MANSFIELD, P.A. (WENY) - The First Citizens Cancer Classic golf tournament has been a special event in Tioga County for over two decades, and it's all for a great cause as the tournament raises money for cancer research and patient support. This year is the tournament's 25th anniversary at Corey Creek Golf Club in Mansfield.

There were 35 teams for a total of 140 players in this year's event. Last year, the First Citizens Cancer Classic raised $20,000.

"Over those 24 years here prior, we've raised over $300,000 for cancer research, and to me that's near and dear to our heart as the FCCB family and us as individuals because we know what this disease can do," said First Citizens Community Bank President & CEO, Randy Black. "So whatever we can do to support the cure is critically important to our mission at FCCB and being a community bank here in Tioga County."

Black says the tournament started with 18 teams and has since grown to where new teams that want to play get put on a waiting list. A lot of the support that the tournament receives today has been there for all 25 years.

"It's a fun event to play in," said Bill Chabala, who has played in the tournament for over 20 years. "I think the charities are wonderful that it supports, so it's really an honor and a privilege to play in it."

"The exciting thing is to come in and try to beat the bank's team which is very difficult, but I think most of all is to see all of the folks that you know in the county and those that are active in the county making things happen in Tioga County," added Pete Guidi, President & CEO of Ward Manufacturing.

The First Citizens Cancer Classic is set to return to Corey Creek in the 2025 season.