On Tuesday, July 10, more than 3,000 golfers and tennis players at more than 20 clubs across Long Island participated in the American Cancer Society's 28th annual Babe Zaharias Memorial Tournaments.

Many of the more than 70 participating clubs chose July 10 as their tournament day, one of which was Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success. This year's event at the Fresh Meadow Country Club raised $50,000 for American Cancer Society programs for breast and prostate cancers.

The 100 ladies who participated in this year's event endured a day on the greens in the hot July sun. The golfers dressed in pink as a symbol of solidarity to support breast cancer awareness. After the day of golf, the ladies dined on a lavish lunch buffet complete with fresh chopped salads, salmon and grilled vegetables.

Dr. Karen Kostroff, North Shore LIJ Health Systems Chief of Breast Surgery spoke to the group, dispelling some myths about breast cancer and enlightening the ladies to the new technological and medical advances in the fight against it. Raffles were distributed and awards for winning foursomes were given out. Qualifying golfers from each local tournament get the opportunity to compete at the Big Babe on Monday, Sept. 10 at the Glen Head Country Club.

The American Cancer Society hosts the Babe events to raise money for and increase awareness about breast and prostate cancers. The money stays on Long Island to support American Cancer Society programs and services. Each year for the past two years, these tournaments have raised more than $1 million.

The tournaments are named for "Babe" Didrickson Zaharias who was one of the greatest athletes of her time and who unfortunately succumbed to cancer at the age of 42.

For more information on how to participate in the American Cancer Society's Babe Zaharias Memorial Tournament, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit our website at www.cancer.org.