Beth Mercadante, Phantom Ball Advisory Chair, with Co-Chairs Sue Stapleford and Phyllis Mistretta. Each spring the Garden City Unit of the American Cancer Society sponsors the Phantom Ball. For the past seventeen years, invitations to stay home, save the cost of formal attire and babysitters and instead support the fight against cancer by not attending the Phantom Ball at any time, any place what-so-ever, have been sent to loyal supporters of the Garden City Unit of the American Cancer Society. This year, the ball’s proceeds will be dedicated toward the construction of the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, New York City. Hope Lodge is a nurturing residential haven for those undergoing cancer treatment far from home. Beyond free lodging, Hope Lodge provides patients and their caregivers the support they need to navigate their cancer experience and renew their courage and strength. The state-of-the-art facility is being constructed at West 32nd Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. It will feature 60 patient rooms with private baths, shared family and meeting rooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, and other amenities, in a city that offers some of the best cancer treatment in the world.

The Garden City Unit wishes to especially thank the exceptionally dedicated and loyal benefactors of the Phantom Ball, known as the Brilliant Benefactors, the Spirited Sponsors and the Fabulous Friends. We hope that their faithful commitment will inspire you to support the Eighteenth Annual Phantom Ball. For every $25 contribution, one door prize ticket will be submitted in your name to win an outstanding prize donated by generous local merchants and longtime friends of the Garden City Unit of the American Cancer Society. The drawing will be held on May 6, 2006. Your tax-deductible donation may be sent to Mrs. Christine Diller at 19 St. James North, Garden City, NY, 11530, and made payable to the Garden City Unit of the American Cancer Society. Your support of the Phantom Ball will offer tangible help to patients with cancer and their families.