Signing, swinging for cancer; Famous and familiar golfers aid fundraiser.

Byline: Susan Coleman

COLUMN: THAT'S LIFE

Would you stand for a total of six hours in the warm southern sun just to get the autographs of famous golfers?

And then, after all that waiting, shifting of feet, and jostling with the crowd of fans, would you give these hard-earned signatures away to your favorite charity?

Yes, of course, if you are long-time local golfer Michael Cherichetti of Athol, who traveled to the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Ga., last month to collect approximately 25 signatures, penned on a replica of the Tournament's flag, from the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Larry Mize during their practice rounds. This flag, now matted and framed, will be raffled during the Relay for Life on Friday and Saturday, June 6 and 7, at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.

Can't wait until June to see this unique golfing memento?

Then visit the Ellinwood Country Club in Athol tomorrow, where the flag will be displayed (and raffle tickets can be purchased) during the very first golf tournament sponsored by the Cure Crusaders Relay Team, organized by co-captain Diana Wheeler of Athol (with technical help from Mr. Cherichetti, who played in many state tournaments during the past 15 years). The tournament begins at 12:30 p.m. and all proceeds will, once again, benefit the American Cancer Society.

What would possess these two Athol residents to spend the past six months organizing a charity golf tournament and traveling to Georgia in search of benevolent golfers?

According to Ms. Wheeler, cancer runs in her family and because of this, she visited the local Relay during the past years as a spectator, watching the luminary lighting ceremony and the survivor's opening lap. Last year, she helped organize her own team through her employer, the Digital Credit Union, and this year, she decided to organize the golf tournament as her team's fundraiser. Mr. Cherichetti, on the other hand, is simply passionate about golf. Besides playing the sport for many years, he visited the Masters Golf Tournament several times and, as a result, he has collected about 400 autographs from various players.

His favorite golfer is Phil Mickelson because he is "super" with the crowds and actually stands alongside the throng of fans...

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