CASSADAGA — The Cassadaga Ladies Golf League has sponsored Golf Fore A Cure Tournament for the last 17 years (minus last year due to COVID) to benefit Roswell Park Cancer Institute, specifically for breast cancer research.

The idea began when one of our members couldn’t participate in our summer golf due to a breast cancer diagnosis. Wanting to come to her aid, members came up with the idea of holding a tournament devoted to raising money for research into this disease. Since that time, other members have received the same diagnosis, so the need to raise funds toward this cause continues.

This year, the tournament was chaired by Jenn Vahl, Lori Cook, and Kim Murphy. All members of the league worked to do their part by contributing a basket for the Chinese auction. Many also contributed to the Wagon of Cheer raffle by donating wine, mixers or alcohol. Tickets were sold for this raffle and Laura Raghunath won this prize. A patriotic tray was made by Karen Fetter and raffled off. Jim Cady won this keepsake. Luminaria were made and decorated by participating golfers in honor or memory of loved ones. Various golfing contests helped the cause as well.

Many local businesses pledged their support of this cause by becoming or renewing a former pledge to be a hole sponsor. A big thank you to the 40 businesses or individuals who helped in this way. Some businesses also gave us items representing their company to be used as prizes. Among them were Kenworth Trucking, Jo Jo’s Asian Cafe, Robin’s Nest, Cardinal Hills Golf Course, Pucci’s, and Weather Hill Farms.

A total of 84 golfers turned out to enjoy the beautiful course and day. Many earned prizes and placed in the four-person scramble. Following are the winners:

¯ First place in scramble – Team of Kay Pagano, Deb Ulrich, Erin Frederecksen and Ashlynn Revenew.

¯ Second place in scramble – Team of Linda Hodorowicz, Peg Sisson, Sue Rocque and Sue Slate (women’s team); Brenda and Richard Swanson, Cindy Chimera and Blake Ihrig (mixed team).

¯ Third place in scramble – Team of Melissa and Brad Kelly, Jodi and Mike Hoffman

¯ Closest to the pin – Lori Danforth.

¯ Longest Drive (women) – Michelle Helmer.

¯ Longest Drive (men) – Richard Swanson.

¯ Closest to the Line – Gloria Horton.

A putting game was offered by Melissa Kelly, Jodi Hoffman and their sons to raise money for this cause. Two winners for this game, Sandy Sprattling and Mike Hoffman, both pledged their winnings back to the cause. Brenda Swanson won the 50/50 and returned her winnings as well.

Cassadaga Country Club handled the finer points of the tournament with grace and ease as always. They awarded the prizes of gift certificates to the first two place winners and golf gloves to the third-place team in the scramble. They also contributed sleeves of balls as prizes for other contests. The evening was wrapped up with a hearty meal.

After all is said and done, Roswell will benefit from this tournament to the tune of $5,900.