Champions for Charity 2004 takes place from Dec. 1 to 5. It is the Americana's annual holiday shopping benefit, designed to raise funds for more than 80 of Long Island's not-for-profit organizations. Participating tenants of Americana Manhasset donate 25 percent of designated pre-tax purchases to the organization of the customer's choice. Americana Manhasset Gift Cards are eligible for a 10 percent donation when purchased during the five-day program. (Participating store gift certificates are eligible subject to individual store policy.)

Much happens during the five-day shopping benefit; charity receptions, complimentary gift-wrapping, personal shopper and concierge services abound. The air is charged with excitement as shoppers purchase holiday gifts knowing they are helping their favorite charities at the same time.

Since its inception in 1996, Champions for Charity has raised more than $1.8 million for not-for-profit organizations, which enhance the quality of life of the Long Island community. The Manhasset Women's Coalition Against Breast Cancer holds its holiday shopping event at Coach on Thursday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 9 p.m. Shop for your holiday gifts and have 25 percent of your pre-tax purchase amount donated to the Coalition. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served and there will be prizes raffled. All are welcome. Sponsors of the Breast Cancer Coalition event are Blair French of In Good Taste, Inc. and Young's Fine Wines and Liquors.

For the second year in a row Portledge School in Locust Valley will participate in the Champions for Charity program. Burnham Lewis, director of advancement at Portledge School thanked Americana and the school's event chairs, Lane Hall and Julie Mendik. "The folks at Fendi and Ferragamo have been great to us also," he said, "and we are really looking forward to participating again next year. The Portledge Upper School chorus led by Bill Peek, will conduct the singers on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. at Fendi's event opening party.

Among the other local groups that will benefit from your shopping during Champions for Charity are the Guild of St. Francis Hospital, St. Mary's Rosary Society, the Tower Foundation, the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Junior League of Long Island, the Manhasset Community Fund, North Shore Animal League and Old Westbury Gardens.

To register for your Champion Card call 516-627-2277 or visit Americana Manhasset's Concierge Store. Your card is required to allocate your donation and must be presented at the time of purchase. All 2004 Champions for Charity shoppers will be eligible to win a $2,000 Americana Manhasset Gift Card.