Weekend of Waterfront Events will Benefit Kids with Cancer at Roswell Park

(BUFFALO, NY) Western New Yorkers will have two opportunities this August to visit Buffalo’s revamped waterfront while taking part in events that raise critically-needed funds for pediatric cancer research and patient support programs. Summer Splash, a brand-new cocktail party featuring food from some of Buffalo’s finest restaurants, will be held Friday, August 10. Carly’s Crossing, an open-water swim fundraiser, will be held Sunday, August 12. Both events will be held at Gallagher Beach, 1111 Fuhrmann Boulevard in Buffalo, and will raise funds for Carly’s Club for Kids & Cancer Research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Summer Splash will feature the theme “Step Into the Limelight,” and attendees are encouraged to wear chic summer attire in lime green. In addition to an open bar featuring signature cocktails, dance music courtesy of local artist DJ Johnny Fee and a variety of high-value raffle prizes from local vendors, representatives from Buffalo restaurants will be on-hand to serve light fare. Participating restaurants include: 31 Club, Bacchus, Encore, Marco’s Italian Restaurant, Papaya, Salsarita’s, Sinful, Snooty Fox, SoHo Burger Bar, and Tempo.  The event runs from 7 pm – 11 pm. Tickets are $75 and available for purchase online at www.SummerSplash2012.com.

The tenth anniversary Carly’s Crossing 2012 will give local swimmers the chance to take part in one of three open-water courses at Gallagher Beach: a 1-mile timed course and both 1-mile and 600-yard non-competitive courses. Registration opens at 7 am and the first heats depart at 7:45 am.  Swimmers older than 9 years old must raise a minimum of $100 in pledges to be donated to Carly’s Club, and swimmers 9 and under must raise $75.

Carly’s Crossing was founded in 2002 by Joe Zwierzchowski to honor the memory of his friend Carly Collard Cottone. Joe, his wife Kathy and a group of fellow swimmers were determined to complete a marathon swim that year – each participant taking turns swimming one mile at a time for a total of 26.2 miles. However, bad weather kept them from completing the swim. To honor the tenth anniversary of the event, this year Joe and his fellow swimmers will attempt to finish the marathon they started 10 years ago.

Those who choose not to swim may also fundraise as a “virtual swimmer,” volunteer at the event or attend the beachside party that will feature activities during and after the swim courses. The on-land party will feature live music, family-friendly games, food and an extensive basket raffle. Register, donate or learn more at www.CarlysCrossing.org. 

Funds raised through these events support pediatric cancer research at Roswell Park. Currently, Carly’s Club is funding research in the area of drug resistance and pediatric tumors, in which Roswell Park researchers have already made incredible discoveries. A portion of funds also helps provide Carly’s Club members and their families with emotional and psychosocial support through program events.  These events give members and their loved ones the chance to socialize and have fun with other families in a non-hospital setting. Programs include cooking classes, holiday parties, a trip to Buffalo Bills training camp, a sleepover at the Buffalo Zoo, a parents-only trip on the Moondance Catamaran on Lake Erie, bowling nights and much more.

Carly's Club for Kids & Cancer Research in WNY exists to offer support programs to make life more manageable for children diagnosed with cancer and their families, and to raise funds for pediatric cancer research seeking cures at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Currently, over 260 pediatric cancer patients and their families are served by Carly’s Club. Learn more at www.CarlysClub.org. 

The mission of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is to understand, prevent and cure cancer. Roswell Park, founded in 1898, was one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. The Institute is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit Roswell Park’s website at http://www.roswellpark.org, call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or email AskRoswell@Roswellpark.org.