PinkDrive at Hillary Bowling Club

Arriving at Hillary Bowling Club on Saturday, August 9, one could not miss the dazzling sight that stretched across both greens — a glorious wave of pink. It wasn’t just the colour that caught the eye; it was the atmosphere.

The air buzzed with laughter, chatter and the unmistakable hum of competition. This was Hillary’s annual Women’s Day fundraiser for the PinkDrive campaign, an event that blends sport, spectacle and heartfelt giving.

Bowlers battled for their share of R4 650 in prize money for first, second and third places. The effort to embrace the theme was every bit as impressive as the skill on the greens.

Pink tutus swished in the breeze, bright pink stockings encased legs of every shape and size and, somewhere in the mix, Pink Panthers made an appearance. 

Hillary Club President, Wade Marshall, summed up the day’s spirit simply: “This is our way of giving back.”

Now in its fifth year, the PinkDrive fundraiser has become a fixture on the Hillary BC calendar. “Bowling clubs often rely on community sponsorship,” he explained, “so this is our way to say thank you — and to support a cause that directly benefits our community.”

The PinkDrive NGO offers free early detection services for breast and cervical cancer, and more recently, lung cancer. Their work saves lives, but it relies entirely on fundraising and sponsorships. For Hillary BC, the decision to keep the greens open for this cause each year is an easy one.

Also playing a key role are the Highway Dragons, a motorcycling club whose commitment to the cause runs deep.

They not only attend the event each year, but also pledge to match the funds raised on the day. “We run rallies through the year,” said Dragons’ spokesperson, Andrew Bezuidenhout, “and the funds go to organisations that support cancer patients.”

PinkDrive’s vibrant KZN Marketing and Event Co-ordinator, Janice Benecke, radiated enthusiasm as she spoke about the impact of such support. “We are forever grateful to Hillary Bowling Club and the Highway Dragons,” she said.

“Every rand we raise goes directly towards keeping our mobile clinics running and paying the qualified staff who make our services possible. Without events like this, we couldn’t do what we do.”

After three hotly contested 15-end games, the winners emerged. First place — and R2 250 — went to the Arnold family: Dave, Maria, and their son, Terrance. Second prize went to Cedric McLaughlin and Brian and Ricky Fields — with Ricky immediately donating her share back to PinkDrive.

The day was dotted with prizes, all generously sponsored by Hillary BC members. Braai fires crackled in the background, rounding off the perfect combination of sport and camaraderie.

When the final tally came in, an impressive R16 030 was handed to Janice Benecke. Congratulations to Hillary BC members, the Highway Dragons and Sagie Govender, whose R5 000 sponsorship gave the day a major boost.

For those inspired to help, PinkDrive welcomes all support. Contact Janice at 082 557 3079 or janice@pinkdrive.org - because sometimes, the most powerful battles are fought in pink.