TO THE EDITOR:

The Eta Omicron Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi, of Washington second annual "Playing FORE the Cure" golf tournament and steak dinner was held 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 fundraiser and all the generous contributions, which totaled just over $10,000.

All of the money raised will remain in Wilkes County, except for a contribution in memory of Nancy Callaway Long that is specifically for 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, Lincoln County Vet Services-Dr. Greg McLeod, Rhodes Timber Co., Maloof Roofing, WW Primary School, WW Elementary School, WW Middle School, WW High School, Rayle EMC, Barnett Southern Corp., Bumper to Bumper, Main Street Paint, Bruce Holes DMD, Andrews Quick Lube, Fareway Building, Washington Towne Car/Gallery LaPlace, Charles Legette, Atty., Sisson & Associates, Inc., Georgia Respiratory, Joe and Debbie Bennett, Bob and Kathy Dinneweth, Southern Pine, Big Chick, Brown and Brown Forestry Consultants, Beta Sigma Phi "Xi Delta Tau", Arbonne Consultants, Brian and Lavenia Henderson, O.A. and Jerry Denard, J & E Development, Napa Auto Parts, Standard Equipment, Southeast Land Surveying-Jack Newsome, George & Cherry Andrews, Wilkes Eye Center ( Z & B Optical, Inc.), Bobbie Ann Griffin, J.M. Burgess, Wood Specialty-K.W. McAvoy, Fievet Pharmacy, CSRA Private Duty, Double D Maintenance, Tammy Bryngelson, 1st Franklin Financial, Wilkes Telephone, Pliant, and The News-Reporter.

We are also grateful to Tena's, Bee Southern, Radio Shack of Lincolnton, Fitzpatrick, Creating Waves, Scarboroughs, Restore Galore, Poss Hardware, Talk of the Town, Fancy Plants, Kettle Creek, Petal Pushers, Poplar Possibilities, Fareway, Jockey Club, Southern States, Cost Cutters, The Sandwich Shop, McDonalds, Retro Cinema, Hendricks, and O.A. and Jerry Denard for their fabulous door prizes for the Steak Dinner event.

A huge thank you to W-WCHS FBLA members, Ryan's, Coca-Cola, and Brian Henderson for their generous help in making the Steak Dinner such a success.

Last, but certainly not least, many thanks to all the golfers and individuals who participated in the 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 Ed Geddings, Tim Standard, and Dan Standard.

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.

MICHELLE SMITH

DAWN PICKENS