Around 170 golfers and dinner guests helped in the fight against childhood cancer at a recent event here.

The Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Assn. teamed with the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation to conduct a golf outing and a dinner at Knoll Country Club, raising $10,000 to help two families offset expenses incurred while their children battle cancer.

Donations of $5,000 each were presented to Alyssa Stanley and the mother and sister of Leo Lezcano, who accepted on his behalf.

To date, the Clarizio Foundation has donated about $315,000 to families and individuals to help with expenses incurred in fighting cancer. The foundation was established after Dean Clarizio, brother of Klaussner sales representative Chris Clarizio, lost his battle with the disease.

"Dean spent his short life reaching out to others," said Alan Granetz. GMFA executive director. "We appreciate being able to continue helping others in his name."

During the day's events, Michael Fischer, president of Fairfield, N.J.-based Sofas Plus, received the GMFA's Meadoff Memorial Award, which is based on fair-mindedness, personal relationships, social consciousness, and support of humane and philanthropic causes.

"The Meadoff Memorial Award for Sportsmanship is one of the most coveted awards in our industry, since it is the person, not a position or title, being recognized," said Jordan Greenberg of Apropos, who presented the award.

Patrick Cory, president of GMFA and a former Meadoff Award recipient, said Fischer is deserving of the honor.

"In good times and bad, busy or not, Michael Fisher is one of those rare individuals who continues to give substantial time and effort to further good causes because it's the right thing to do," Cory said. "He does so with an open heart, without ulterior motives or a concern for recognition. I believe that this is the reason past recipients chose Michael to receive the Meadoff Award this year."

Sponsors for the golf outing included Surya Rugs, Powell, Magnussen Home Furnishings, Gans Brothers, Klaussner, Raymour & Flanigan, Advisors Mortgage, Churchill Services, Cap Services, Bagel Box, CDI, F. Romano, Hildeck and J. Carmgnola.