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Fundraisers to help Cancer House of Hope maintain services

Date: 8/17/2010

Aug. 18, 2010

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor

WESTFIELD -- Marty Gallagher knows firsthand how much the Cancer House of Hope has to offer families of patients and survivors. His wife and best friend have stage four cancers.

Gallagher and others in the community are helping the non-profit raise much-needed funds to ensure the long-term viability of the Springfield Houses. Funding shortages for the 2011 fiscal year have created new challenges for the non-profit but Executive Director Cheryl Gorski said the board is working diligently to keep costs low and boost fundraising activities.

"We've basically taken it week to week. The board is working very, very hard [to create] a short and long term financial plan," she explained.

The next event will be Smith & Wesson's second annual Poker Run on Aug. 29 followed by the See You in September variety show on Sept. 11 and the 11th annual Compete Against Cancer Tennis Tournament on Sept. 26.

"Ideally we would like to raise at least $30,000 at minimum, preferable more," Gorski said of the fundraising efforts.

"[The Cancer House of Hope] provided many of their services to me and my wife going through the initial stages of cancer. I went to group counseling and Reiki therapy. They do a great job," Gallagher explained.

Gallagher, also the founder, producer and director of the upcoming variety show fundraiser, said he's honored to help the House meet its fundraising goals.

The show will feature entertainers performing hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s at Cathedral High School, 260 Surrey Rd., Springfield, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per person.

Other events include the Poker Run, which begins at Ride Starts at Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center, 299 Page Blvd., Springfield, at 9 a.m. Cost is $20 per rider or $10 for each passenger and includes lunch.

Those wishing to participate the tennis tournament on Sept. 26 may do so at the Enfield Tennis Club from 1 to 6 p.m. The event also includes a wine and beer tasting on Sept. 23 at Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke from 6 to 9 p.m.

For more information about the aforementioned events or to donate to the Cancer House of Hope, contact Gorski at 562-0110 or visit the non-profit's Web site, www.cancerhouseofhope.org.



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