Underagers ages 11 and up. This year's "Rage in the Cage" Platform Tennis Tournament was not only a well-attended and highly competitive mixed doubles tournament, it was a huge success for The Charlie's Champions Foundation, which benefited from the tournament's proceeds. Participants, spectators, reception attendees, sponsors and friends contributed over $70,000 to the foundation, which raises money for the Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop University Hospital.

The weekend-long event, held at the Cherry Valley Club in Garden City, started with the "Underage in the Cage" paddle clinics and pizza on Friday afternoon for over 125 juniors, followed by a mixed doubles tournament with 48 teams from the metropolitan area, competing in two divisions. The "A" draw featured many nationally ranked players and was won by Mike Cochrane/Annica Cooper Van Starrenburg, who defeated John Schmitt/Kelly Van Kalkar 6-7, 6-3, 7-6. The "B" draw was won by Marty W. Dehler/Kingsley Howe, who defeated Doug Graham/Angela Lamana 2-6, 6-4, 7-5. Both finals gave the more than 200 spectators plenty of suspense, excitement and entertainment. After the finals, everyone gathered for a reception to recognize the winners and further celebrate a great cause.

Underagers ages 10 and under. John and Tara Schmitt, who founded the foundation on behalf of their son, Charlie, who was diagnosed with leukemia three years ago and is still in treatment, were overwhelmed by the generosity of all who participated.

The best comment, though, came from Charlie when he asked, "Did you raise enough money to buy the Nintendo Wii system for the kids at the Cancer Center?"

That's the first thing the foundation will do with the proceeds, but the remaining funds will go to the Cancer Center For Kid's Psychosocial Program to employ a full-time child psychologist, music therapist and research nurse. These professionals have been instrumental in helping Charlie and the other children get through some very tough times in their treatments.

This event could not have been possible without the assistance and generosity of: The Cherry Valley Club, Abbey Rent-All, Garden City Pizza, Walk Street, Duane Hayden merchandise, The Elroy's Boys Band, World Courier, Rafferty Capital, National Land Tenure, Lane Office, Dillmeier Glass Co., IDP Consulting, Old World Quality, The Andy Foundation, The Griffins, Hallen Construction., Schimmer and Garden City Physical Therapy. The family also gave special thanks to the grand prize raffle donors: The Dehler and Cassaro families, and to everyone else who supports the foundation.

From left: "B" champions Kingsley Howe and Marty W. Dehler, Maggie Pfohl, Dan Reddington and Chris Giarrapoto For more information, visit www.charlieschampions.com .

Beth Castroinovo, Jeanine Weber, Sally McLaughlin, Jill Palmeiri, Alison Malhame and Roey Walsh Greg McManus, John Griffith, Mike Fargione and David Palmer The Confort girls Peggy and Neal Griffin and Lori and Paul Sperry Tricia Sarkis, Sean McCarthy and Paul and Susie Cullen Craig Henne, Adrienne Melitas, Mike Rafferty and Sue Tarzian Melinda Kern and Terry and Sally McLaughlin Alison Palmer (left) and Sheila Connolly Jennifer Going (left) and Maribeth Quinn Charlie Schmitt and mom, Tara CCK's music therapist and Elroy's Boy's lead singer, Glenn Schiffano John Schmitt's game face Tara Borzilleri belted out a fine tune. Melissa LeBlance, smashing overhead Chris Thompson arrived ready to "rage." Alison Malhame and Dennis Tslentis discussed strategy. World Courier Shep Poole and Terry McLaughlin discussed battle wounds.