AUBURN - Spring cruised into Central New York with a brisk wind, rain showers and dreary skies but that didn't dampen the spirits of the organizers of Spring Fling 2004, a dance to benefit Hospice of the Finger Lakes and Matthew House at Highland Golf Club.

"It's been a long winter," said Ed Nolan. "And we wanted to do something fun for the community and raise money, too.

"This was inspired by my wife Mary Ellen who passed away in the summer of 2002," he said. "I was thinking of her and all the other people who have been affected by cancer and wanted to do something to help."

According to Nolan, he and Sam Giangreco were discussing the fund-raiser one morning and were eventually joined by a committee of friends.

"The community has been great, so supportive," said Nolan.

Patty Cameron of Auburn was one of Mary Ellen's closest friends. And when Nolan approached her in January to help, she couldn't sign up fast enough. But she was a bit skeptical about getting everything done in time for the first day of spring.

"This all started to honor Mary Ellen," said Cameron. "All her friends are here. She would have loved this."

"The turnout is awesome; it looks like a hit to me," she added. "We hope to do it again next year."

Sam Giangreco of Fresh Sound DJ Service was spinning 60s and 70s tunes, while his wife, Sheila, worked the door and sold raffle tickets with Karen Walsh from Hospice.

Pat Costisick was enjoying the music with longtime friends Agnes Power of Scipio Center and Rita Turner of Auburn.

"I love Hospice, they do such a wonderful job" the Auburn resident said. "I love the music tonight."

Patty Pappert, who was also on the organizing committee, was thrilled with the turnout.

"People are willing to give when it stays in the community," she said.

In 2003, Hospice of the Finger Lakes celebrated its 15th anniversary. It served more than 1,700 terminally ill individuals and their families during that time.

Terry Kline, executive director of Hospice of the Finger Lakes, was enjoying the evening with her husband, Steve.

"We are very grateful to Ed and his committee for holding this event to benefit Hospice and Matthew House," she said.

Matthew House, which opened its doors to the public in 2002, is named after a Skaneateles man who died in 1998. Matthew House is a two-bed, not-for-profit home for terminally ill people who can no longer remain in their own homes.

Lifestyles editor Linda Simmons can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 233 or linda.simmons@lee.net