Spirits soared in high expectations as more than 200 guests attended the kickoff for the 33rd annual American Cancer Society's Babe Zaharias Memorial Tournaments season at Glen Oaks Club. These volunteer-driven events have raised more than $1 million each year for the past six years; and volunteers are hoping to keep up the tradition.

Excitement filled the air as the crowd learned that last year's events raised $1,255,342.29. "We are on our way to another successful season of hope and support in the fight against breast and prostate cancer," stated Beth Sachs, director of Special Events for the American Cancer Society. "I congratulate our dedicated Long Islanders for their outstanding achievements of 2004 and look forward to another outstanding season of triumph."

The group was privileged to hear from several speakers, including two unexpectedly youthful breast cancer survivors who candidly shared their personal stories with an audience that was riveted and inspired by their words. Cheryl Fiandaca, investigative reporter for WCBS-TV/Channel 2, discussed her reluctance to reveal her diagnosis to those around her. She went on to explain that ultimately it was her family and her work that got her through each day.

This year's kick-off was sponsored by many individual donors and corporate sponsors, including Bethpage Federal Credit Union and North Fork Bank. In addition, FedEx, Brett Matthews Studios, Long Island Radio Group, JBR Therapeutic, Atlas Floral Decorators and Enchanted Parties were noted for their philanthropic support. An award of distinction was presented to Angela Anton, publisher of Anton Community Newspapers, recognizing the paper's outstanding coverage of the Babe Zaharias Tournament events over the years.

Members of the Glen Oaks Club accepted the "Top Achieving Club of 2004" trophy for raising nearly $100,000. Due to the outstanding leadership of chairlady Fern Kwiat, Glen Oaks set a new record for funds raised at an individual club. Other top fundraising clubs included Fresh Meadow Country Club, Hamlet Golf and Country Club, Old Westbury Golf and Country Club and The Muttontown Club.

Special achievement awards were presented to Shelley Harris and Lenore Lewis of Glen Head Country Club for chairing an outstanding men's Babe Zaharias Tournament. Diane Keller, outstanding leader at North Hills, accepted the award for most improved clubs performance.

Linda Ferrante received this year's "Sandy Award." In presenting this award, Sandy's daughter, Linda Zuckerman Gruen, spoke emotionally about her mother, founder of these tournaments and the person for whom this special award of excellence is named. She praised Ferrante's leadership and passion in the fight to conquer breast cancer. Ferrante chairs "Fact (East)," which stands for "Find A Cure Today," and her event brought out more than 500 attendees.

The American Cancer Society's Babe Zaharias Memorial Golf & Tennis Tournaments, named in memory of Babe Didrikson Zaharias, outstanding female athlete of the 20th century, have become a legacy of support and encouragement in the fight against breast and prostate cancer. Proceeds benefit the vital American Cancer Society breast and prostate cancer programs of research, education, advocacy and patient and family services. This year the tournaments and events will occur throughout Long Island at more than 60 private and public golf and tennis clubs and currently include golf, tennis, card games and Ladies Night Out events.

To join your fellow Long Islanders in support of the Babe Zaharias Memorial Golf & Tennis Tournaments or for general cancer information, contact the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.