2020 Tickled Pink Honoree

Cheryl Babinski

Cheryl shares…

I was born at the Southampton Hospital on February 21, 1958 to Leona and Chet Walker. I am very grateful to still have both of my parents: my father is 85 and my mother is 86. Dad was a Southampton Town policeman and Mom cleaned houses. They are and continue to be a very important part of my life. I had one brother Chuck who was killed in a car accident when he was 19 years old. This was a very sad time for all of us.
I attended grade school in Sag Harbor at what was then called St Andrews. I always remember being picked to sing a solo of Silent Night in front of the entire auditorium; a very frightening experience for a first grader even though everyone said I did a great job! I always wonder if I should have pursued singing?
I attended Mercy High School in Riverhead, and then on to Geneseo College to major in child psychology.
However I decided to leave college get married and have my own children to psychologize! I have three beautiful children Michelle, Victoria and Stephen. After 17 years my marriage ended and I found myself suddenly a single mother going back to college to complete my degree. I was able to show my children the importance of a college degree as they watched their mother be the first in line to receive an Accounting degree from LIU Southampton. I received an award for being an older woman going back to school - very exciting for me!
I went to work for Honest Restaurant Group where I have been their Controller for the past 23 years.

Seven years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I received a call while I was at work that just left me in utter shock and disbelief. This was a turning point in my life! It occurred two months before my daughter was getting married and I so did not want to miss any of her wedding… and I did not!
I have been cancer-free since that time and I thank God for all of the wonderful people, or as I call them "angels", who have appeared in my life. I have met so many new friends through my experience that I am so grateful for.
Any chance I can to give back and volunteer to help with fundraising events, I do. I have been the Chairperson for a Breast Cancer fundraiser at the Southampton Golf Club for the past four years raising close to $30,000.

I have two biological grandchildren - Mathew Niles who is 21, Charlotte Muller who just turned 5. I also have two adopted grandchildren - Jack who is 18, and his brother Zachary who is 13. Mathew is a student at University of Buffalo majoring in exercise science. Charlotte, Jack and Zachary all live around the corner from me and attend Southampton schools.