15th Annual “Festival of Hope” hosted by Genesee Cancer Assistance June 5, 2009 at the Batavia Downs Genesee Cancer Assistance Inc.

(GCA), a community-based, volunteer organization located in Batavia, has set the date for their annual Festival of Hope celebration. This event was made possible by several local business event sponsors; Batavia Radiation Oncology Associates, Bank of Castile & Tompkins Insurance, Steven M. Haley & Associates, LLC at the Insurance Center, The Batavia Downs, UMMC, Stan’s Harley Davidson, Pudgie’s Lawn & Garden, WBTA-1490, Batavia Sign Company, HSBC and Time Warner Cable.

The Festival of Hope celebration and fundraiser gives GCA the ability to help lighten the load of Genesee County residents who are fighting courageous battles against cancer. GCA is a local charity that helps local citizens. The premier event at this year’s festival will be the Time Warner “Kids Zone” which includes a fun run and other entertaining activities for kids and families alike. Other activities at this year’s event will include the second annual 5-K Run for Hope, the traditional Walk for Hope, a Chinese Auction, and the “Lighting of the Luminaries.

“This event allows GCA to operate and to continue helping the residents of our county who are battling cancer” stated Gregg Torrey, GCA Board Member and Chairman of the festival planning committee. “This event is about honoring members of our community who have passed away from cancer and ensuring that those who are suffering with cancer today have the assistance they need” Torrey concluded.

If you are interested in registering for the 5K or the Walk for Hope please call Gregg Torrey at (585) 507-8139. To learn more about Genesee Cancer Assistance visit their webpage at http://www.geneseecancerassistance.com/index.html

Don’t forget to become a fan on Facebook Search Genesee Caner Assistance.

Please save the date for this important and exciting celebration to be held at the Batavia Downs, June 5 at 5PM and bring your family!

Doug Hollinger, a science teacher at Pavilion Central School has a fascination with renewable energy that has inspired him to share his special talents with those less fortunate in South Asia.

Hollinger takes four students with him each year to build independent solar panels and educate others on the importance of renewable energy.  Currently this is all volunteer work and Hollinger is hoping it will be a non-for-profit organization.

Hollinger is not just talking about it, he is going out and applying it.

"This is an eye-opening experience," said Hollinger, "It is a great way to apply alternative energy in a completely different side of the world."

To get more information on this project check out his Web site.