To the editor:
The final tally is in and the 2017 St. Baldrick’s Cazenovia event has officially raised over $29,000 for children’s cancer research. We, the event organizers, cannot adequately express our deep appreciation for all of those who donated their time or talents, and most importantly shaved their heads, for this worthy cause.
We would like to send special thanks out to our volunteers from the Cazenovia Central School District: treasurers Catharine Taylor and Linda Liddell, registrar Nicole Littlepage, bake sale coordinator Deb Kutik, and kids’ game coordinator Christie Brenneck who brought a tribe of high school student volunteers who spent the day entertaining children and taking photos. Without DJ Kris Denton, the event wouldn’t have been nearly as lively, and for the use of the school’s sound system, we thank the Burton Street PTA.
This was the third year holding the event at Burton Street Elementary, thanks to the cooperation of school administration and staff, and we couldn’t imagine a better setting for an event that benefits children.
New to this year’s event was a gift basket raffle, which raised over $500 from goods and services generously donated by local businesses: 20|East, Cazenovia Bagel Company, Cazenovia Cut Block, Cazenovia College, Cazenovia Community Fitness, Empire Brewery, Feats of Clay, Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center, Gabrielle Chocolates, J.S. Hight & Sons Fine Wine and Spirits, Life of Reilley, Loka Leaf Tea Lounge, LuLaRoe-Tracy Ryan, Midnight’s Snacks, Mother Nature Pet Supply, Nelson Farms Country Store, Peaks Coffee Company, Sweet Frog and The Groomery.
Students and advisors from Cazenovia College’s Alpha Lambda Delta freshman honor society assisted in selling raffle tickets and awarding the prizes. And, of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the volunteer barbers from Matthew’s Salon Spa, Saving Face Barber Shop, and Sam’s Hair Affair in Norwich who spent their day off shaving heads for a great cause.
In the four years we’ve hosted the event, more than 350 people have shaved their heads and raised over $174,000 for children’s cancer research. For this, and the support of our community, we are eternally grateful and proud to support the great work done by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
Erin, Sean and Christopher Kelly
St. Baldrick’s Event Organizers
