Yee-haw! The Long Beach Cancer League's 47th annual fundraiser drew a crowd of more than 250 people for down-home fun for a downright good cause.

The event raised nearly $200,000 to support two local cancer hospitals. The country-western-themed event was held on June 1 at the picturesque Monte Verde Park.

Proceeds from the event benefitted the comprehensive wellness support programs for adults at the Todd Cancer Institute at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, as well as the Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Institute at Miller Children's and Women's Hospital.

Opening the program were League President Sheryl Stewart (Jeff) and Soiree Co-chair (Jerry) and Sofia Riley (Jim). Loren Miner (Greg), also an event co-chair, offered moving remarks about her experience as a patient at the Todd Cancer Institute (TCI) a decade ago.

As they wet their whistles, the local yokels looked like they stepped out of a western movie decked out in cowboy gear. The fun hoedown featured live music by the Merchants of Moonshine from Nashville, as well as line-dancing instruction, a casino, saloon and festive western décor.

Guests were treated to a wide variety of food choices, all donated by generous local restaurants: Boathouse on the Bay, Noble Bird Rotisserie, Georgia's, Joe Jost's, TGIS Catering, The Grand, Johnny Reb's True South, George's Greek Café, Frosted, Piazza McDonald's and Jimmy E's.

The highlight of the evening were the spell-binding speakers who spoke of the loss of their brothers to cancer. Doug Todd (son of TCI founder Dr. Malcolm Todd) and Douglas Jaques (brother of Jonathan Jaques) spoke of their family's great pride in establishing the renowned cancer institute centers in their memories.

The evening included a silent auction featuring a variety of enticing items, as well as a fabulous live auction with heated bidding on a pair of beautiful diamond earrings; a PGA West golf getaway; a vintage Rolex Datejust watch; passes to the South Beach Food and Wine Festival; a mixology party for 12 co-hosted by Michael's of Naples; a gourmet wine dinner for 12; a private chef's dinner at Chez Bacchus; and wonderful trips to visit the Bourbon Trail; Mexico; and Portugal.

Seen at the scene: Drs. Jonathan Blitzer and Carole Warde, Phil and Charlene Bosl, Kathleen Costello-Pitts, Gary and Dawna DeLong, Bob and Nancy Foster, Marty and Debra Greco, Page Henley, Mari Hooper, Todd and Rena Johnson, Jerry Kaufman and Dr. Bryna Kane, Joan Knight, Dr. Karen Koe, Cathy Kopy, Drs. Glenn and Stacey Epstein Levine, Dennis McConkey and Loree Scarborough, Kevin and Genevieve Brill Murphy, Tom and Candice Nantais, Suzanne Nosworthy, Daryl and Sandy Phillips, Ron and Nancy Piazza, Dr. Jessica Rayhanabad, Ross Riddle, Anne Roeser, Harry and Maria Saltzgaver, Dr. Milan and Suvarna Sheth, Darick Simpson and Katrin Grauer, Mary Sophiea, Craig and Debora Van Duren, Dr. Nilesh and Pinel Vora, Drs. Mariusz and Alexandra Wirga, Craig Cross.