The Celebrity Challenge, presented by Hofstra University on July 15, which featured members of the cast and crew of One Life to Live, helped raise money for Hofstra Scholarships and Ronald McDonald House while giving fans of the ABC soap opera an opportunity to meet some of their favorite stars. Among those playing for the One Life to Live team was Garden City resident and Hofstra University graduate, Pamela Edmonds who plays Nurse Pam on the show.

What was supposed to be a celebrity softball game became a celebrity volleyball game when bad weather prevented the softball game from happening, but not wanting to disappoint the fans, the game went on. Due to the inclement weather several of the stars who had planned to attend the game were unable to make it but those who did enjoyed a fun afternoon of volleyball and the opportunity to help children in need.

Auctions of memorabilia from the show, raffles and an admission fee all helped raise money for the Hofstra Scholarship Fund and the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, which provides a temporary home for families of seriously ill children who are receiving treatment at area hospitals.

It was the desire to help others and the enjoyment of meeting fans of One Life to Live that several of the stars of the daytime serial cited as being the reason for their participation in the event. Along with Edmonds, other cast members of the show who participated included Timothy D. Stickney (R.J. Gannon), Kamar de los Reyes (Antonio Vega), Christine Toy Johnson (Detective Lisa West), and Erik Lautier (Officer Erik Parish).

"It's great to help out Ronald McDonald House and because I'm a Hofstra grad it's even better," said Edmonds of participating in the game "It's more about the cause than actual competition." She also noted that she enjoys the opportunity of spending time with other members of the One Life to Live cast. Edmonds herself is what is known as an "under five" player, meaning that she has under five lines anytime she is on the show. She has had this role on the soap for about a year and is really enjoying it. In addition to acting on One Life to Live, Edmonds also had appearances on Guiding Light, All My Children, Spin City, and MTV. She is also the personal assistant to Regis Philbin. Edmonds spent time prior to the game talking with a couple of fans of the show and telling them about trying to break into the business and giving some pointers to one of the fans who was interested in becoming an actress.

It was this chance to talk casually to the fans that brought several of the cast members to this year's challenge. Lautier, who played in the celebrity challenge last year as well, noted, "I love softball and volleyball and it's fun to meet people who love the show."

Johnson, who also participated in last year's celebrity challenge explained that it was at this event that she first learned about the Ronald McDonald House and it was the chance to help the foundation that brought her back again this year. "It's such a great organization and I wanted to pitch in and do what I could," said Johnson.

This was a sentiment that was also expressed by de los Reyes, who noted, "I try to involve myself in all of them [charity events] if I'm available, it's important for families and children, because it's important for the general public to be aware of the charities." Charities that assist children are especially important, according to de los Reyes, who has a healthy 3-year-old-son. "He's healthy but there are a lot of children who aren't," said de los Reyes. "The families need our help."

The Ronald McDonald House, which opened in 1986, has served more than 6,000 of these families since it opened. Located next to Schneider's Children's Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House consists of 18 private bedroom/bathroom suites, several fully equipped kitchens, laundry rooms, living rooms and playrooms shared by all visiting families. Volunteers are on hand to help the families with the various daily needs. To find out more about Ronald McDonald House call 775-5683 or e-mail rmh-l:@mais.com.