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Genesee Cancer Assistance

Joe Gerace's Annual Spaghetti Dinner

By Robert Brown

Genesee Cancer Assistance will hold Joe Gerace's Annual Spaghetti Dinner at Ascension Parish Hall, 17 Sumner St., Batavia, NY on Saturday, April 24, 2021 3PM-6PM.

Drive Thru Only.

Dinners are $10 and include spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, and dessert. Funds raised assist cancer patients in Genesee County.

Complete details are available at www.geneseecancerassistance.org or by calling the GCA office (585-345-0417).

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Save the 'Headlights' motorcycle fun run is Saturday at Stan's -- wear something pink

By Billie Owens

This Saturday, Oct. 3, there will be a fun motorcycle ride for a good local cause -- raising money for Genesee Cancer Assistance and supporting breast cancer victims.

Cheekily called "Save the Headlights," it will be hosted at Stan's Harley Davidson in Batavia and the run is hosted by Genesee County NY ABATE.*

Registration is from 10 to 11:45 a.m. and kickstands go up at noon. Cost is $20 per rider and $10 per passenger.

There will be 50/50 raffles, basket raffles, door prizes and special item raffles, plus food trucks and more.

Don't forget to wear pink to show your support!

Stan's is located at 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia.

For more information visit their Facebook page, or email:   abategenesee@gmail.com

*ABATE stands for "American Bikers Aimed Toward Education." The nonprofit organization with chapters nationwide is dedicated to the freedom of the road -- preserving motorcyclists' rights, promoting safe operating practices, and raising motorists' awareness of motorcycles they share the roadway with.

Genesee Cancer Assistance Takeout Chicken BBQ at Acsension Parish Hall, drive-thru available

By Robert Brown

Genesee Cancer Assistance will be holding a Chicken BBQ on Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 11:00 AM until Sold Out at the Ascension Parish Hall, 19 Sumner St., Batavia. All meals will be packaged to take home.  Drive-thru service available.  $12 includes chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, a roll, and a cookie from Deb's Bakery. All proceeds benefit cancer patients in Genesee County. Visit us at www.geneseecancerassistance.org.

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Batavia's Original Pizza for a Cause - To Benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance

By Lisa Ace

Batavia’s Original Pizza for a Cause
Join us Wednesday December 4th
Dine -in or take out

11am - 10pm

10% of your bill will be donated to Genesee Cancer Assistance.

Batavia's Original - 500 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020  •   (585) 343-3303

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Nearly $8.5K raised at Lei-Ti campground to benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and information:

This year the Lei-Ti Campground & Recreational Community's annual Labor Day Auction benefitted Genesee Cancer Assistance.

A total of $8,400 was raised and donated to the nonprofit Genesee Cancer Assistance Inc.

There were 110 gift cards donated by local businesses, and 239 baskets donated by campers. They also had eight large ticket items for the auction.

Lei-Ti is located at 9979 Francis Road in the Town of Bethany (its mailing address is in Batavia).

Walk of Hope to benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance is Aug. 3-4 at Le Roy HS

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Walk of Hope (formerly Relay for Life) is a 12-hour walk to raise money for Genesee Cancer Assistance in Batavia.

The event is held at the Le Roy High School track. Participants form teams of any size and come out for the day to walk the track.

One member from the team should be walking at all times. Teams set up tents along side the track where they can relax in between walking.

Each team should have a simple event day fundraiser ( water sale, cookie sale, jewelry sale, etc.).

There will be music, food and games all day and night.

Themed games and laps will happen every hour.

  • 12-hour Event: Aug. 3rd @ Noon - Aug. 4th @ Midnight
  • Registration $10 per person
  • Individual walkers and teams welcomed! 
  • Free T-shirt with preregistration 
  • 1st lap at the event with survivors 
  • 2nd lap joined by family and support people
  • Luminaries "in honor" or "in memory" of loved ones available for sale.
  • Food available, basket raffle, music and more! Bring the family!

Set up a tent for your team -- ask your friends, family or co-workers to help us raise money for cancer patients. All money raised stays local and will help residents of Genesee County.

Call the GCA office for more information (585) 345-0417.

Golf & Bocce Tournament to benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance is June 28

By Billie Owens

On Friday, June 28, Genesee Cancer Assistance will be hosting its 25th Annual Golf & Bocce Tournament at Batavia Country Club.

It is located at 7909 Batavia Byron Road. Golf registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and costs $100 per player. Bocce registration is $60 per player nd starts at 12 p.m. You can also register in advance; online at GeneseeCancerAssistance.org/golf, or call the office at (585) 345-0417.

Golf and Bocce teams will compete for a variety of prizes and awards. A steak dinner and raffles, including a “Dine & Sail” silent auction, will follow the games.

Sponsors are welcome. Seven sponsorship levels with various perks are available. Contact GCA for information.

All proceeds will benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance.

This year's honorary chair person is Bobby Aquino, who has been a dedicated volunteer for GCA since its founding. He has been—and continues to be—an invaluable asset to the GCA team and the patients they serve.

Aquino is an integral contributor to events preparation and setup—always ready to roll up his sleeves and do whatever is needed. Genesee Cancer Assistance is also exceedingly grateful for Aquino's generous financial support.

Genesee Cancer Assistance, cofounded in 1993 by Dorothy Schlaggel and Russ Romano, is a community-based, volunteer organization through which cancer patients and their families living in Genesee County have access to financial aid and a variety of support services.

Since its founding, Genesee Cancer Assistance has been fortunate to aid thousands of individuals; hundreds of patients each year.

For more information:

Genesee Cancer Assistance

127 North St., Batavia, NY 14020

(585) 345-0417

GeneseeCancerAssistance.org

Joe Gerace's Annual Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance is April 11

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Please join Genesee Cancer Assistance on Thursday, April 11th, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Ascension Parish Hall (17 Sumner St., Batavia) for Joe Gerace's Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Dine in or take out. Dinners are $10 for adults, and $7 for children ages 5 through 12 years. Dinners for children under 5 years old are free. As in years past, complementary dinners will be available to any veteran or active duty military. There will be ample parking, and the facility is handicap accessible.

The dinner will include various raffles: a 50/50 raffle, $100 money tree, wine & chocolate baskets, and more! Winners do not need to be present.

All proceeds will benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance. 

Genesee Cancer Assistance, cofounded in 1995 by Dorothy Schlaggel and Russ Romano, is a community-based, volunteer organization through which cancer patients and their families living in Genesee County have access to financial aid and a variety of support services. Since its founding, Genesee Cancer Assistance has been fortunate to assist thousands of individuals; hundreds each year.

A lifelong Batavia resident, and one of the original members to sit on GCA's board of directors, Joe Gerace was passionately committed to helping people afflicted with cancer. He is the originator of the Simply Beautiful program and the Spaghetti Dinner that is held in his honor each year. Joe gave selflessly to the mission of Genesee Cancer Assistance until he lost his own courageous battle with cancer on Nov. 17, 2016.

Call the GCA office for more information, or to purchase your tickets in advance: (585) 345-0417.

Genesee Cancer Assistance welcomes new marketing coordinator

By Billie Owens
From left, Sue Underwood, Teresa Potrzebowski, Joe Zoccali.

 

Submitted photo and press release:

Genesee Cancer Assistance is proud to welcome Joe Zoccali as the organization's new marketing coordinator. In an effort to assist more individuals battling cancer, the GCA team is revitalizing its branding and marketing approach, and anticipates significant outreach growth as a result.

Zoccali brings 30-plus years of graphic design and marketing experience to Genesee Cancer Assistance. His start in the sign trade as an apprentice has provided opportunities over the years for him to expand into related areas of a commercial art career, including copy layout/sign design consulting, copywriting, print and digital advertising, website design, and marketing.

As marketing coordinator for Genesee Cancer Assistance, Zoccali is looking forward to employing his experience and talents in the interest of helping others.

Genesee Cancer Assistance, cofounded in 1995 by Dorothy Schlaggel and Russ Romano, is a community-based, volunteer organization through which cancer patients and their families living in Genesee County have access to financial aid and a variety of support services. Since its founding, Genesee Cancer Assistance has been fortunate to assist thousands of individuals; hundreds each year.

To learn more about the services offered, or to get involved, join GCA at their upcoming fundraiser: Joe Gerace's Annual Spaghetti Dinner at 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 11. It will be held at Ascension Parish's Sacred Heart Social Center, located at 17 Sumner Place, Batavia. Tickets for the dinner are $10 for adults and $7 for children; eat in or take out.

To find out about GCA online visit GeneseeCancerAssistance.com.

Supper at Settler's to benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance

By Robert Brown

Come dine at Settler's Restaurant, 353 West Main St. in Batavia, NY from 4pm to 9pm and 20% of your pretax sales goes directly to Genesee Cancer Assistance to help cancer patients in Genesee County.

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Photos: Genesee Cancer Assistance Annual Golf and Bocce Tournament

By Steve Ognibene

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Batavia Country Club was filled with players in the annual fundraiser for Genesee Cancer Assistance yesterday afternoon (6-29). Many golf and bocce teams helped support the event to raise funds for charity.

The sponsors, volunteers and door prize donors from local and regional area businesses were a huge part of the success. 

This year’s honorary chairpersons were Deb and Dan Fischer, who are pictured below with Sue Underwood, executive director of the local charity.

Genesee County’s local radio station WBTA (FM 100.1 / AM 1490) in Batavia is co-owned by the Fischers, who are actively involved in the community and longtime supporters of Genesee Cancer Assistance.

The couple serves on many organizational club boards and committees and co-chair the annual bocce tournament. 

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Supporting the event helps offset expenses for cancer patients in Genesee County such as prescriptions and medical co-payments. Other services available to cancer patients who apply for assistance include a support group, and the Simply Beautiful wig and makeup program.

Team Winners:

Bocce – Sue Schuler, Katie Neff, Susie Ott and Scott Neff (pictured below)

Women’s score of 70 – Wendy Danisewski, Patti Darch, Brenda Galliford, Pat O’Brien

Men’s score of 61 – Jesse Meyer, Tyler Durkin, Tarek Jaboli, Joe Rosati

Mixed score of 74 – Willis Litter, Matthew Delre, Vincent Strollo, Carol Grasso

To make a donation or learn more about the program go to: geneseecancerassistance.com or call (585) 345-0417.

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Genesee Cancer Assistance Pearly Fundraiser

By Lisa Ace


Event Title:  Genesee Cancer Assistance Pearly Fundraiser

The girls at Peek-A-Boo Pearls are hosting a Facebook Live Party on Friday, May 4, 2018 6:30PM-10:30PM to raise funds for Genesee Cancer Assistance.

Participants will have their oysters opened to reveal beautiful Akoya pearls in a rainbow of colors as they watch live on Facebook!  Guests can select a cage to keep their new treasure safe then add it to their choice of necklaces, rings, bracelets, and more!  Sterling silver mounted pieces will also be available for their pearly pleasure.

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Strike Out Cancer event gives back to Genesee Cancer Assistance

By Steve Ognibene

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The Batavia High School Varsity Softball Team is pictured above donating a check of $1,000 to board members of Genesee Cancer Assistance.

The team raised $3,000 during a Bat-a-thon fundraising event called "Strike Out Cancer" on March 24th at Batavia High School. It was a priority this season as a way to contribute to a local charity.

"This was something our team and program wanted to do to make a difference in our community," said first-year Coach Jim Fazio. "Our girls went above and beyond in all of our fundraising efforts and this seemed like a perfect place to show our support."

Head Coach Jim Fazio presents the check to Board Member Nickie Fazio, who coordinates the Simply Beautiful program, and office manager Teresa Potrzebowski​ of Genesee Cancer Assistance.

Genesee Cancer Assistance to hold Annual Spaghetti Dinner April 19 in memory of Joe Gerace at Ascension Parish

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Cancer Assistance will hold its Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Thursday, April 19, in memory of Joe Gerace, an incredible, dedicated volunteer to the organization for more than 22 years.

This year's event will be held in Batavia from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ascension Parish Hall on 17 Sumner St.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children and are available at the door or pre-sale from any board member. Takeouts available.

You can also call or stop by the GCA Office to purchase tickets, now located at UMMC hospital, 127 North St, Batavia.

Again this year, there will be raffles on site throughout the night including baskets of wine and chocolate along with a “Money Tree” valued at $100.

Genesee Cancer Assistance Inc. was founded in 1995 and is a community-based, nonprofit organization committed to providing financial assistance and free services to cancer patients in Genesee County.  In its 23 years of continuous service to our community, GCA has given over a half million dollars to more than 200 patients.

GCA depends on successful fundraisers. All money raised stays in Genesee County. Genesee Cancer Assistance reaches out to the community for help through local support, monetary donations, memorials, and volunteers.

This year each cancer patient receives $600 of financial assistance to help lessen the burden that comes with a cancer diagnosis.

For more information about this event, future events, and our organization, please visit us online at www.geneseecancerassistance.com

Batavia PD raises nearly $2K for charities in November and December

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

The Batavia Police Department has closed out the Mo-Vember / Don’t Shave December campaigns for 2017. The department was able to raise $1,320 for Genesee Cancer Assistance during Mo-Vember.

Don’t Shave December raised more than $600 for Genesee County Sheriff’s Jail Deputy Nicholas Bender and his family. Members of the department would like to thank the community for their support and donations.

The Mo-Vember Worldwide Campaign started in 2003 in Australia and has since grown. Mo-vember was started to bring awareness to men’s health; specifically, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

Submitted photo: Sue Underwood, director of Genesee Cancer Assistance, receives a donation check from Officer Frank Klimjack. Also pictured, Sgt. Chris Camp, Officer Jason Davis, Chief Shawn Heubusch, and Officer James Prusak.

Photos: Barn dance and dinner at Bontrager's

By Howard B. Owens

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Bontrager Auction Center hosted its fifth old-fashioned barn dance and dinner last night with proceeds benefiting Genesee Cancer Assistance.

Top photo: Organizers Bob Stocking, Verna Oehler, Penny Arnold, Jackie Johnson and Julie Tybor.

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