To those who befriended LINKS Charity co-founder Mary Hough Rendall Blair, who passed away this year on April 26, she leaves behind a legacy of endearing friendships, golf buddies and supportive alliances, alongside a benevolent trail of giving in her quiet ambition to heal those who suffered with breast cancer.

“She was an amazing woman,” said Elaine Short, who was friends with Mary before her husband, Allen, was invited to be executive director for LINKS Charity when it was founded in 1991. “She was an unforgettable woman who lived an unforgettable life. The extraordinary narrative of LINKS began as an idea formulated from two close friends, Mary and Sondra Anderson, who aspired to host an event that would raise money for a local cause. At the onset, neither quite knew what they were going to do or what kind of event they would host.

“Ultimately, they agreed to establish a golf tournament since both women were avid golfers. It wasn’t long after their initial spirit took hold that they picked up a copy of USA Today and read an article about Heather Farr, professional golfer on the LPGA Tour, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the tender age of twenty-four.”

Elaine went on to describe that it was during this same period that WCA Hospital opened its doors to the new Cancer Treatment Center at Jones Memorial Health Center.

Pictured in June 2009, from left, are Mary Blair, co-founder, LINKS Charity; Bradley Van Riper, executive director, LINKS Charity. Holding the tee flag is Allen Short, executive director, LINKS Charity.

“Suddenly it clicked,” Elaine said. “Mary and Sondra would link their love for golfing with their desire to help those diagnosed with cancer. Initially, Mary and Sandy did not jump at the idea of LPGA player involvement, but after a conversation with Lee Robbins, director of the LPGA Corning Classic at that time, they decided to join forces with the LPGA Tour to form what is recognized today as LINKS Charity featuring LPGA players to benefit local cancer care at UPMC Chautauqua. It all came together and the rest is history.”

Now in its 30th and final year, LINKS Charity has once again taken a leadership role in the local fight against breast cancer. Through its generous givers and supporters, the tournament has raised $1.6 million in proceeds to purchase the latest cancer fighting technology available locally. The proceeds from the final three years of the tournament will be used to perpetuate the life-saving work done over the past three decades according to the 2021 committee members.

A prolific and extremely kind-hearted woman, Mary made friends throughout her lifetime wherever she ventured. “When I arrived at WCA Hospital in 1989, Mary was very welcoming,” said Betsy T. Wright, past president, UPMC Chautauqua. “She was great about making introductions and encouraged me to be active in my community. Mary was thrilled when my husband, Tad, and I purchased our home, indicating that we were committing to the community, and informed me that it was the same home where she had raised her family.”

Wright noted that there are so many stories to be told of Mary’s kindness and generosity. “She was an active board member of WCA Hospital, WCA Foundation, W.C.A. Services, Inc., and chaired WCA Group for many years,” Wright said. “We are truly grateful for Mary’s passion for our community, our community hospital, and the very successful LINKS Charity. Mary would be thrilled to be present at the 30th LINKS Charity event and see all of the success of her vision so many years ago.”

As the 2021 committee members fulfill the deep-rooted legacy of LINKS Charity, others remark on Mary’s persistent compassion to care.

From left, Mary Blair, co-founder, LINKS Charity; Sondra Anderson, co-founder, LINKS Charity. August 8, 1994.

Becky Van Riper, LINKS Charity committee member, who honors her late husband, Bradley Van Riper, who held the reins as executive director of LINKS Charity for many years before he was stricken with cancer, reflects on Mary’s legacy expressing, “When I think of Mary, she was the epitome of a gracious lady who exhibited a very kind and encouraging demeanor. She was a pleasure to know and to work with on the tournament committees. Her enthusiasm to raise funds for cancer care in our community was all-inspiring, and the LINKS tradition will undoubtedly continue to have a positive impact on this community far into the future. As we arrive at the final tournament activity for this legendary fundraising event, I will really miss seeing Mary. I realize that she will be missed by so many people who experienced the enjoyment of being her friend and supporter.”

Brian Kupchella, Truck-Lite Company, Inc., major lead sponsor member for LINKS Charity recalls, “Some of my fondest memories of Mary were her, Allen, and Brad. She was so full of excitement for the LINKS event, especially on game day! She often carried a smile and her support as we worked to expand the event to a second day and the evening silent auction and dinner. She was always close by with her ideas for success. She was a radiant positive spirit and key part of our team.”

So, as we celebrate the final curtain call of a 30-year legacy of healing those diagnosed with cancer and thank those who supported LINKS Charity over its rich and exemplified history, it is only fitting that we pause for a moment to pay tribute to Mary Blair who many termed, the quiet giver.

Proceeds from its final event are being donated to the WCA Foundation to embellish the annual grants to fight cancer locally through the LINKS Charity Cancer Care Fund in Tribute to Sondra Anderson, Mary Blair, and Allen Short.

To give or support LINKS Charity, contact Megan Barone, director of development at UPMC Chautauqua, at 664-8423 or Baronema3@upmc.edu.

Pictured in August 1993, from left, are Allen Short, executive director; Sondra Anderson, co-founder, LINKS Charity; Mary Blair, co-founder LINKS Charity.