Last year, more than 211,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States alone. That's a lot of pain and loss that can be prevented with early detection and improved treatments.

Which is why Wayne Crawford and I started the Crawford-Fleming Breast Cancer Awareness Golf Invitational, eight years ago. We wanted to provide our community with the best detection and treatments that money can buy, and, at the same time, provide a forum to raise awareness.

Since the opening of the Shiela R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center in 2002, we've helped them make many improvements, including adding the best diagnostic procedures available today. Last year alone, we raised over $113,000 for the center.

So, we're hoping you'll join us for a day of tee and tea, with a dinner, a silent and live auction, boutique vendors, fashion and more. It's a great way to spend a day, and to help this worthy cause.

I'm sure Cheri will want to add her two cents, but in the meantime, mark the date: October 23rd, 2006. And plan to join us at the eighth annual Golf Invitational.