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By Sharon Aron Baron
February is the month of the year when the country spotlights heart disease, which causes one in three women’s deaths per year.
With cardiovascular disease being the number one killer of moms, including her own, Jill Fox chose to host a Mah Jongg Tournament to raise awareness for heart health and benefit the American Heart Association. Last year’s inaugural event raised over $2500.
Since 2019, the Parkland mom and business owner has been holding local Mah Jongg nights, in addition to cruises, land trips, and beginners’ events filled with friends, food, and fun.
“What I love most about our Mah Jongg events is how we include a philanthropic component in each one. In October, we contributed to Sharsheret for breast cancer awareness, and last month, we hosted an “evening of play” with Chai Lifeline, but this one is closest to my heart – no pun intended.”
Fox said her mother taught her and her children how to play the Chinese tile game, and she credits it with getting her through the grief of losing her parents, as well as the pandemic.
At a Mah Jongg Tournament, players can win much more than in a typical game. Normally, the victor garners a mere 25 or 50 cents per hand, but in tournament play, it’s point value that determines the winner. Last year, she awarded over $1,000 in prize money.
To do something in her mother’s memory, Fox created the Mah Jongg tournament – something her mom would have loved. “We have built this amazing community of women,” said Fox. “If the awareness from our tournament can help even one of them, I’m grateful.”
According to the organization, the American Heart Association’s Mom Life campaign is for women of “every age, every stage, and every season of life.”
“The simple truth is that most cardiovascular diseases can still be prevented with education and healthy lifestyle changes,” said Marisol Garcia, Executive Director of the American Heart Association, Greater Miami/Fort Lauderdale area.
A natural fit with her “Moms Play Mah Jongg” crowd, Fox plans to host the annual event every February during Go Red For Women.
“As a mom myself, I know how busy you can get,” said Garcia. “We have a ton on our plate, between taking care of kids, work, housework, and making sure our families are healthy. But it’s extremely important to put yourself in first place. We can’t help our families if we aren’t okay ourselves.”
Moms Play Mah Jongg’s Inaugural Tournament in Honor of D (Fox’s mom) is $72 and takes place on Sunday, February 19, at the MiraLago Clubhouse. Registration is available at crakyourbags.com. The all-day event includes lunch, raffles, a chance to win cash prizes, hearing from the American Heart Association, and, of course, playing Mah Jongg.
Can’t make the tournament? You can still donate here.
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