1st Annual ‘Fight Cancer with Amore!’
This event was a raving success raising over $4,000! About 2 months ago, Robert Amore of Amore Clothing recognized Janine Cammarata at a soccer game where both their children were playing. Rob and Janine had gone to The College of Saint Rose together. Robert was very touched by Janine’s story about Nick and wanted to take immediate action. Rob spread the word around the downtown Albany community who generously donated over $15 raffle items, plus three very special silent auction items. Rob’s business donated a custom made Italian suit, valued at $550 which was won by Dr. Alex Marsal. Martin, Harding & Mazzotti donated a $1,200 ski package from High Adventure Ski & Bike Shop in Latham and Kristen De Salvatore won that great prize. She also took some great photos of the night. 74 State Street Hotel had a special silent auction. They auctioned off a one night stay for two including breakfast and dinner. If we were able to attain a $350 bid then they would donate a second room with breakfast and dinner to a pediatric cancer family to help alleviate the stress of dealing with a child with cancer. We are so happy to say that Mark L Spiridigloizzi generously met that bid and so we’ll also be helping a family. Mike Ladd gave up his raffles to be donated to local families too so we thank you!
 
Thank you to Dave Mahoney, winner of this year’s Leukemia & Lymphoma’s Man of the Year Award for decorating the place with red and black balloons, Alicia Stickle of ASMP Events for assisting with raffle sales, Matt Baumgartner of Wolff’s Biergarten for opening his doors to us, as well as donating the food and drinks, and Benita Zahn for taking the time to interview Janine Cammarata and build awareness about blood cancers and how we can make a difference. Special thanks to Robert Amore for taking action and making this cause his own.
A Sincere Thanks to our Sponsors!:
Raffle Winners
$50 GC to Bomber’s—Mike Ladd
2 sets of tickets to Capital Rep—Mike Ladd
1 Hour Massage—Mary Kurzon
$200 GC to Lia Auto Group—Mike Ladd
$100 GC to TD Bank—Leigh Mountain
1 year Gold’s Gym membership—V. Roth
Taste of Albany—3 GC’s to Blue 82, Pizzeria Sapienza, & Miranda’s Deli—Pat
2-$100 GC to Envy Lounge—G. Dawg
2-$50 GC to Paul Truman Jeweler—Christine
$50 GC to Yono’s/DP—Tara O’Keefe
$50 GC to Savannah’s—N. Buzzelli
$100 GC to 677 Prime—Christine
GC to Café Capriccio—Josh P.
Men’s Barber shop-Joe Murdick
$50 GC to Wolff’s Biergarten—Mary Kurzon
Getaway Restaurant Fundraiser!
Henniger Family Kevin enjoying ice cream Stephen w/ soccer teammates
The Getaway Restaurant sponsored a fundraiser for two days and donated $80 based on customers coming in to support Nick’s Foundation. Special thanks to Tom Alverson for supporting us.
U12 Crusaders Girls' Soccer Team!
The Clifton Park U12 Crusaders Girls’ Soccer Team held a special game at the Halfmoon Sportsplex to honor Nick. They all purchased the red soccer shirts and wore them with a special soccer patch on the arm. After winning an awesome game, they presented Nick’s family with a soccer ball signed by all the girls and their coaches. Special thanks to Joe Kohler for organizing this event that not only raised money for the foundation, but honored Nick in a very special way.
Used Book Sale!!!
This was held for two days at the Orenda Cafeteria and lots of books were provided to the community. The foundation raised over $1,500 selling books, merchandise and baked goods. Special thanks to Mike Smith and Lori Hughes for providing the location, Julie Guzi for organizing the event, Sandy Graves for running the bake sale and the numerous volunteers who helped set up all the books, work during the event and then pack up the rest of the books. We appreciate all your efforts!
Congratulations to Shelly Zhang!
Southern Saratoga YMCA had their team banquet and named Shelly Zhang, a 12 year old swimmer as the recipient of the Nick Cammarata Courage Award. Nick was an avid swimmer for the team and Shelly is the second winner. Emma Rupert won last year.
The Nick Cammarata Courage Award is given to the swimmer with the most hear. Although she may not always be the fastest swimmer, she maintains a positive attitude both on and off the deck, enthusiastically supports her teammates, thoroughly enjoys being in the water, and consistently strives to swim their best. Win or lose, this individual demonstrates good sportsmanship, team spirit, camaraderie, and dedication to the sport of swimming.
Lucas Cammarata was there to congratulate Shelly and speak about the foundation.
Guitar Hero Tournament a Rocking Success!
     
On Friday, February 26 over 300 people, mainly students, attended our first Guitar Hero Tournament. 67 competitors entered the tournament and over $3,000 was raised that evening. But even more important was the fact that many students came together over a common cause and to remember their friend, Nick Cammarata, who passed away on October 26, 2008. One of Nick's friends thanked Nick's mom, Janine Cammarata, for having this great event and hoped that she would have it again next year.
        
The overall tournament winner was Anthony Segreto and George Karathomas earned a close 2nd place. Anthony won an electric guitar donated by Hermie's and George won a free guitar lesson and one month free guitar rental from Kniskern Music House. Bobby Lemon won a Guitar Hero 5 Bundle for earning the highest score at 129,034. To check out all the scores, click here. Derek Schuster won best costume and Justin May won best guitar performance. This foundation really wants to get young adults involved so feel free to check out our fanpage on Facebook at Nick's Fight to be Healed Foundation and become a fan. There are photos from the event and videos on the way.
        
Congratulations to all the Raffle Winners!
Lesson donated by Rick Roseoff Sean Tozier
Jiminy Peak Tickets donated by Clear Channel Pasqual Family
Lessons donated by Jon Tario Stephen Karathomas
Lesson donated by Nancy McClain The Desalvatores
Lesson donated by Jess Marchillo Martha Landon
Lessons donated by Josh Rodrguez Kaitlyn Tepper
Lesson donated by Patti Fusco The Desalvatores
Guitar donated by Connor Williams Anthony Stalter
Candy Basket donated by Park Ave. Confectionary April Brun
     
 
Special Thanks to our Sponsors!
9th Grade Class Counsel, Respect Club,
Breakfast Club, Environment Club,
Gowana Student Council, along with
in Saratoga Springs
Raffles provided by:
  
  
Nick's Foundation Donates $25,000!!!!
  
On December 16, Nick's Fight to be Healed Foundation, Inc. presented a gift of $25,000 to representatives from the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders toward an endowment to support the unit's child life specialist fund. Janine and Lucas, along with several board members met at the newly named Melodies Center at Albany Med to make the big announcement. The foundation has been in existence for less than a year and thanks to all of our generous donors, fantastic volunteers, and inspiring board, we have managed to raise over $30,000! Nick would be so proud!
This donation will go toward an endowment that we hope to help grow to $50,000 before the end of 2010. One of our goals is to be able to support the current child life specialist's position (which is only paid for through donations) and also implement a second specialist who would be able to assist the growing young adult blood cancer population.
Please let us know if you or your company is interested in supporting this worthy foundation that not only keeps Nick's spirit alive, but also builds awareness about the devastating effects of Leukemia, and supports programs that "Heal Kids by Having Fun!"
Keep us in mind if you need to make a tax deductible donation before the end of the year. Click on 'Donate Now.' We thank you again for your support!
Nick's Fight to be Healed Foundation continues Catiebug 5K tradition!
Now called Catiebug Fight to be Healed 5K Run
  
Many of you may have seen the article in the Community News today on Larry Hoch and Gina Peca ending their fundraising efforts. First of all Larry is doing great and their strength and love humbles me.
This family has gone through so much with the loss of their daughter, Catie, and have given so much to the cancer community. They personally helped us financially and emotionally during and after Nick's treatment.
Gina had asked if we would like to take on this tradition and I immediately said yes. First of all how could I let such a wonderful event for the community end? Second, Gina and Larry have given so much that it's time for us to give back to them. Gina was relieved that we would do this. Even with all that she has to handle she still looks out for others.
We are working toward the same goal--healing kids with cancer.
This year we will work side by side with the CatieHoch Foundation and next year our foundation will take it over. We will keep name recognition, but perhaps add to it. Catiebug Fight to be Healed 5K? It will be at the same time, same place and we hope to have the same volunteers help us and to keep the same runners and build it up from there.
So thank you Gina and Larry for all you have done. Our prayers are always with you and we know that you will be well.
Please go to this link for the full story http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=20359408&brd=1668&pag=461&dept_id=7135
2nd Annual Fight to be Healed Soccer Clinic brings a community together to raise $4,000!
 
  
About 130 4-14 year olds came to the Sportsplex of Halfmoon for skills training by Clifton Park soccer coaches. From 6-7pm 4-6 year olds were upstairs in the small field and the7-10 years olds were down on the main fields. The 10-14 year olds took over from 7-8pm and they enjoyed excellent coaching and had a great time scrimmaging. Miles Joseph of Players Soccer Academy and NY Elite joined in the scrimmage with Nick’s dad, Lucas. Nick’s brother, Stephen, also played in that game with his cousin Marisa who came up to the event with some of her teammates from Greenville’s Modified soccer team. Also present were Alysia and Justine some more cousins who play on the Coxsackie soccer team. Everyone enjoyed it and the best part was that the kids received something for giving to a great cause. As one child said, “It was nice to do something good and have fun doing it.”
  
Kyle Landis of Clifton Park, was the winner of an autographed jersey signed by New York Red Bulls player Juan Pablo Angel. Kyle plays on Stephens U12A Cobra team.
Charlie Bartoletti was the winner of a $50 GC to Soccer Unlimited and John DiPreta won a week long Players Soccer Camp valued at $130!
Thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and coaches who donated their time:
Players Soccer Academy, NY Elite, Soccer Unlimited, Screen Designs, Sportsplex of Halfmoon and Clifton Park Soccer Club.
If anyone would still like a red soccer t-shirt, they are available at Soccer Unlimited on Rte. 9 in Clifton Park.
  
Nick's Ride to be Healed—1 st Annual motorcycle Ride & Barbecue raises $4000!!
  
The rain couldn't stop 19 motorcycle riders and passengers from cruising through the Catskill Mountains in honor of Nick this past Saturday, September 12. The event began at Lynch's Pot of Gold in Acra , NY and traversed through the scenic Catskill Mountains , past waterfalls and beautiful landscapes. The rain held out most of the 104 miles and when we were high up on the mountain the sun burst through the clouds to momentarily warm us. The ride ended back at the Pot of Gold where everyone enjoyed a delicious chicken barbecue and music by the rocking band Hollywood Drive .
Special Thanks to
Lynch's Pot of Gold & Scott & Kris Anne Young
Ralph Borwegen
De Tillio, Thomas, & Albin family
Carla Panzarino, Maria Jennings and family
All the riders who dealt with the rain to ride for a good cause!
  
Businesses/friends who donated toward the raffles:
Lafarge North America
Tony Fortney—Wildbillsbikergear.com
Matt's Honda
Walenta & Clark Insurance Agency
Baumann's Brookside/Baumann's Septic
Upper Hudson River Railroad
Adirondack Mechanical
Tru Arc Fabrication
Owen Corp.
Tracey Welding
Hollywood Drive
Motion Industry
Slater's Great American, Cairo
Dunkin Donuts,
TGI Fridays Fundraiser-a tasteful
success raises $6,500!
On August 26, 2009 we held a fundraiser at three local TGI Fridays— Albany , Clifton Park & Saratoga. TGI Fridays pledged to donate $5 of every $20 spent in their restaurants that evening. Lines were out the door in Albany , Saratoga was busy with the track customers and Clifton Park kept a steady line of patrons all night. TGI Fridays raised approximately $3,500 for Albany Med's Oncology & Hematology's Child Life Specialist position and our foundation raised $3,000 from raffle sales. It was a tremendous effort with lots of help from all three communities.
There was a friendly competition amongst the three restaurants on who could raise the most. Albany and Saratoga were neck in neck and really everyone is a winner for doing such a great job! We would like to thank the following people and business for their support:
Waitstaff & employees at all three TGI Fridays—
Kevin Goggins—General Manager, TGI Fridays, as well as each manager from the restaurant
All the volunteers who helped at each location
Krenzer, Kaminsky, and Romano families for coming to each restaurant and raising awareness for children with cancer. Kassidy Krenzer, Jacob Kaminsky, and Luke Romano are super young adults who are successfully battling cancer and along with their families took the time to support this event. You are all courageous warriors!
Albany Medical Center Oncology & Hematology Staff, along with Rob Saba, Albany Med Foundation for volunteering your time and advertising the event.
Businesses/friends who donated toward the raffles:
Drue Sanders
Jack & Janet Joyce
Joyce Gillespie
Angela Chieco
Martha Landon & Family
Dan Pickett--Nfrastructure of Halfmoon
TGI Fridays-GC at each location
Ten Thousand Villages
Pottery Place
Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza
Crabtree & Evelyn
Jean Paul Salon
Namia Dasa Hair Salon
Casual Set
Hoff Jewelers
Gold Gym-Clifton Park
East Line books
Mocha Lisa's
Hannoush Jewelers-Clifton Park
EMS— Saratoga
Border's
Celtic Treasures-Saratoga
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