinnerfoundation.org.