St. Baldrick’s event in Saugerties, 2015 (photo by Alen Fetahi)
By the time you finish reading this paragraph, another child will be diagnosed with cancer…and again…and again…and every two minutes after that. But this time, instead of just letting those two minutes pass by, you can use this information to engage and get your community service on! That’s what Cailee Quinn of Shokan did: “I have been involved in many organizations which help to raise money for those afflicted with cancer. When I found out the dynamic surrounding the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, I could not believe that so many selfless people could come together for a cause that I believe so strongly in. These individuals dedicate their time and energies, and all money raised goes directly to childhood cancer research. Having lost family members to this disease, I understand the hardships and sorrow associated with it. My hope is that one day a cure can be found. These children are our future. They and their families deserve every chance and the preservation of hope that they can get.”
Cailee has co-organized the Storytellers for Hope: St. Baldrick’s and Relay for Life Fundraiser taking place this Sunday, February 19 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at Twin Lakes Lodge. Bring the kids to this one for 15-minute family photo sessions for only $15, fresh baked goods, hot food, music, raffles, free face-painting; and at 3 p.m., a Cup, Corks & Canvas session begins, the proceeds of which benefit Relay for Life. No appointment is necessary for the photos; just show up, and a cash bar is open all day.
Co-organizer Jessica Baloy of West Hurley, mother to four boys ages 14, 11, 5 and 3, is also excited for families to come out to Storytellers for Hope: “[St. Baldrick’s Ulster County event chair] Gloria Darmanin introduced me to this fundraiser, and it’s always inspiring to see how many people come together to get involved to help. You don’t realize the generosity of people until you reach out, and they go above and beyond! It becomes contagious because I feel like I’ve obsessed to help as much as I can for these families and children.”
What is all of this St. Baldrick’s excitement about, anyway? St. Baldrick’s Day Ulster County happens next month: a family-friendly fundraiser whose signature activity is watching volunteers “brave the shave,” with all proceeds to benefit pediatric cancer research, including support raised this weekend at the Storytellers for Hope pre-fundraiser. Gloria Darmanin of Saugerties, Mom to three boys, spearheads the St. Baldrick’s event and is so appreciative of the efforts by Cailee and Jessica this Sunday: “I’m excited for this pre-fundraiser! It’s an amazing opportunity to get your picture taken by top area photographers at a minimal donation cost while supporting a great cause. When I see that someone else has stepped up and put their intents into action, my heart just beams with excitement. One of my favorite sayings is ‘No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.’”
Twin Lakes Lodge is located at 198 Heritage Drive in Hurley. For more information about Storytellers for Hope, call (845) 633-3340 or visit www.facebook.com/events/623701011164304. To learn more about the St. Baldrick’s organization, visit www.facebook.com/bravetheshavesaugerties.