The Manhasset CASA (Coalition Against Substance Abuse) Games began as a simple idea, steadily grew through exposure and culminated with an exciting crescendo. As the CASA board member for events, and the CASA Games chairperson, I hoped the first public event would reach all facets: students; parents; school boards; faculty and administration and the community at-large. I'm happy to report it was a tremendous success on all accounts.

The games began with the Just Say Hoops 3-on-3 tournament for students in grades 4-12. Masterfully coordinated and precisely scheduled and timed by Henry Iervolino, the tournament included an amazing 64 teams. Jimmy Judge and the CYO graciously donated T-shirts, with Ritchie Reichert and PAL providing the trophies - Andy Ruggiero and Manhasset Phil's Sport Shop miraculously creating extras of both at the last minute. The competition in the tournament was only rivaled by the camaraderie with teams being formed across varying neighborhoods and schools.

Throughout the evening, there were food, drinks and souvenirs for sale that had been donated or underwritten by our corporate and community sponsors; Burger Design, Digital Printing Innovations, Dunkin' Donuts, King Kullen Supermarkets, Manhasset CYO, Manhasset PAL, Nancy H. Morris State Farm Insurance, Pepsi-Cola of Long Island, Phil's Manhasset Sport Shop, the Quackenbush Family and TCBY/Blimpie. The final event of the night was a basketball game with faculty and board members from Manhasset and St. Mary's schools against seniors from both schools. Embracing the fact that CASA is a community organization, not exclusive to any one school, it was an exciting sight to see a first time event involving both K-12 schools in town. The time that each participant gave to show their support of CASA was very much appreciated, as was the support of all school officials and staff - particularly those of the hosting Manhasset High School.

Of course any "filled to capacity' event such as this would never have succeeded without an incredibly hardworking committee - each of whom has my personal thanks in addition to those of the CASA organization; Bobby Anastasia, Angela Barbuti, Carol Egan, Roxanne Fitzig, Grace Giesecke, Jackie Iervolino, Eileen Joyce, Barbara Kiggins, Carol Messineo, Paul Nussbaum, Marie Pellegrino, Traci Quackenbush, Michael Ruiz, Eti Sadon, June Sutter, Sylvana Vanderberg and Helene Vlachos.

There were many other businesses, specific school groups and individuals that were either listed in the program or just showed up and pitched in. All of you helped the CASA Games in a very tangible way - including Eileen Brennan and the Manhasset Press for spreading the word. To my fellow CASA board members, my husband, family and parents - your encouragement and support spoke volumes.

Please remember that CASA was formed in order to hire a Community Coordinator for Substance Abuse Prevention and to support educational and community outreach programs that focus on drug and alcohol abuse prevention. As part of a townwide prevention plan tailored to Manhasset, these programs will target parents, educators, students as well as businesses and religious and civic organizations with the goal of reducing substance abuse among the young people of Manhasset. All proceeds from the CASA Games will go directly to CASA. Thank you for your past and future support of CASA.

Lisa Belinsky

CASA Games Chairperson