As we enter the fourth year of the Gene Upshaw Memorial Golf Classic, I cannot begin to express my amazement of the remarkable achievements of this event. To date, we have raised over $340,609 to support Tahoe Forest Health System. In our inaugeral year in 2009, we established the Gene Upshaw Memorial Pancreatic Cancer Research fund and awarded the first grant of $53,000 to researcher, Thomas Semrad M.D., M.A.S., with the University of California at Davis Medical Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology.

This year, I am excited to announce that the new expanded 30,000 square-foot Tahoe Forest Cancer Center is slated to see their first patient in April 2012. A multi-day community Grand Opening will take place in July, 2012 and it is our hope to provide private tours of this state-of-the-art facility to all registered golfers, sponsors and celebrity participants in conjunction with the tournament dates.

Proceeds from the 2012 tournament will continue to support Tahoe Forest Health System that provide programs and services "beyond the stethoscope". I know first-hand the excellent quality of care Tahoe Forest Health System provides to patients and families, so it is especially exciting that proceeds from this years' event will directly support programs that outline a whole-body approach to cancer care for both the patient and the caregiver.

I encourage you to visit the Tahoe Forest Cancer Center website www.tahoecancercenter.com and the Community for Cancer Care Endowment website at www. tahoecancercare.org to learn more about how your participation in the Gene Upshaw Memorial Golf Classic will make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Once again, we will feature a roster of high profile NFL players and celebrities who will play alongside golfers, as well as some very special "surprise" guests' appearances at the pairings party. So even if you do not play golf, you can support our efforts and attend the pairings party the night before the tournament for an opportunity to meet celebrities and bid on unique sports memorabilia and exciting silent and live auction items.

I hope you will join me in honoring Gene's memory and his love for golf and the beautiful North Lake Tahoe region on July 15 & 16, 2012 for the fourth annual Gene Upshaw Memorial Golf Classic. Thank you in advance for your support. I look forward to seeing you there!

Warmest regards,

Terri Upshaw
Honorary Chair