The Long Beach-based non-profit group Cure Mommy's Breast Cancer raised over $25,000 for their organization at an event they held at the Westbury Manor on Oct. 21.

The casino-themed cocktail party was attended by 135 guests who enjoyed music of a 10-piece band, while playing at any of the seven gaming tables available.

Cure Mommy's Breast Cancer was formed in 2000 to aid people who have suffered the financial and emotional burdens of breast cancer and other diseases.

The website, www.curemommy.com, states that their "sole purpose is to provide financial assistance and moral support to any man, woman or child in need of assistance while suffering the burdens of this disease as well as other forms of cancer or illness."

This includes paying for rent or utility bills, paying for insurance premiums and providing cleaning services for cancer patients, to give a few examples.

The organization was created by Carmela Short, a Massapequa wife and mother of two, not long after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Short died at age 38 in 2003, but the organization continued to thrive. Since its inception, the organization has donated over $270,000 to families in need.

Ellen Schreiber, former classmate of Short and director of Cure Mommy's Breast Cancer, said that Short was lucky enough to have supportive friends and family, but she saw other single women and mothers suffering from this disease who couldn't work and felt there was a great need for people to be helped.

Schreiber describes Short as "a one of a kind person."

"She was going through her own treatments and hard times when she came up with the idea," she added.

The organization began with Short's immediate family and has since expanded.

Schreiber came to the organization because they needed an accountant.

"I love what they are all about," she said.

The group raised over $100,000 for the 2006 fiscal year and assisted 53 families.

"We do what we can. We help as many families as possible. We're a small group, but the more money we raise the more we can help," said Schreiber.

Cure Mommy's Breast Cancer helps on a case-by-case basis, often with women that were referred to them by social workers at hospitals.

"They send us a case based on the needs of the individual," she explained.

Schreiber said that their organization is different from other, larger non-profit groups because they help people when they are sick.

"It's great that money goes to finding a cure, but these people need help now."

The group is run completely by volunteers and are even still able to donate about $.98 cents of every $1 raised.

Cure Mommy's Breast Cancer also sponsors a scholarship fund through Plainedge High School. They offer seven $1,000 scholarships to students whose family has been affected by cancer.

They hope to gain more money in the future to continue this fund and increase the amount offered, according to their website.

Cure Mommy's next event is on May 18, 2007. It is the annual John L. and Carmela Short Memorial Golf Outing. It will be held at the Stonebridge Golf Links and Country Club.

For more information, visit www.curemommy.com or call 967-1148.