On July 25, supporters of the Ovarian Cancer Community Outreach Organization teed off at the 5th annual “Tee Up for Ovarian Cancer” charity golf event, hosted at Thornberry Creek Golf Course in Oneida, Wisconsin. The nonprofit, 100-percent-volunteer organization was founded in 2009 by the late Connie Rutledge, sister of FMH president Ron Rutledge, while she was fighting her own personal battle with ovarian cancer. In addition to golf, the event also featured dinner, raffles, and a silent auction, with all proceeds going to benefit regional cancer research institutes. 

During the course of Connie Rutledge’s treatment for ovarian cancer, she discovered three important things that shaped the mission of her organization: many women weren’t aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, they couldn’t cope with the financial burden of treatment and, finally, she truly believed that finding a cure was possible. These three tenets — awareness, support, and hope — formed the foundation of Connie’s organization. She passed away in September 2010, but the group continues on in her memory. FMH has already donated $10,000 to the Ovarian Cancer Community Outreach Organization in 2014 alone, and over $42,000 since the organization’s inception.  

Last year, the organization was nominated for the 2013 Ethics in Business Award for the nonprofit category, an award that recognizes groups and individuals that are positive models and generous developers of ethical capital in the community.

“It is truly an honor and a pleasure to support the continuing efforts of the Ovarian Cancer Community Outreach that was founded by my sister,” said Ron Rutledge. “Connie was a champion at making a difference in people’s lives and her legacy is a tribute to her unending quest to help people.”