COMMUNITY

PHOENIX – Beatriz Recari played her way into contention highly motivated to win for her designated charity.

After shooting a 4-under-par 68 Friday at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup, Recari said she’s playing for The Alliance of Eating Disorders Awareness because she suffered from an eating disorder growing up.

“I don’t want to make a drama out of it,” Recari said. “I lost a little weight. I don’t want to make it sound like I was anorexic. I lost a little weight for me and I was struggling with that.

“It started for me, when you’re growing up, everything you see out there is whether it’s going to make you fat or not. You have to stay thin because that is associated with being successful. You hear it constantly, not only in magazines, but just out there on the street . . .

“I’m very healthy now. I love my body. I love eating. It’s just an experience I had, and that made me grow as a person. I hope my experience can help other people who are struggling.”