The Luke Neuhedel Foundation is holding a raffle to win an autographed New York Mets Jersey. The jersey is autographed by over 20 players from the World Series Champions 1986 New York Mets - Hall of Famer Gary Carter; Keith Hernandez; Doc Gooden; Darryl Strawberry; Ray Knight; Mookie Wilson; Ron Darling; Davey Johnson; Howard Johnson; Lenny Dykstra; Kevin Mitchell; Jesse Orosco; Wally Backman; Tim Teufel; Rafael Santana; Bud Harrelson; Danny Heep; Lee Mazzilli and George Foster and is valued at over $1,000. Chances are $10 each or three for $25. The drawing will be held Oct. 1. Chances can be mailed to the Luke Neuhedel Foundation/Jersey Raffle, PO Box 137, Massapequa Park, NY 11762. For further information, call 882-9183. The Luke Neuhedel Foundation (LNF) calls artists of all ages to help Children with cancer. Send your drawings, photographs, pictures, etc. to the Luke Neuhedel Foundation and they will be placed on greeting cards to raise funds for kid with cancer through LNF's Café Press Shop. Artwork can be sent via email to happyface@lukefund.org in jpg format, or mailed to LNF at PO Box 137, Massapequa Park, NY 11762. To be used, all art must include a letter giving LNF permission to print the artwork to help raise funds for children with cancer with the artist's name, address and age; art by children 18-and-under must also include a parent/guardian's signature, agreeing that LNF has permission to use the artwork. Artwork received without a letter of permission cannot be used by LNF. Artists will receive no remuneration for their donation. Artwork will be made available through LNF's Café Press Shop, Noodle Soup 4 the Soul. For more info contact LNF at 882-9183. Lukefest, the annual carnival fundraiser for the Luke Neuhedel Foundation and children with cancer was held on July 29 at the Maria Regina School in Seaford. LNF raised $19,000 which will be granted to children with cancer in the US. Lukefest was a huge success thanks to sponsors and volunteers such as Applebee's, New York Islanders, Long Island Ducks, DJ Paul Spinelli of Spotlite Entertainment, Magician John Lepre, Caricaturist Debra Gary, Nick the Balloonatic, United Skates of America and RSI Events. Almost 500 attendees enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment, fun, rides and raffles.

The Luke Neuhedel Foundation reminds residents that September is Children's Cancer Awareness month. This September please remember all the children who cannot return to school because they are fighting cancer, which kills tens of thousands of children annually. The occurrence of children's cancer in the US is increasing annually, in fact, the rate of cancer in teens is incasing at a greater rate than other cancers, including breast, prostrate and lung. Children's cancer has no known cause; watch for changes in the children you love, such as unexplained fever, sudden weight loss, and fatigue and notify your pediatrician immediately.

During September, the Luke Neuhedel Foundation will collect the following items to help children with cancer: used inkjet cartridges, used cell phones, gently-used and new Gameboys and games, CD players and CDs and new toys (no stuffed animals please - these contain germs that can harm an immuno-suppressed cancer patient). Drop-off sites for these items can be found at www.lukefund.org and include: Jacto Dance Studio, 612 Broadway, Massapequa and Luke's House, 132 Spruce Street, Massapequa Park.

The Luke Neuhedel Foundation is a 501c3 charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with cancer through grants and family-fun events. LNF was established in 2002 in memory of Luke Neuhedel, who died of hepatoblastoma at age 3. LNF is staffed entirely by volunteers, thus all donations go to those who need it most - the kids and their families. Find out more at www.lukefund.org., call 882-9183 or write LNF at PO Box 137, Massapequa Park, NY 11762. Donations are always welcome and needed by the children.