$68K raised for Greene County cancer patients

COXSACKIE―The goal was to raise more than last year and that is exactly what the Greene County Women’s League Cancer Patient Aid (GCWL) did on Saturday at its third annual Cabin Fever event.

“Last year we raised a little over $67,000 and this year we raised a little over $68,000,” said explained Lisa Leone Beers, one of the co-chairs the fundraiser.

Held at The Wire in downtown Coxsackie, the benefit was a fun-filled afternoon of food, music, raffles, an auction and entertainment from the An Clár School of Irish Dance.

“Once again we had a full house with attendees. We had amazing support from our community,” Beers said.

The GCWL traces its roots to 1970 after one of its founding members was diagnosed with cancer and quickly found out how much it cost to treat the disease. Since then, the non-profit has been financially assisting anyone in Greene County who is battling cancer. They allow each patient $5,000 to pay for doctors, pharmacies, hospital bills, wigs, prosthetics, and other healthcare essentials.

More than 100 volunteer GCWL members work tirelessly throughout the year to raise the much-needed funds.

Currently, they are helping more than 50 patients.

“This number changes based on patients maxing out the $5,000 donation, getting better or, unfortunately, passing. Our mission is to give $5,000 over a three-year period to those that meet our criteria,” Beers noted.

During Saturday’s benefit, the GCWL gave flowers and a special shout-out to MaryAnn Kordich, one of their long-standing members who Beers said actually encouraged many more people to join the organization.

“Cabin Fever was her vision and for the last three years the volunteers have worked hard to make that happen,” Beers said.

More than 100 local businesses and organizations sponsored the fundraiser this year. James DiPerna volunteered as the official photographer and GCWL member Angela Lanuto worked her magic as auctioneer. DJ Jack Bogarski spun tunes, Kreations by Kamisha Rose made the room gorgeous and Howard’s Florist helped finish gift baskets.

“We also want to send a big shout to Aaron and Rebecca Flach for their support for our organization and allowing us to have our event at their beautiful facility,” said Beers, adding that the food, catered by The Wire, was “phenomenal.”

Several other fundraisers are planned this year, including the first GCWL golf outing on July 18 at the Rip Van Winkle Country Club and an August luncheon on August 13 at Anthony’s Banquet Hall.

Beers emphasized that without the support of a long list of businesses and people, the GCWL would not be able to accomplish their goal.

“We live in an amazing place with so many incredible individuals,” Beers said. “We already have people asking when it is next year and if they can donate to our event.”

More information about the GCWL can be found at greenecountywomensleague.com.