The American Cancer Society recently celebrated the 50th year of Long Island’s Babes Against Cancer at Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success. Nearly 200 guests, representing twenty-one golf and country clubs across Nassau and Suffolk were recognized for their collective achievements in raising over $35 million dollars since 1972 and ranking as the Society’s number one golf event of its kind nationwide.
Karen E. Knudsen, MBA, PhD, the first female chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society and cancer research scientist, served as the keynote speaker. “Dr. K” thank celebrated the joint efforts of over 400 volunteers and 3,500 participants across these local clubs, through golf tournaments, golf marathons, tennis tournaments and card parties.
Awards in many categories support growth, innovative fundraising and dollars raised. This past year, the Glen Oaks Club was named the Top Fundraising Club for raising over $272,000. The runner-up was Fresh Meadow Country Club. Together the two clubs generate over $500,000 annually for the American Cancer Society, and have raised over $7 million since the inception of the tournaments.
The celebration also recognized the top two Golf Marathon awards. Kacie Mulligan of Southward Ho raised the most funds ($72,000) and Brittany Ferrante of the Village Club of Sands Point won the Most Holes Played in a day award at 280 holes (between sun up and sundown!).
Highlight of the day was the presentation of the Sandy Award, named in memory of Sandy Zuckerman Rothstein, a breast cancer survivor who started the first tournament at The Muttontown Club in 1972. This year’s award was presented to Pat Kerrigan of Sag Harbor for her outstanding contribution to the Babes Against Cancer fundraising efforts at Noyak Country Club.
Dollars raised through Babes Against Cancer supports the American Cancer Society’s work to save lives and provide support to everyone impacted by cancer -- from research to education, prevention to diagnosis, and treatment to recovery. Babes Against Cancer tournaments are member-run and member-attended private events offering the opportunity to raise awareness and funds to support the American Cancer Society.