Golf outing will benefit breast cancer research MONROE - The state chapter of Industrial/ Commercial Real Estate Women (ICREW) will host its seventh annual Golf Classic on May 8 to raise funds for breast cancer research. Event proceeds are earmarked for Play for PINK, a nonprofit organization that advocates for prevention, immediate diagnosis, new technology and knowledge in the battle against breast cancer. The Golf Classic, which is open to the public and is for both novice and seasoned players, will be held at the Forsgate Country Club, beginning at 10 a.m. The event features a scramble format for 100 golfers to play nine or 18 holes, while 45 additional golfers participate in clinics and then play nine holes. The fundraiser also includes a buffet lunch, a dinner reception and awards ceremony, as well as a silent auction and a raffle. Founded in 1982, the nonprofit ICREW of New Jersey promotes communication and interaction between experienced professionals in all facets of the commercial real estate industry. "Thanks to the generous support of attendees and sponsors each year, we are able to raise funds for worthy causes such as Play for PINK," said Mary Lynn Kearns, of General Office Environments, Rochelle Park. Kearns is co-chairing the event with Robin Grossman, of AT&T, Morristown. Last year's event co-chair, Silvana Finizio, of Carousel Industries of North America is serving as adviser. "At last year's tournament, we raised more than $18,000 for Gilda's Club of Northern New Jersey," Kearns said. "Those funds helped Gilda's Club expand its vital programs for those living with all types of cancer in the greater Morris- Essex area." Sponsorship opportunities for this year's Golf Classic range from $250 to $7,500, and include the cocktail hour, beverage cart and halfway house, duffer's delight, hole flag and hole sign tee or green. The premier sponsor and contributing sponsor packages feature distribution of company marketing materials to participants and playing spots in the golf tournament. Play for PINK, a grassroots organization founded in 1996, donates all the money it raises to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which provides critical funding for innovative clinical and genetic research at leading medical centers worldwide. "Through the tremendous efforts of organizations like ICREW of N.J., Play for PINK has donated more than $12.75 million to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation," said Laura Lassman, founder and president of Play for PINK. Seven years ago, ICREW of N.J. hosted its first golf event, a small clinic for beginners. Due to the overwhelming response it received, that golf event has grown into one of ICREW of N.J.'s signature events. ICREW of N.J. advances the professional development of women in commercial real estate through educational meetings and promotes the opportunity for business growth through networking events, such as its Golf Classic. "In the commercial real estate industry, the golf course has become a natural extension of the workplace, a place to network and conduct business dealings," Grossman said. "Because of that, it is important for women in our industry to feel comfortable on the course. Our golf event offers golfers at all levels - from beginners to seasoned players - the opportunity to play the game in a supportive and relaxing environment." For more information about the Golf Classic, call (609) 585-6871 or visit the Web site at www.icrewnj.org.