By KELLY WILSON

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

Golfers are being sought for the 14th annual SLICE Golf Tournament hosted by the Blessing Foundation to support cancer services.

The tournament is set for Thursday, Sept. 25, at Westview Golf Course, with registration and lunch at 11 a.m. and tee-off at noon. It is a scramble, flighted format and will take place rain or shine.

"It's a good day," said Ann Awerkamp Dickson, administrative director of the Blessing Foundation. "And it's real important."

SLICE specifically provides funds for continuing education for staff and unmet patient needs of those served by Blessing Hospital's Cancer Center and fifth-floor Oncology Unit.

"Unmet needs" can include money for gas, food and lodging for patients undergoing cancer treatment and their families. The SLICE money also provides items for the Cancer Center, such as a table for working puzzles -- "things that would help patients and families get through those times easier," Dickson said.

The tournament also allows the Blessing Foundation to provide educational materials for patients, families and staff, as well as continuing education for nurses and other oncology staff.

SLICE, which stands for Sportspeople Linked in a Caring Effort, was started by Quincyan John K. Potts in 1995 in memory of his late wife, Lori, as a way to thank nurses who cared for her during her battle with cancer.

Potts continued to organize the event for nine years and in 2004 turned it over to the Blessing Foundation.

The tournament has raised $120,897 in the first 13 years. Last year's event raised $18,600.

"A lot of people in the community assist to make this happen," Dickson said. "Without the support of the community, we couldn't do it. As cancer touches more and more people's lives, it's a huge heartstring being pulled and people are very, very generous, and that's what it takes."

The goal is to get 36 teams. Dickson said 24 teams already have registered.

Beverages will be provided on the course, and doors prizes will be awarded. At the end of play, snacks will be served in the clubhouse. Championship and first-flight winners will be announced, as well as skill prizes for closest to the pin, longest putt and longest drives.

Registration for four-person teams and single players are being accepted. The entry fee is $125 a player.

For information, call the Blessing Foundation at 223-8400, ext. 4800.

-- kwilson@whig.com/221-3391