fundraiser

The St. Jerome Guild prepares the annual “Step into Spring” fashion show, basket raffle, and luncheon prepared by Michael Tomaszewski, on Sunday, May 5.

 The Guild and Genesee Community College will host "Fashion Show Weekend" with Genesee’s annual fashion show, “Limitless” scheduled on Saturday, May 4.  

The Guild is excited to highlight several clothing stores in Batavia: JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Marshalls. More than 20 models will feature the Jerome Jewelry Collection and fashions for toddlers, teens, women, men and seniors.

The event will be held at Fr. Slomba Hall, 19 Sumner St., Batavia, at noon. Presale only tickets are available for $20 at the Jerome Center Gift Shop, 16 Bank St., Batavia. For more information call 585.343.6030, ext. 4198.

The Guild continues to support UMMC/Rochester Regional Healthcare as a corporate donor giving thousands of dollars to capital fundraising initiatives over the years and has contributed countless volunteer hours on a variety of fundraising events. The proceeds in the amount of $5,000 from last year’s fashion show purchased four natal bassinets.

The Guild has offered an annual Health Career Professional Scholarship to hospital employees and high school seniors for decades. Currently, the scholarship is being awarded to outstanding employees who are continuing their education in the medical field.  

The Guild’s volunteerism has served the medical community for more than 100 years. In years past, the Guild sponsored fundraisers for St. Jerome Hospital; such as, casino nights, formal dances, fashion shows, and Mother’s Day breakfasts to name a few.

Pictured above modeling for the fashion show, back row is (from left): Mariah Ognibene, Alyssa Ognibene; front row, Lena Ciszak and Mia Ognibene.  Photo below at Jerome Center Gift Shop: Debbie Pellegrino gift shop volunteer, and Annette Labarbera, president of St. Jerome Guild.

Submitted by, Marilyn C. Dickinson, secretary St. Jerome Guild Inc. Board of Directors. If you have questions, contact 585.356.9398.

Submitted photo and press release:

Earlier this month the SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Acceptance) Student Club at Genesee Community College announced it would host the its first-ever drag show, "The Battle in Batavia," on Saturday, March 30, in the Batavia Campus's Stuart Steiner Theatre.

On Friday, the contest judges were named. Presiding over inaugural show will be:

• Gregory Hallock, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council executive director;
• Rachel Kropczynski, owner of Monroe's Boutique;
• Thomas Priester, Ph.D., GCC associate vice president of Student Success;
• Kristen Schuth, GCC athletic director;
• Donna Rae Sutherland, GCC associate director of Marketing Communications;
• A sixth Drag Show Contest judge is yet to be named.

On Thursday, one of the professional show participants, Cassanova Theking (on left in photo above), was on campus to help to promote the show, and generate awareness of LGBTQ (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Questioning) community as well as support GCC's new scholarship program.

All proceeds from the drag show will fund the College's first and only LGBTQ Scholarship, which will provide financial assistance to eligible students facing emergency situations, or helping to offset financial hardships by covering the cost books, tuition, child care, or other obstacles to academic success. The scholarship will be available to students of the LBGTQ community at GCC facing such hardships and is the first of its kind.

"The Battle in Batavia" will feature a drag queen and king competition where professional drag artists from Buffalo and Rochester will skirmish amongst amateur drag queens and kings from the campus community.

Anyone interested in entering the fun-filled competition under the Amateur and GCC Alumni categories can easily sign up and there is no cost to enter. Click here to sign up.

The show begins at 6 p.m. with a reception in the Lobby of the Stuart Steiner Theatre where attendees can meet some of the contestants already in character. Refreshments will be provided.

At 7 p.m., the battle is on! Each contestant will perform his or her piece to music of their choosing. There will be two acts, and during the intermission a question-and-answer session will allow the audience to interact with the stars of the show.

Purchasing advance tickets is strongly advised! A single advance seat is just $5 in advance or $6 at the door, if available.

Discounted group rates are also available. A group of 10-19 people is $40; and a group of 20 or more people is $75. Tickets are available by calling (585) 345-6836; or emailing Kate Trombley, director of the TRIO Adult Educational Opportunity Center and advisor for GCC's Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) kbtrombley@genesee.edu; or by stopping by Office D208 at GCC's Batavia Campus.

This show is recommended for mature audiences only as it may include strong language or sexual innuendo.

Those not interested in competing, or unable to attend -- but who would like to support the important cause, can contribute as a sponsor or make a charitable donation. In addition, volunteers are being sought to work at the event and will receive free admission to the show. For further information contact Katherine Trombley, director of GCC's Adult Educational Opportunity Center at aeoc@genesee.edu or by calling (585) 343-0055, ext. 6836.

The seventh annual Mr. Batavia brought a nearly sold-out crowd last evening to Batavia High School, and raised an estimated $4,100 for charity.

Since its inception in 2013, more than 80 young men have participated. Each one picks a charity in case they win; but only the top three contestants each year get money for their charities of choice.

Each contestant performs their best in different categories like group dance, talent, swimsuit, lip sync, tux walk, question and answer.

Griffin DellaPenna was second runner-up and he raised funds for the Michael Napoleon Foundation.

“I was happy to be a part of Mr. Batavia and help carry on Michael’s legacy to support the foundation," Griffin said. "I would like to thank the judges, coaches, his parents, sister Allison, other contestants and amazing audience for a day he will never forget, including the fondest high school memory.“

Sam Rigerman was first runner-up. His charity was Habitat for Humanity.

“Being (first) runner-up for Mr Batavia 2019 is truly an honor, especially to be placed among all the amazing and wonderful talent that was the other contestants this year," Sam said. "Huge congratulations to Griffin and Terelle for placing and to all the other contestants for all their hard work!

"It was truly amazing to be able to work with everyone and this experience will always stay with me and live on as one of the best memories of my high school career. This experience was the greatest I could have ever asked for during my senior year and I love everyone so much for this wonderful time. Thank you all so much!”

Volunteers For Animals will receive 50 percent of the money raised by the winner of the event, Terelle Spinks.

“What I liked most about Mr. Batavia was the group dance and all the practices with the other 10 contestants," Terelle said. "And it feels great to win -- I didn’t expect it -- one of the best feelings in my life.”

Batavia High School Cheerleading Coach Stacy Squires said "I am so proud of Terelle. I actually told him last year that he should do Mr. Batavia because I knew he could win. He has the most outgoing and confident personality. Everyone who meets him loves him. He deserved it and I'm overwhelmed with pride!"

During the question-and-answer interview John Bruggman wished they could all give money to their charities, but if he had to say why he should win: Who else could do a two-minute picture of Bob Ross*?

Other contestantants were Harley Radley, Will Palmer, Taiyo Iburi-Bethel, Cameron Austin, AT Thatcher, Kris Kuszlyk, Alec Frongetta and John Bruggman.

Local Judges new this year were: Zach Korzelius, Batavia City School District BOE; Shelly Dale-Hall, GCASA; Jeff McKinney, Batavia City School District IT coordinator; and Vic and Brenda Marchese, owners of Main St. Pizza.

Charles Men’s Shop donated use of tuxedos, Reed Eye Associates provided the sunglasses, Main St. Pizza Co. gave one free pizza a week for a year. Many additional sponsors and staff also contributed to this yearly event.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

*(Bob Ross was a bushy-haired American painter, art instructor and TV host who created the PBS show "The Joy of Painting"; his legacy lives on in today's pop culture.)

The mother of Ashley McCormack, the 18-year-old wheelchair-bound Darien resident whose dream is to have an Action Trackchair to increase her mobility, says they now have 15 raffle tickets for $15 (for the bunch) on sale.

Drawings will be held at the Sunday March 31 fundraiser for Ashley at Darien Fire Hall. All prizes in the raffle each have a value of more than $100, Susan Pfalzer said.

You do not have to be present to win.

"We also have (presale) admission tickets for sale, too, $10 gets you in for food, entertainment and Chinese auction," Pfalzer said.

Admission tickets at the door are $15. Time is 1 to 6 p.m.

The fire hall is located at 10537 Alleghany Road, Darien Center.

The Action Trackchair -- an all-terrain wheelchair -- is highly customizable. Insurance won't cover the cost of it and it retails for more than $11,000.

Organizers, friends and family are seeking cash donations, checks, gift certificates, gift baskets and auction items.

Cash donations and checks can be made out to:   Ashley's Action Trackchair. Send them to:  Susan Pfalzer, 1792 Sumner Road, Darien, NY 14040.

Group donations are encouraged.

For corporations and organizations, there is an EIN number available for your donations.

For presale tickets, donations or other information about this benefit, call: Cheryl Medina at (716) 863-0388; or (Nana) Annette Pfalzer at 547-9342; or (Mom) Sue Pfalzer at (585) 300-9508.

There is also a GoFundMe account set up. Visit here.

For previous coverage, click here.

Second-grade students pictured above are promoting the annual John Kennedy School Pasta Night fundraiser, which is this Friday, March 8^th, in the school cafeteria, 166 Vine St., Batavia.

The money raised supports the parent group to fund future activities for students that include: Father Daughter Dance, Mother Son mud event, community night, field trips and much more. 

There are two seatings available, at 5 p.m. and 6:30. (The 5 p.m. seating is a great options for those who are attending the “Sound of Music” at Batavia High School the same evening.)

Take-outs are available.

Presale tickets can be purchased at the main office, and table reservations for eight or more must be made in advance. Costs are: $6 adults and $4 for students ages 5-12; children under 4 are free. 

Depending on seating availability tickets may be purchased at the door. Adults $7, students ages 5-12 $5 and children under 4 are free. We recommend you purchase tickets in advance.

Parent volunteers are still needed. Email Christopher Sputore at coach_sputore@yahoo.com prior to the event.

There will be a fundraiser to help cancer patient Joe Trigilio at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 24.

Joe was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and is currently undergoing treatment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo.

During this time, his medical expenses have grown exponentially and he could use the community's help.

Please come out and support Joe and the Trigilio Family during this very challenging time in their lives.

Each attendee's $30 donation at this benefit will include: food, draft beer, live music, and $20 in Free Play at the casino.

There will also be a Chinese auction, silent auction and 50/50 raffle.

To donate or for more information, contact: Angela at (585) 343-1129; or Mary Ellen at (716) 512-5242; or Tammy at (585) 813-4455; or Fred at (585) 356-2448.

Dessert in the Stacks is back! It will be held a Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8. Sample delicious desserts and visit with friends.

Local restaurants, bakeries, caterers, and stores donate the desserts and you get to sample as many of them as you would like!

Desserts so far include: assorted chocolates from Oliver's Candies; apple and cherry pies from Gre'gry's Bakery; vanilla raspberry and lemon torte cakes from Elegant Cakes; chocolate lush pie and peanut butter pie from Red Osier Original Landmark Restaurant; and savory pizza from Pastore's.

There will also be delectable treats from D & R Depot, Farmer's Creekside Tavern & Inn, GAMS Simply Sweet and Savory Bakery, The Divine Tree, and Tops Friendly Market.

New this year are samples of coffee, hot chocolate, and Munchkins from Dunkin' Donuts.

We are still adding to the list of desserts as area caterers, restaurants, and bakeries donate to this event.

Tickets for this adults-only event are $8 each or 2/$15 and must be purchased in advance.

Get your tickets now! This is an event you don't want to miss.

Woodward Memorial Library is located at 7 Wolcott St. in the Village of Le Roy

Phone is 768-8300.

Submitted photo.

On Wednesday, students at Pavilion Central School presented a check for $721 -- plus gave two one-dollar bills in cash -- for the K9 Fund to help the Genesee County Sheriff's Office buy a crime-fighting service dog. A total of $723!

The students held a fundraiser on Nov. 5, which was designated "Hat Day." Students donated a dollar to participate in Hat Day and and staff made a donation so they could "dress down" in casual clothes that day.

Pictured at the check ceremony are: Back row, from left -- Chief Sheriff's Deputy Jerome Brewster, Kris Hoffmeister, Ashley McMaster, Sheila Eigenbrod, Charles Martell, Ken Ellison and Jon Wilson. Front row, from left -- K9 Handler / Deputy Christopher Erion, students Molly McMaster and Kennedy Quigley, and School Resource Officer / Deputy Cory Mower.

Prizes:
First Place (highest combined scores) -- $150 / Second Place (combined scores) -- $50 / Highest-scoring word -- $35

Some members of the Knights of Columbus along with Father David Glassmire invite you to their pancake breakfast this Sunday at Ascension Parish Hall, 19 Sumner St., Batavia.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. Adults -- $5; children 4-12 -- $3; and under 3 years old eat for free. This event is open to the public.

There will also be a 50/50 and basket raffles available. All proceeds to support catholic education locally.

Friends of Assemblyman Steve Hawley invite everyone to a political fundraiser at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel on Friday, Oct. 19.

The 11th annual Night ot the Races will be attended by Hawley and Republican candidate for governor Marcus J. Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive and a former mayor of Tivoli.

The fun starts at 6 p.m.

Cost is $80 per guest, or $150 per couple.

There will be a two-hour open bar, a special buffet dinner, racing and $20 in Free Play at the casino per person.

RSVP by Oct. 13 by calling (585) 356-0686.

Sponsorship opportunities are available:

• $1,000 -- Triple Crown Level: 10 tickets, race named for sponsor, special gift, tote board and program recognition, group picture with "Triple Crown" race winner and Assemblyman Hawley;
• $800 -- Kentucky Derby Level: 8 tickets, program recognition, special gift, group picture with "Kentucky Derby" race winner and Assemblyman Hawley;
• $600 -- Belmost Stakes Level: 6 tickets, program recognition, group picture with "Belmont Stakes" race winner and Assemblyman Hawley;
• $400 -- Preakness Stakes Level: 4 tickets, program recognition.

Friends of Steve Hawley -- State Assembly 2018: mailing address is 7768 Oatka Trail, Le Roy, NY 14482. Visit www.hawleyforassembly.com

The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation will host its first Holiday Wined-Up for Hospice fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 30^th from 6-9 p.m. at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia.

All proceeds will support area patients and families and will help us to continue our mission of “Today, make a difference.”

The event will include wine/beer tasting, music, dancing, canvas painting, wine glass painting, a basket raffle and a cash bar. The Art of Mandy will sponsor the painting festivities.

A Gust of Sun Winery, Deer Run Winery, Wright Beverage Distributing and Eli Fish Brewing Co. will also be sponsoring the event.

Tickets are $55 per person or $100 per couple. You must be 21 years of age to register for the event. Anyone under the age of 21 will not be admitted. Please bring a valid ID.

Volunteers are still needed to help with setup, cleanup and various onsite duties.

If you are interested in volunteering, please call 716-372-5735. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, or to purchase tickets, please contact Ellen Brokaw at 585-343-7596 or ebrokaw@homecare-hospice.org.

Tickets can also be purchased online at www.homecare-hospice.org/holiday-wined-up-for-hospice/. Come celebrate the holiday season and support a great cause!  We hope to see you there!

Photo: Alexander High School JV and Varsity Volleyball players are looking forward to an Oct.10th fundraiser game to benefit Breast Cancer Network of Western New York.                 

Submitted photo and press release:

The Alexander Volleyball Booster Club is hosting its seventh annual fundraising game on Wednesday, Oct. 10, when the Lady Trojans take on the Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Hornets.

The fun begins at 5 p.m. with the JV game, followed by the Varsity game at 6:30 p.m. Alexander Central School is located at 3314 Buffalo St. in Alexander.

The event features theme baskets, a pizza and bake sale and a serving contest for a chance to win prizes donated by area businesses and volleyball families.

Fundraiser co-chairs Colette Yax and Laura Marzolf announce the charity selected to receive proceeds from the 2018 event is the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York.

“This is an organization that supports, educates and advocates for people with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors,” Marzolf said.

“A breast cancer diagnosis is devastating for an individual and their loved ones,” Yax said. “We are happy to support an organization committed to helping people through this difficult time.”

In addition to the theme baskets and serving contests, co-chair Marzolf said a special prize is being raffled off at the event.

“We have a Sabres ticket package for two 200–level seats, including a parking pass for the October 30th game against the Calgary Flames,” Marzoff said.

Community members wishing to donate to the Alexander event may contact Colette Yax at 716-400-3628 or Laura Marzolf at 585-322-3748.