To the editor:

Thanks to fantastic community support, the Cazenovia Lions Club Foundation’s Century Project, Rachel’s Challenge, succeeded by exceeding its fundraising goal of $7,000. The funds raised will be entirely donated to the Middle School /High School Rachel’s Challenge program.

The fundraising dinner, held at the Hampton Inn and Suites, took place on March 25 and was attended by 160 people. The evening featured a silent auction, raffles of 24 gift baskets and cash donations, all from community members, area artists, local businesses and Lions.

Cazenovia students have enthusiastically embraced Rachel’s Challenge and the wide-spread support for the fundraiser indicates that the adult community supports it also. Superintendent Matt Reilly, Middle School Principal Dr. Jean Regan and High School Principal Eric Knuth spoke about the impact of the program already. Faculty Advisors Christie Brenneck and Jason Hyatt and student leaders Caeli Carroll and Rory Flannery talked about the sustainability of the program and how the schools can become safer and more connected. The guests were also treated to a performance of the song Connected by the Chamber Choir, under the direction of Teresa Campbell.

The Lions Club Foundation expresses appreciation to the Hampton Inn and Suites for its generous donation of facilities, a portion of the meal’s cost and the outstanding cooperation of Mary Margaret Kuper and her staff.

Donations from the following individuals, artists and businesses led to us exceeding our fundraising goal: Linda Amaral and Catherine Savage, Barb Axelson, Christie and Scott Brenneck, Brewster Inn, Eric and Leanne Burrell, Stephen and Diane Burrell, Robert and Letitia Butterworth, Buyea’s True Value, Canterbury Stables, Bill and Beth Carroll, Paul and Karen Long Cascio, Caz Sports Bowl, Cazenovia Area Senior Assoc., Cazenovia Bone Builders, Cazenovia College, Cazenovia Equipment Co., Cazenovia Methodist Church, Cazenovia Pizzeria, Chittenango Physical Therapy, Community Bank N.A., Clifford and Barbara Crouch, Tim and Heather Crouch, Hal DeFrees, Dennis and Gail Dougherty, Jim and Casey Frazee, Rick and Amy Haube, Jeffrey and Ellen Heath, McKenzie Houseman, Marjorie Jones, Jim Joseph, Nick and Ainslie Ellis Kagey, Al and Joan Keilen, Key Bank, Howard and Lynde LaFever, John LaGorga, Lillie Bean Gifts, Thomas and Carol Long, Ronald and Elizabeth Luteran, Richard and Susan Manier, Lorraine McGee, Samite and Sandra Mulondo, Bruce and Aewie Munn, Nelson Farms Country Store, Nelson Odeon, Ninos Trust in memory of Meg Ninos, One Group Insurance, David and Betsy Moore Porter, Professional Teleconcepts LLC, Pro-Tel Properties LLC, Paul and Jean Regan, Matt and Jessica Reilly, Patrick and Sarah Ruddy, Catherine and Glenn Savage, Daniel and Cynthia Schallmo, Milton and Janet Sernett, Sherryl Sinkow Photography, Tom and Mary Sigle, Paul Taber, Tim and Pam Taber, Dan Tennant, Bob and Bev Thorp, Damian and Amy Vanetti, Vineall Ambulance Inc., Robert and Sherry Wester, Kurt Wheeler, George and Bonnie Williams, and Allan and Rita Youngs.

The Lions Club sincerely appreciates the generosity of our community in this project as well as our other activities such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Sight Conservation, Scholarships and the Memorial Day Duck Race. We feel we are lucky to live here.

Lion Tim Crouch and Lion Tom Long

Rachel’s Challenge Co-Chairpersons