Press release:
The Pembroke Jr/Sr High School Girls’ Basketball Team will host its 11th annual Shooting For A Cure! event versus Oakfield-Alabama tonight at the high school located at the corner of Routes 5 and 77 (8750 Alleghany Road) in Pembroke, New York. The doors open at 5:00 PM, and admission is free. The JV game begins at 5:30, and varsity starts at 7:00. In addition to the many ways supporters may contribute during the event, the team is accepting donations online. This year, the team hopes to add to the more than $200,000 raised since the inaugural game in 2011. Because of unwavering local support, Shooting For A Cure! has become one of Roswell Park’s largest community-based fundraising events.
While fundraising is an important part of the event, it is not the primary focus. The 2011-2012 varsity team held their first Shooting For A Cure! to support Toni Funke, wife of Coach Ron Funke, and others affected by breast cancer. To honor additional survivors, current patients, and families of those who have battled cancer, the varsity halftime program recognizes people from all of these groups. It is a moving tribute to anyone who is fighting, has beaten, or has lost the battle against cancer. Anyone who would like to support the cause is encouraged to do so by coming to the event or by visiting the Shooting For A Cure! donation page here.
While the varsity roster changes from year to year, the event holds a special place in the hearts of every Shooting For A Cure! team. This year, team captain Allie Schwerthoffer stated, “My teammates and I are developing through this game and learning what it means to give back. Our goal is to raise as much money as we can for Roswell and cancer research, but this game has a much wider impact. Our team, and every other student who helps out, learn the importance of paying it forward, and we get so proud of the event before it is even over.”
Captain Sydney Johnson added, “Whenever I go to the game, it’s always an overwhelming feeling. When we can say, ‘We did that, we just helped someone who needed it the most,’ that’s probably my favorite part, knowing that this game is truly helping other people.”
On Friday, in addition to showing support through attendance, those wishing to contribute to the fundraiser will have several options, including buying raffle tickets and purchasing food and beverages. Burnin’ Barrel BBQ, Buttercrumbs Bakery, Homeslice 33 Pizzeria, and Tim Hortons will be providing concessions, and Hershey’s Ice cream and Original Pizza Logs will be sold as well.
The generous support of local benefactors has made the event possible. In addition to individual supporters, the 2021-2022 Shooting For A Cure! business and organization donor list includes 26Shirts, ACES Foundation, ADPRO Sports, Advance Auto Parts, Alleghany Services, Avalon Sports, Batavia’s Original, Bourbon & Burger, Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Sabres, Burnin’ Barrel BBQ, Buttercrumbs Bakery, C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Covered Wagon Promotions, Crickler Vending, Cross Training Athletics, Dave & Adam’s Card World, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Dollars for Scholars, Dry Creek Group, Eli Fish Brewing Company, Five Guys, Game of Throws, Genesee Feeds, Haun Welding Supply, Hershey’s Ice Cream, Homeslice 33 Pizzeria, Insty-Prints, Island’s Hawaiian Grill, Jessica Foos Photography, Jim’s Steakout, Knockaround Sunglasses, Linda’s Family Diner, M&T Bank, Main St. Pizza, Maurice’s, Michael Napoleone Foundation, Mighty Taco, Original Pizza Logs, Overhead Door of Batavia, Pembroke Youth Association, Pesci’s Pizza and Wings, Pizza 151, Pudgie’s, Rhino & Ace, Roman’s, Ron& Newt’s Sales & Service, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More, Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, Seaman’s Hardware, Settler’s, Sincerely Kayla Photography, Spa at Artemis, Subway, Target, Terry Hills, The YNGoddess Shop, Tim Hortons, Valle Jewelers, Valu Home Center, and YMCA of Batavia. Businesses or organizations wishing to donate to this year’s event should contact Mike Wilson by calling 716.949.0523.
For more information about Shooting For A Cure! please go to:
