The tournament honors the memory of Elizabeth Norman Sutton, wife of Richard D. Sutton, one of the Royal Resorts developers. A Cancún resident for 20 years, Mrs. Sutton was a keen golfer and a philanthropist always looking for ways to improve the lives of the most vulnerable members of society. The tournament continues her work by raising money to support worthy local causes. Since 1998, over $300,000 US has been donated to institutions and charities in the Cancún area, including children’s homes, special schools and refuges for the victims of domestic violence.
In 2009, $40,000 US will be available for distribution by the tournament winners. In recent years, the Cancún General Hospital and Grupo Desafio de Quintana Roo A.C. Cancer Awareness program have been the tournament beneficiaries. The hospital has been able to purchase much-needed equipment for the pediatric, trauma and physiotherapy departments and Grupo Desafio has provided more than 4,100 free mammograms, 150 ultrasounds and aid for women unable to pay for cancer studies. Together we have helped thousands of people and saved many lives.
The tournament is now the second most important amateur ladies golf event in Mexico and attracts players from all over the country, the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and further afield. Players compete for a variety of prizes collectively worth almost $100,000 US and enjoy themselves on and off the golf course. Above all, they are helping to improve life for Cancún’s poorest inhabitants.