Herndon — The Herndon Centennial Golf Course hosted a clinic to benefit Cindy’s Legacy, a local charity dedicated to supporting families of those diagnosed with cancer, which raised more than $1,000 Friday, Aug. 3.

Cindy’s Legacy was started by Stacy Brooks, daughter of Herndon resident Cindy Martin. Martin was diagnosed with a brain tumor in October 2010 and passed away during treatment on Feb. 23, 2011 at the age of 54. As a hairdresser, Martin could not work and make money during her illness, so friends and family hosted fundraisers to help pay her medical costs.

It was with this in mind that Brooks started Cindy’s Legacy in November 2011, and immediately started donating gift cards, administrative support and more to families struck by illness.

"We have a two-fold mission, to provide what financial support we can for those with cancer and their families, as well as providing support for some of the day-to-day activities that families aren’t in the position to do, they’re focusing on getting their health back."

The golf clinic was their first event, and Brooks said they wanted to start small.

"Originally we were thinking something like a big event or a golf tournament, but we figured this was a good way to network and get some people involved," she said. "It’s fitting that our first event was here in Herndon, where we were founded."

The clinic featured lessons from Herndon course PGA pro Julie Whitehead and other staff members who gave some brief tutorials on driving, putting and chipping, and others headed straight to the course for a few holes of play.

"We hold clinics on a regular basis, and we’re happy to support a local charity," Whitehead said. "We saw a pretty good variety of skill levels out there, some had barely ever picked up a club, others were ready to get out on the course right away."

Brooks said the organization has had success on Facebook, where they can advertise their events, as well as publish testimonials and other information about the people they are helping.

"It’s been great for us, we’re able to link up with people who need support, post information about clients we’re serving and their needs," Brooks said. "And it helps our supporters get a look at who we’re helping on a day to day basis."

Cindy’s Legacy has even been able to help people around the country, recently providing donations of more than $300 to the family of a ten-year-old girl named Paije from Beaumont, Calif. who was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer in her skull.

More information on Cindy’s Legacy can be found at www.facebook.com/cindyslegacy, or at www.cindyslegacy.org.