TO THE EDITOR:

The Eta Omicron Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi, of Washington held a Caclutta-steak dinner and "Playing FORE the Cure" golf tournament on Saturday and Sunday, October 20-21, in memory of a beloved sister, Nancy Callaway Long, who died August 27, 2002, at the age of 42 after a courageous battle with cancer.

The chapter's main focus is to help provide support to cancer patients and their families along with other love offering projects throughout the year to those in need within Wilkes County. The golf tournament is a small tribute in memory of a genuine lady that was very caring and giving of herself to our community. We hope others that are battling cancer will benefit from this fund-raiser and all the generous contributions, which totaled just over $12,000.

All of the money raised will remain in Wilkes County, except for a contribution in memory of Nancy Callaway Long that is specificallyfor breast cancer research through the American Cancer Society. The money that stays in Wilkes County will help support local cancer needs through the purchase of much needed medical equipment and programs at Wills Memorial Hospital. Proceeds will also help support the Cancer Relief Fund organized by cancer survivor, Bunny Boyd Gunby, used for transportation needs of cancer patients or medication needs that are not covered through insurance or any other available funds.

Beta Sigma Phi deeply thanks individuals of the community for their generous support and donations during this event. Washington- Wilkes is so special and so giving, whether volunteering personal time and effort or giving monetary and/ or material donations.

We give our heartfelt thanks to businesses and individuals that sponsored each hole for the tournament: Farmers and Merchants Bank, Big Chick, Charles LeGette - Attorney at Law, Bumper to Bumper, Brown and Brown Forestry Consulting, Rhodes Timber Company, Southern Pine, Mike Thornton Trucking/ Fernacres Farms, Dr. Bruce Holes, Andrews Quick Lube, W-WPS, WWES, W-WMS, W-WCHS, Rayle EMC, Bob and Kathy Dinnewith, Brian and Lavenia Henderson, John Horton - Washington Events Management, Joe and Debbie Bennett, Sisson and Associates, Georgia Respiratory, Lincoln Co. Vet Services, Canal Wood Products Fareway Building, Beta Sigma Phi - Xi Delta Tau Chapter, Main Street Paint, Barnett Southern Corp., O.A. and Jerry Denard, Jeff Maloof Roofing,and Arbonne Consultants.

We are also grateful to Bee Southern, Washington Jockey Club, Petal Pushers, Tena's Jewelry and Gifts, Scarborough's, Burdette Mill, Napa Auto Parts, Fancy Plants, Fitzpatrick Hotel, Wal-Mart, Poss Ace Hardware, Kettle Creek Arms for their fabulous door prizes for the Calcutta-Steak Dinner event.

We could not have spread the word without publicity. Thanks goes to Fievet Pharmacy for the poster ads and tickets, Laurel Manross for designing the tournament logo, Hendricks for the pink ribbon and Raleigh and Terry Long of Get Personal for their help and guidance with t-shirt sales.

A huge thank you to Bones Bar and Grill, Brian Henderson, Bi-Lo, W-WCHS FBLA members, Ryan's, Coca-Cola and Robbie Eubank and Chris Beck for their generous help in making the Steak Dinner such a success.

The Calcutta and Golf Tournament was a great success due to the expert knowledge of Jim Baston, Todd Blackmon, Jack Harvey, and Rob Jackson.

Last, but certainly not least, many thanks to all the golfers and individuals who participated in the Calcutta and Golf Tournament as well as those that enjoyed the fun, fellowship, and scrumptious steak dinner. Beta Sigma Phi members wish to give a big congratulations to the winning team of Jim Baston, Tim Crook, Rob Jackson, and Dr. Lester Johnston.

Even though October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the chapter is still urging the community to continue making contributions to this worthy cause that touches the lives of so many regardless of health, social, or financial status. Contributions can be made to Beta Sigma Phi through the chapter treasurer, June Baston. Please make checks payable to Beta Sigma Phi.

LEE HARVEY DURHAM

(Editor's note: Without a doubt, especially at this time of year, it is appropriate to be thankful and to express that thankfulness to all those who willingly and generously give of their own resources to further the good causes of others. We, at The News-Reporter, add our appreciation to those listed here, and others, who helped in this event. It is in that spirit that the usual 500-word limit on letters is suspended this occasion.)