American Cancer Society Proudly Announces Raul J. Fernandez, CEO of Dimension Data North America, as 2002 National Capital Golf Classic Honoree.

Business Editors

VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2002

'Major Gift' Tournament Kicks Off With Tower Club Reception

To Raise Awareness & Funds for Prostate Cancer, the

Nation's No. 1 Cause of Cancer Deaths in Men Over 50

The National Capital Golf Classic, hailed by organizers and attendees alike as the American Cancer Society's premier golf event, proudly announces this year's honoree, Raul J. Fernandez, CEO of Dimension Data North America. The 2002 awareness and fund-raising campaign for the fight against prostate cancer will launch with a reception for the area's prominent business leaders to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Tower Club in Tyson's Corner.

As the society's largest fund-raising and awareness event of the year for the Mid-Atlantic region, the National Capital Golf Classic (NCGC) benefits the fight against prostate cancer, the nation's number-one cause of cancer deaths in men 50 and older. The kick-off reception begins the fund-raising push for the sixth annual tournament to be held at Lowes Island Golf Course on Monday, Sept. 23, which falls on the heels of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, Sept. 15-22. According to the society, Washington, D.C., has the highest incidence and mortality rates for prostate cancer in the country, almost 55 percent higher than the national average.

"I'm extremely honored to be a part of this tournament," said Fernandez, who is one of the co-owners of the NHL's Washington Capitals as well as the NBA's Washington Wizards. "This is a first-class event where people can enjoy a wonderful day of golf and also walk away knowing that they've done something to make a difference." The society has set a goal this year of $375,000, which it anticipates reaching by early August. Last year's event with honoree Russ Ramsey, Managing General Partner of Capital Crossover Partners and former President and Co-CEO of Friedman Billings Ramsey, raised $275,000.

The NCGC planning committee chooses two co-chairmen every year to direct and oversee the entire event from fund raising to food service. "This tournament has become such an important event for all of us on the committee and for the region as a whole," said Jim Embley, this year's tournament co-chairman and Executive VP of Lee Technologies. "When we first started we had to call people and drum up sponsors and participants. Because of the caliber of this tournament we already have most of the teams from last year signing up now to lock in their slots and pledge their support." Ed Morgan, Principal, Trammell Crow Company, and also a co-chair added, "Participants unanimously rave about the impressions left on clients and guests who they have brought to experience Washington's finest golf tournament. We have already raised almost a third of our goal, and hopefully the kick-off will move us even closer."

Each year in the United States, approximately 190,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and almost 32,000 die annually. As the most common cancer in men, it is responsible for 30 percent of all cancers, and affects one in five. In its early stages, prostate cancer has no symptoms, but studies have shown that early detection through a prostate-specific blood test (PSA) or a digital rectal exam (DRE) can save lives. Prostate cancer grows slowly but is deadly. All men age 50 and up, regardless of their history, are encouraged be tested every year. Because they are more at risk, and have a higher incidence rate, African-American men should be tested after the age of 40.

"Prostate cancer is an issue that sooner or later affects every single man, regardless of his age or medical history. Early detection is the key to survival," said Mark Larsen, prostate cancer survivor and founder of the tournament. "I started this tournament to raise money for the fight against prostate cancer but also because I wanted the public to be aware of how important it is to get tested regularly. I am so pleased with how far the event has come since our first year, and this year is shaping up to be the best one yet."

The "major gift" approach of this tournament has been so successful that the society has designated it as a "best practice" and is using it as a model for other American Cancer Society golf tournaments around the country. "The Classic is an event that we're extremely proud of," said Karen Brav, Golf Director for the society in the Mid-Atlantic. "We've had record high numbers of participants, and every year the amount of money we raise just keeps going up. NCGC is not your typical golf tournament, and that works for us, because as we say at the society, we are not your typical charity."

The cost to enter a foursome into the tournament is $5,500, which also provides attendees with a long list of first-class services that in the past have included tailor-fit golf pants, a custom car wash while you are playing, massages and more. Players can also enjoy high-quality take away gifts such as top-shelf golfing rain suits from Scotland, exotic golf trips, and high-quality golf clothing. Gifts and complimentary services are made possible by high-level sponsorships and charitable gifts by local technology, construction and financial businesses.

This year's tournament will see the return sponsorship of US Homes, part of the Lennar Family of Builders, which builds homes in 15 states and 500 communities nationwide. For information about sponsoring, participating, donating or volunteering, please contact Liz Knapp at the American Cancer Society at 703/753-1904.