On Friday, Sept. 16, representatives from the East Meadow-based Prudential Douglas Elliman and New York's WB11 (a Tribune company) will face off in a softball game to raise funds for the Red Cross in their hurricane relief efforts. The game will be held at Cantiague Park in Hicksville at 5:30 p.m.

"We've all been impacted by the sobering images of the people and cities that were devastated by the hurricane, and we're eager to help." said Prudential Douglas Elliman CEO Dottie Herman. "This is a unique, family-friendly way to make a difference in the rebuilding process."

Michael McLean, captain of the Prudential Douglas Elliman softball team, said, "We're looking forward to engaging in friendly competition while raising money for the hurricane victims. With such well-known companies spearheading the effort, we're confident we'll have a strong turnout."

According to Carlos Austin, director of local production and community affairs for WB11, McLean reached out to the station regarding the benefit game. "This is obviously for a good cause. This devastating storm hit close to home with two of our stations in New Orleans and our employees affected," Austin said, adding that Tribune's WGNO TV and WNOL TV in New Orleans have been closed as a result of Hurricane Katrina with some 140 employees either out of work or displaced. "There is a personal connection," he said.

The suggested entry fee for the game is $10; however, players and fans are encouraged to make a donation, in any amount, to assist in the hurricane relief efforts. Coverage of the game will be transmitted on the WB11 News at 10.

- Victoria A. Caruso