Date: January 13, 2010
by: Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Joan Kiernan, Laura Buckland and Erin Lazo at last year’s Sports Day.

The events promise fun and games, but the mission is a life-saving one: to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

In the 10 years since the first “Go for the Cure” event took place at the Longboat Key Club, the Longboat Key Club-based chapter of the foundation has raised more than $400,000, making it the largest contributor in the state. Last year’s events were sellouts and raised more than $62,000; organizers hope to top that total this year.

Game Day takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, at the Harbourside Dining Room. The event is open to both Key Club members and non-members and will feature games such as bridge, mahjong, canasta, gin and poker — or whatever games participants choose.

“We’re anticipating a fun-filled afternoon,” said Bette Hoffman, who is co-chairing Game Day with Fremajane Wolfson.

The entry fee is $30 per person, and the cost of the buffet brunch is $20 per person. Each game group must submit one entry form and bring its own game setup. A 50/50 raffle and silent auction will also take place. Sponsorships are available at three levels: $250, $100 and $25, and sponsors of all levels will be recognized during the program. Register by Wednesday, Jan. 20. Contact Hoffman at 383-2562 or Wolfson at 383-2562.

Sports Day takes place Tuesday, Feb. 23, and is open to Key Club women. Registration for 18-hole golf begins at 7:30 a.m. at Harbourside. For Key Niners, registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Islandside. Tennis play begins at 9 a.m. at the Tennis Gardens. A luncheon will follow at 1 p.m. in the Harbourside Dining Room. Suzi Reiman is the golf chairwoman, and Debbie Dean is the tennis chairwoman. Nancy Trotta is chairwoman of the auctions.

The overall “Go for the Cure” event chairwomen are Donna Pettinato and Linda Federici.

Marion Levine, past chairwoman of the event who is serving as an adviser, said that the majority of the money raised at the event stays in the community.

“Everyone can look forward to someday making strides to end this disease,” she said. “It is our goal to raise more money to distribute in this community.”

Contact Robin Hartill at rhartill@yourobserver.com.