Golfers Against Cancer Continue To Up Contribution
2003 GAC Efforts Yield Record-Breaking $1.6 Million For Cancer Research

Kingwood, TX, November 24, 2003 -- The locally-based Golfers Against Cancer tallied their 2003 contribution for cancer research, along with matching funds, at a record $1.6 million at the close of their annual tournament on Monday. On the Saturday prior to the tournament, the GAC gala hosted nearly 1000 at the Humble Civic Center. Monday's tournament filled all five courses at the Clubs of Kingwood.

An all-volunteer organization, the GAC contributes all of its proceeds to cancer research - part of which are met by matching funds enabling research projects to be launched or accelerated. Local efforts that are supported by the GAC include MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research, Prostate Cancer Foundation (formerly CaP CURE) and the Baylor College of Medicine. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York is also supported by the Golfers Against Cancer, funded primarily by a GAC benefit dinner held each autumn at the New York City Athletic Club.

What began as a modest fundraiser made up of a small gathering of golfers at the Deerwood Club, has grown into one of the largest benefit efforts in the nation for cancer research. Participants fly in from all over the country to be part of the event.

"We initially wanted to do something for a couple of dear friends," says Bobby Jones, Chairman of the GAC. "Dave Roberts was a member of our Saturday morning group and Mike Longpre was a pro at Deerwood. We lost Dave to cancer in 1998 and Mike Longpre passed away just a couple of months back. Their loss strengthens our resolve to help fund more cancer research and find a cure for this dreaded disease."

Jones says that he is astonished at the growth of the organization, the funds that have been raised, and all of the people who have unselfishly given of their time to make the GAC a success. "I don't think any of our original group back in 1997 could have imagined we'd be where we are today. It's also gratifying to see so many new people join us every year ­ it's like a snowball because cancer affects everybody."

Ken Manzo of Continental Airlines, GAC's Presenting Sponsor, echoed Jones' comments. "This organization has now surpassed the $5 million mark in funds generated for cancer research in seven short years since its inception. Continental and other corporate sponsors like BMW, Highland Threads and Outback Steakhouse are proud to be a part of this unprecedented all-volunteer effort," Manzo says.

This year's GAC Special Honoree was LPGA caddie Nick Miller who is battling prostate cancer. Nick was applauded by 24 LPGA pros who flew in from all parts of the country to participate in the gala as well as the Sunday Pro Celebrity Tournament.

The 2003 Persons of the Year were the family of Mike Longpre who had been the group's first Special Honoree in 1997. The Longpre family has been active in the organization since its founding and Mike's widow Sara has taken his place on the board.

GAC Beneficiary Chairperson Sally Roberts said, "Who knows where this effort goes? All we know is there has been tremendous progress in cancer research and we are continuing to see the effects of the money we give result in breakthroughs and saved lives."

The GAC organization continues to grow on an all-volunteer basis and has spread not only to New York City but also to Rochester, New York and Columbus, Ohio.

"We are going to continue Golfers Against Cancer until the need is gone. We hope to grow in order to help speed a cure," Jones concludes. To learn more about golfers Against Cancer and how you can help, call or email the Houston Golf Association at info@hga.org, phone 281-454-7000 or visit the GAC Web Site at www.golfersagainstcancer.org.