Fundraising Through Ice Skating

Hundreds of supporters showed up at the Port Washington Family Skating Center on Saturday evening to take part in a night of skating and fundraising for the Port Washington-Manhasset Chapter of CancerCare.

Residents skated the night away, bought donated baked goods and bid on auction items for CancerCare, a national non-profit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer.

Jamie Asuncion, one of the main event organizers and CancerCare board member, said the idea of having a skating party as a fundraiser was decided upon to allow people of all ages to participate. "It's a way that younger families and their kids could show support for CancerCare and all of the wonderful services it has available to people with cancer or affected by cancer," Asuncion said.

The fundraiser raised close to $2,000 with all of the money going to CancerCare's services which are provided free of charge. They include counseling, support groups, workshops, and financial help to anyone affected by cancer whether they are "people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones and the bereaved."

A lot of time and effort was put into setting up and running many aspects of the event. CancerCare board members Doree Sanger and Chrissy Shaub helped run the admissions, auction and bake sale with the help of many other volunteers and friends. Fourteen-year-old Emily Cioffi said she spent two days melting chocolate and making goods for the bake sale.

Kristen Bellini and her children, Michael and Jessica, came out to support CancerCare. "We were excited to get on the ice and were happy to come out to support the cause," Bellini said.

Nancy Pohoreckyj, who enjoyed the event with her husband and son, added, "I came out to support the cause and support my friend running the event."

Additional donations can be sent to Mrs. Carole Corbo at P.O. Box 611, Port Washington, NY 11050.