In 1991, Andy Smyth, along with brother, Jeff, and family friend, Don Voner, created a softball tournament. The Betty Smyth Softball Classic, as it was then known, was organized to commemorate the life and vivacity of Andy and Jeff’s mother, who died of breast cancer in 1988. The idea for the event was to have a weekend filled with fun centered around softball, while contributing to the fight against cancer. The event continued in 1992 and 1993, growing more successful each year.

In 1996, the tournament was re-created as “Take a Swing at Cancer ‘96” and was even more successful then the previous tournaments. Twenty teams registered and over $6,000 was netted for the American Cancer Society. In 1997, Andy relocated out of state. By then a core group of committed volunteers had formed that believed in continuing the work that had been started. The tournament was held again that year raising an additional $5,000+ for the American Cancer Society.

1998 saw another profitable tournament with $8,000 raised. Over the next several months, committee members joined forces to incorporate Take a Swing at Cancer, Inc. (TASC) into its own non-profit organization, complete with a Board of Directors and slate of Officers. Incorporating allowed TASC to broaden its beneficiaries and have a more direct impact on those facing the challenges of battling cancer.

In the fall of 1999, TASC became involved with the Jared Tuccolo Memorial Golf Tournament by providing volunteers for the event and contributing $1,000. In 2000, TASC brought this event under its umbrella and became more involved in the planning process. The golf tournament has seen increasing profits in each successive year.

Since 2000 over $100,000 has been provided directly to our beneficiaries. TASC disburses 100% of its proceeds to worthy individuals and organizations. Many of TASC’s beneficiaries are individuals and families who need relief from the stress of mounting bills incurred during cancer treatment. TASC is in the unique position to assist people with expenses that are not covered by traditional insurance, including but not limited to mortgage payments, car repairs, and other household bills. We have also supported several organizations that share a similar vision to our own. The beneficiary process has put us in contact with many remarkable people.

In 2003 Take a Swing at Cancer, Inc. reached a milestone by gaining 501(c)(3)status.  TASC is an all-volunteer organization that relies heavily on the generous contributions of its friends, families and sponsors. Over time, TASC has grown from a handful of individuals to a Board of 14 Directors and a long list of committed volunteers. We are very proud of our efforts and strive to be more successful from year to year.