Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Father David Ambuske

The Camp Good Days and Special Times’ family lost a very dear and special friend today – Father David Ambuske – who has been a part of our family and my life since my daughter Teddi’s diagnosis with a malignant brain tumor 33 years ago.



No family is ever prepared to deal with the loss of a child, but when Teddi, as most nine-year-olds would do, started talking about and asking questions about what heaven was like and what was it like to die, it was a little beyond my abilities to answer those questions. At the time, David was the Executive Director of the Monroe County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and was an advocate for children in Family Court and knew my first wife. She thought that he would be the perfect person to talk with Teddi and to his credit he took the time out of his busy schedule a few times a week to come over to our house and help her deal with those difficult questions regarding faith.



I liked David from the moment I met him. He was ordained as a Catholic Priest and also had his MSW from Fordham University. He left the priesthood, but when he realized how much he missed that special calling he became an Anglican Priest and opened a small church in Webster, but his job and passion were always young people.



After spending time with Father Dave, Teddi decided that she wanted to be baptized and Father Dave baptized her. When Teddi died in February 1982, which was a very difficult year, Father Dave officiated at her funeral. That summer, of the original 63 campers, 28 had lost their battle to cancer, including Teddi. At that time, we had no offices, we had no staff members – everyone was a volunteer - and we were still utilizing Camp Eagle Cove, a private boys and girls camp, in Inlet, New York in the central part of the Adirondack Mountains. When we arrived for the start of camp that summer, there was a big cloud that hung over all of us, as volunteers were looking for the campers they had befriended previously, only to find out that they had lost their battle with cancer, and our campers from Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse were looking for the friends they had made, only to find out that they had lost their battle with cancer.



One of the young ladies who was volunteering that summer at camp came up to me and said, Mr. Mervis we need to do something, we can’t pretend that these children didn’t exist. I told her that she didn’t need to tell me, as one of those children was Teddi. When I asked what she thought we should do, she said we should have a memorial service. Again, this was a little bit beyond my capabilities, so I called Father Dave who was in Downtown Rochester and told him I needed a favor. I explained what was happening and again to his credit he left work, got in his car, and drove all the way to Camp Eagle Cove. When he arrived, we gathered everyone together and had a memorial service. As soon as Father Dave completed the service it was as if everyone felt they had been granted permission to have fun and enjoy the good days and special times that we had planned for them.



This service became a tradition and a part of our culture here at Camp Good Days and to this day, on the opening evening of each session of camp, we hold an optional memorial service at the beautiful and peaceful Outdoor Chapel at our own Recreational Facility on Keuka Lake. Father Dave never let us down, continuing to conduct these services each week, throughout the summer.



Over the years, I have watched this kind, gentle, and caring man officiate at the funerals of our campers and volunteers and seen him marry volunteers, baptize children of volunteers, and provide the blessing and invocation at so many Camp Good Days’ functions and special events. Father Dave married my children, baptized my grandchildren, and even married my current wife, Wendy and I some 16 years ago.



Over the years, Camp Good Days has served more than 43,000 campers from 22 states and 27 foreign countries and Father Dave was the spiritual advisor to Camp Good Days. We never could have become the organization that we are today if it were not for his willingness to always be there, sharing his skills as a clergyman and social worker.



The loss of Father Dave will be a huge void, one that will be very difficult, if not impossible to fill. I am so deeply saddened and my heart is broken, especially as it is so close to Christmas, but I take comfort in knowing that the memories I have of David and the example he always set of kindness and compassion will remain with me forever. Father Dave walked the walk and he did God’s work here on earth. All of us whose lives he touched will be forever grateful for having had the blessing of knowing him.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Update & Happy Holidays!

I apologize for the delay in updating my blog, but it has been quite hectic here at Camp Good Days the past few weeks!



At the beginning of this month, we marked the one year anniversary of announcing and launching CANCER MISSION 2020…THE END OF CANCER BY THE END OF THE DECADE. We have worked very hard over the past year to move this initiative forward and we have made some real progress. We now have a one-year report compiled, which has been shared with all those who have joined us in this effort through signing the CANCER MISSION 2020 Petition and / or attending one of the three Congressional District Cancer Summits that we held in August. In order to obtain a copy of this report, we only ask that you visit www.cancermission2020.com and join us by signing the CANCER MISSION 2020 Petition.



As I have shared with all of you, CANCER MISSION 2020 is being built upon three key components – INFORMATION – CALL TO ACTION – ACCOUNTABILITY – and we will continue with the Information and Call to Action components during 2012. We met in early November with representatives from Congressman Tom Reed’s Office, Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle’s Office, Congressman Richard Hanna’s Office and Congresswoman Kathy Hochul’s Office, as a follow-up to the CANCER MISSION 2020 Congressional District Cancer Summits and to review the valuable input that came out of the Cancer Summits and determine which recommendations we would move forward with as legislative items that will be introduced into Congress. Congressman Reed and his staff are currently working on drafting the legislation, as a direct result of the Cancer Summits, which will be reviewed by and co-sponsored by Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, Congressman Richard Hanna and Congresswoman Kathy Hochul and introduced into Congress, hopefully by Valentine’s Day.



One of the good things that has come out of CANCER MISSION 2020 is that representatives from both sides of the aisle – Republican, Democrat, Conservative, Liberal, new and seasoned veterans have all come together, showing that our government can work in a non-partisan way and that some issues, like cancer, have no room for partisan politics. We will be sure to keep everyone informed about the introduction of this important legislation as we move forward.



We are also in the process of making some changes and updates to the CANCER MISSION 2020 website, www.cancermission2020.com, so be sure to keep coming back and checking it out and sharing it with those you know.



It is amazing to think that we are less than two weeks away from Christmas and the end of our Annual Joe Benet Memorial Kazoo Fest. But there is still time for you to stop by and visit one of our Kazoo Fest locations at the mall entrance to JC Penney at Marketplace Mall, Greece Ridge Center Mall, and Eastview Mall, as well as at the Walden Galleria Mall in Buffalo, Carousel Center Mall in Syracuse, and The Shops at Ithaca. You can pick up some last minute gifts and stocking stuffers, get some information about our programs and services and volunteer opportunities, and know that you are helping to provide some good days and special times to the children and families at Camp Good Days.



In the Rochester area, we will once again Kazoo in the New Year as part of the City of Rochester’s New Year’s Celebrations at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center and at the Rochester RazorSharks Basketball Game at the Blue Cross Arena. If you would like to Kazoo in the New Year with us, please contact us at 585-624-5555.



Last Tuesday evening we hosted the Holiday Night to Remember, here in the Mendon Office, which was created in 2007 and is an opportunity for a small group of campers, families and special friends who have been facing an extraordinarily difficult time over the past year to come together and have an evening that celebrates them and the holiday season and helps to generate some beautiful memories. The Holiday Night to Remember also provides the staff members at Camp Good Days a unique and more personal way to help make the Holiday Season a little bit more special for these families. Everyone has the chance to take a moment away from the hustle and bustle and truly appreciate what the holiday season is all about. Everyone had a wonderful evening together and we want to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the employees who work in distribution and logistics at Wal-Mart in Marcy, New York, as they not only provide all the gifts for the children and family members but also join us for the evening, helping to serve dinner.



We had our last Project Exile Advisory Board Meeting of 2011 last Thursday and I was pleased to be able to present a plaque of recognition and appreciation to Mike Green who is the out-going Monroe County District Attorney and current nominee for US District Court Judge and to Doug Randall, former Assistant District Attorney and recently elected Monroe County Court Judge. Both Mike and Doug have been ardent supporters of and key partners with Project Exile and Project T.I.P.S. They will both be missed as part of the Project Exile Advisory Board but we all wish them the very best and know they will be successful in their new positions and will continue to make a difference in our community.



Yesterday afternoon we had a Board of Director’s Meeting. It was nice to see some of the Board Members during this Holiday Season and we look forward to a productive and active Board of Directors in the coming year.



As many of you know, my other love is serving as an Assistant Coach with the St. John Fisher College Football Team. This was one of those rare years where we as coaches take a step back and let the kids have a good time and play the game. I don’t think that any of us thought that we would be playing December football, in the Division III Playoffs, when we started camp back in August. It has been great to see this team make it all the way to the Elite Eight, out of 238 Division III football teams. Our magical season came to an end with a loss to the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. For those interested, the Division III Championship Game will be played this Saturday and will feature the same two teams that have competed in the Stagg Bowl for a number of years.



As this year comes to a close and we look forward to 2012, please take a few moments to be thankful for the many blessings in your life, and remember the children and families at Camp Good Days. If you have had a prosperous year, please consider a donation to Camp Good Days as you make your year-end gifts. It is only through the generosity of so many that we are able to continue providing our programs and services free of charge for the many children and families whose lives have been touched by cancer.



I would also ask that you remember and give thanks for the many men and women in uniform who will not be able to spend the holidays with their families because they are helping to protect the freedom we hold so dear in this wonderful country of ours!



Wishing you all a beautiful and joyous Holiday Season and a New Year filled with good health, peace, happiness and much love!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Friday, November 18, 2011

It has been a few days since my last post and it’s scary to think that as I write this Thanksgiving is less than a week away!



We have definitely been blessed with some good weather for this time of year and I know my old body certainly appreciates it at football practice every day, although last night was chilly and the first snow of the season is on the ground! Fortunately, the St. John Fisher College Cardinals received one of only six at-large bids for the NCAA Division III Playoffs and we are excited to play the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays in the first round of playoffs this Saturday, November 19th at 12:00 Noon in Baltimore.



As many of you know, part of my job as an Assistant Football Coach at St. John Fisher College is to work with the kickers, punters, holders and snappers. So, with that in mind, Laura shared with me something from her friend, Brendan, who is the Special Teams Coordinator – Tight Ends at Northwestern State University of Louisiana – we liked it so much, that I shared it with the players at practice and I am sharing it with all of you…it’s a good little piece of advice…



In life, like football, sometimes you just have to punt. A job, a goal, a girl, a relationship, a friend, a dream, etc; sometimes it just isn't working and it comes time to punt...but life would be much easier if, like football, there was a scoreboard that told you the exact situation so it would be obvious whether or not it was time to punt...and while I am at it I would like 3 timeouts each half of life too!



I also serve as the Huddle Coach for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle at Fisher and we meet on Wednesday evenings, right after practice. Each semester I try to choose a book that we can read and discuss together, that demonstrates the role that faith plays in life and athletics. I could not have picked a better book this time – Coach Wooden: The 7 Principles That Shaped His Life and Will Change Yours - we finished the book on Wednesday night and everyone truly enjoyed it.



On Wednesday evening I also had the opportunity, as I do each fall, to attend the Teddi Committee’s Dance for Love Meeting at Fisher. The only tough part is that their meetings start at 9:30 PM…only on a college campus do meetings begin that late! It was great to see so many kids on the committee and their excitement and enthusiasm. This coming February 17 & 18, 2012 will be the 30th Annual Dance for Love at St. John Fisher College. The Dance for Love is a 24-hour dance marathon, held on campus from 8:00 PM – 8:00 PM. As Camp Good Days has just begun our 33rd year, the Dance for Love has been a part of our culture and family for nearly all of our history. The support from the students, alumni, faculty, staff and administration has been and continues to be amazing. I am so excited that Dr. Lou Buttino, Professor – Film Studies Department at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, who helped to start the Dance for Love when he was a professor at Fisher and is also the author of For the Love of Teddi: The Story Behind Camp Good Days and Special Times, will be returning to Rochester for the Dance for Love. We are also thrilled that Lou Gramm, of Foreigner fame, will serve as the Honorary Chairman. Lou is a very special person and someone who supported the Dance for Love early on and has always been supportive of the children and families at Camp Good Days. I am sure many more exciting details will be revealed in the weeks and months to come and for more information about the Dance for Love, check out http://home.sjfc.edu/teddi/.



Earlier this week I had the chance to meet an old friend for breakfast. I first met Mary-Beth Cooper when she was working at St. John Fisher College many years ago. Mary-Beth is now the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs at the Rochester Institute of Technology. It was great to catch up with her and we are exploring ways in which the student athletes at RIT can help to share the message and help generate additional awareness for CANCER MISSION 2020.



In regards to CANCER MISSION 2020, our one-year anniversary of launching this important initiative is just two weeks away and we are busy working with the Congressional Offices on drafting legislation as a result of the recommendations that came out of the Congressional District Cancer Summits, as well as finalizing a CANCER MISSION 2020 Report. To keep up-to-date on our progress, and to join us as we work to put an end to cancer by the end of the decade, please check out www.cancermission2020.com, sign the petition and share it with your network.



In other news, the dormitory building being constructed at the Recreational Facility is coming along great! It has been amazing to see this all come together so quickly and they are making great progress. I know it is going to mean a lot, to a lot of people, when we have the official ribbon cutting next spring.



We are also very busy putting the final details into place for the Annual Joe Benet Memorial Kazoo Fest, which begins next Friday, November 25, 2011. We will have Kazoo Fest tables set up in the Greater Rochester area at the mall entrance to JC Penney at Marketplace Mall, Greece Ridge Center Mall, and Eastview Mall, as well as at the Walden Galleria Mall in Buffalo, Carousel Center Mall in Syracuse, and The Shops at Ithaca. The Kazoo Fest goes through Friday, December 23, 2011 and the tables are open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and will be open Monday through Friday the week of December 19th. Please stop by and visit our Kazoo Fest locations – we have some great gifts and stocking stuffers; you can sign the CANCER MISSION 2020 Petition; as well as pick up some information about our programs, services, and volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are still needed at all locations, to help make this another successful Kazoo Fest! Volunteers can choose their preferred location, date and time to help out. Kazoo Fest volunteer shifts are only three or four hours so if you are looking to give back this Holiday Season, we are always looking for some good volunteers. You can get some of your shopping done before or after your shift and at the same time, you will know that you are helping us to provide some good days and special times for some very special children and families in our community! If you or someone you know is interested in helping out with this fun and important fundraising event, please contact your local Camp Good Days’ Office for more details (Rochester: 585-624-5555; Buffalo: 716-206-0709; Syracuse: 315-434-9477; Ithaca: 607-266-9180). The Kazoo Fest Volunteer Form can also be found on our website, www.campgooddays.org.



Today I am looking forward to meeting Doug Randall for lunch. Doug was recently elected to Monroe County Court Judge and I have had the chance to work with him through Project Exile and Project T.I.P.S. Doug has served as a representative for the Project Exile Advisory Board from the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, which has been a key partner in Project Exile since its implementation 13 years ago. Doug has also been a part of the many Project T.I.P.S. (Trust, Information, Programs & Services) events that we have held. Although we will miss him as part of the Project Exile Advisory Board, I am confident that his wealth of experience and his commitment to the community will ensure that he is a welcome addition to County Court.



This coming Monday, I am meeting with Sandra Doorley, who was just elected as Monroe County District Attorney. Sandra is the first female District Attorney in Monroe County history and she has also been an active partner with Project Exile, Project T.I.P.S., and a strong supporter of CANCER MISSION 2020. Sandra has big shoes to fill as District Attorney, but I am confident that she will continue the good work of her predecessor, Mike Green, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with Sandra and the men and women of the District Attorney’s Office, in our efforts to make our a community a safer one in which to live, work and raise a family.



There are many ways that you can stay up-to-date with all that is going on here at Camp Good Days. Check out our websites, www.campgooddays.org and www.cancermission2020.com; follow us on Twitter; become our fan on Facebook; and tune in to “Good Days and Special Times” our Radio Show which I co-host with NEWS10NBC Anchor, Rich Funke. The show airs the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM on WYSL NewsPower 1040AM and 92.1 FM. You can also get the podcast of the show at www.wysl1040.com.



As we approach this special time of year, I would like to thank all of you for all that you have done, in big ways and small ways, to help Camp Good Days accomplish all that we have for the children and families we serve. I wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving and a season filled with good health, peace, happiness and much love!


Monday, November 7, 2011

November 7, 2011

It is a new week and it’s going to be another busy one here at Camp Good Days. We had a lunch meeting this afternoon, with representatives from Congressman Tom Reed’s Office, Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle’s Office, Congressman Richard Hanna’s Office and Congresswoman Kathy Hochul’s Office, as a follow-up to the CANCER MISSION 2020 Congressional District Cancer Summits held this past August.



The goal of this meeting was to review the valuable input that came out of the Cancer Summits and determine which recommendations we would move forward with, in terms of making those recommendations legislative items that will be introduced into Congress, hopefully by the end of this calendar year. It was a very productive meeting and we have a lot to get done by the end of the year, but we are confident in our ability to continue moving forward with this important initiative.



PLEASE check out CANCER MISSION 2020, www.cancermission2020.com, sign the petition and join us in this important initiative. And please, share the site with your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, co-workers, etc. It is going to take all of us, together, to finally find the answers and put an end to cancer by the end of the decade!



I am sure that by now most of you have heard the news that the University of Rochester Yellowjackets have announced that they will play in Courage Bowl VIII in 2012, but will then no longer play the St. John Fisher College Cardinals. I will be meeting with the Athletic Director of the University of Rochester tomorrow afternoon, so that we can begin to put the plans into place for Courage Bowl VIII, which will be played on Saturday, September 15, 2012. We are also busy looking for another local team to play in this special game. I have had some great conversations with the Athletic Director at SUNY Brockport, and we hope to be able to have the Brockport Golden Eagles play the Fisher Cardinals in future Courage Bowl games.



This Thursday we have our monthly Project Exile Advisory Board Meeting at the Federal Building and everyone involved continues working to keep illegal guns off of the streets of our community and out of the hands of those who have lost their right to possess them.



Also on Thursday, Lisa Donato, Regional Director of our Buffalo Office will be recognized and honored as one of the Buffalo Business Journal’s 2011 40 Under Forty Award recipients. CONGRATULATIONS to Lisa for all that she does to help us provide some good days and special times for the many children and families we serve!



In other news, Laura was out of town last week so my schedule was a bit lighter than usual and I had the opportunity to head out to the Recreational Facility and see the progress that is being made on the new Dormitory Building. The building looks fantastic and is going to be beautiful. This new building will not only provide us with some much-needed, additional accommodations, particularly since we tore down the old motel building, but it is going to be very special, as it is being built in memory and honor of Lyle Corey. Lyle, as many of you know, was a very special friend to the children at Camp Good Days and a steadfast supporter of all that we do, especially the Kids Adjusting Through Support (KATS) Program. We want to thank LeChase Construction, where Lyle worked, for all of their help and support in making this project possible, as well as all of the individuals and companies that are donating so much of their time, talents and materials.



I recently received a letter from the American Camp Association (ACA) with the official scores from the re-accreditation we had this past summer. We have been so pleased to be an ACA Accredited Camp, as this is like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for the camping industry. Every three years we have to go through a re-accreditation process and our accreditation demonstrates and confirms that we are following the accepted standards of practices and policies to ensure the continued safety and security of our many, many campers, volunteers and staff. I am thrilled to report that we passed the re-accreditation with flying colors – receiving the highest possible scores.



Some final thoughts for this week…



The Fisher Cardinals took a tough loss this past weekend to Salisbury and we will play our final regular season game this coming Saturday at Hartwick College. Fingers are crossed for a victory to cap off the regular season and the opportunity to move on to some post-season play!



Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 8, 2011 is ELECTION DAY. Don’t forget to vote! It only takes a few minutes of your time and your vote is important.



I also encourage everyone to take a few moments this week, especially this Friday, November 11, 2011 to honor and remember all of our veterans who have served and all those men and women who continue to serve our country, putting their lives on the line everyday to ensure our continued safety and freedom.

Friday, October 28, 2011

October 28, 2011

It is hard to believe that we are heading into November already! But, with the chill in the air and snow flurries in the forecast it appears that we are definitely entering the winter season and the special time of year when we all can take some time to give thanks for our many blessings and think about those who are less fortunate and how we might be able to make a difference in their lives.



As many of you know, all of the programs and services we provide here at Camp Good Days, for so many children and families whose lives have been touched by cancer, are offered free of charge for the participants. This is because I made a promise 33 years ago when I started Camp Good Days, that no family would be faced with the decision between paying their bills on time and sending their loved one to Camp Good Days. However, the only way we are able to continue fulfilling this promise is because of the assistance of thousands of volunteers and the generous support of so many individuals, businesses and organizations and the success of our many special fundraising events and activities.



One of our largest fundraising activities is the Annual Joe Benet Memorial Kazoo Fest, which has become a long-standing holiday tradition, and was started more than 60 years ago by Joe Benet outside the Toy Department of the Sibley’s store on Main Street in downtown Rochester. Following Joe Benet’s death from cancer, his son, Bill, contacted me to see if the Kazoo Fest tradition could be continued, staffed by volunteers, with proceeds benefiting the programs and services at Camp Good Days. Since 1984, Camp Good Days, with help and support from various retail locations and thousands of volunteers, has continued the Kazoo Fest. The 2011 Kazoo Fest will kick off on Black Friday – November 25, 2011 – in the Greater Rochester area at the mall entrance to JC Penney at Marketplace Mall, Greece Ridge Center Mall, and Eastview Mall, as well as at the Walden Galleria Mall in Buffalo, Carousel Center Mall in Syracuse, and The Shops at Ithaca. Hundreds of volunteers are needed at all locations, to help make this another successful Kazoo Fest! If you or someone you know is interested in helping out with this fun and important fundraising event, please contact your local Camp Good Days’ Office for more details (Rochester: 585-624-5555; Buffalo: 716-206-0709; Syracuse: 315-434-9477; Ithaca: 607-266-9180). The Kazoo Fest Volunteer Form can also be found on our website, www.campgooddays.org.



In addition to the many events that Camp Good Days hosts, we oftentimes have groups that hold events to raise funds to support the children and families we serve. I recently had the pleasure of attending the Hockey Versus Cancer event, which was a fun evening with some great people. This afternoon, some of the organizers of that event, along with their children visited us here at the Camp Good Days’ Headquarters to present us with the proceeds from their event. We are so thankful to all those that helped to plan and coordinate the Hockey Versus Cancer event, and all those who attended. For more information about their program, check out www.hockeyvscancer.com.



There are so many ways that you and your family and friends can be involved with and support Camp Good Days and I encourage you to check out our website frequently, as well as our facebook page and to follow us on Twitter, so you can stay up-to-date with the many different activities, events, and volunteer opportunities that are available.



We also had a meeting of the Camp Good Days COURAGE BOWL Committee this afternoon, to review Courage Bowl VII, which was played on September 17, 2011 and to begin to lay the groundwork for Courage Bowl VIII in September 2012. Although there have been some rumblings about the future of the Courage Bowl and who will be participating, I can assure all of you that there will be a Courage Bowl VIII in 2012! We will be sharing plans and details about the Courage Bowl, as they are made and become available, so stay tuned! And let us never forget that the Courage Bowl was established to be more than just a football game – it is an opportunity for some very special children who are dealing with cancer to have the chance to be a part of college football team or cheerleading squad and to create some outstanding memories from that experience.



Another of our major fundraising events, and the largest in the Greater Rochester area, is the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and Auction Dinner. The Committee for this enormous event will be meeting next Tuesday evening to start to put together all of the details for both the 12th Annual Wine Competition, which will be held March 24-25, 2012 and the 12th Annual Wine Auction Dinner, scheduled for Saturday, May 5, 2012. We have announced a new Art Contest as part of this event. The Wine Cover Art Contest will serve to select the artwork that will be used and displayed on the various promotional and printed materials, including the cover artwork for the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition Entry Form and Finger Lakes International Wine Auction Dinner Program Book.



The Wine Cover Art Contest is open to anyone ages 18 and older. Artwork submissions must be original work and must be a painting, drawing, high resolution original photograph, or sketch. All of the details, entry rules and prize information, as well as the Official Entry Form can be found on our website, www.campgooddays.org. All submissions will be reviewed and evaluated and the top 10 finalists will be announced on Friday, December 16, 2011. The top 10 finalists’ submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges and the winning submission will be announced on Wednesday, January 4, 2012.



On a personal note, the St. John Fisher College Cardinals Football Team will host Utica College tomorrow evening at Growney Stadium and we are looking for another big win in conference play, so here’s hoping for a nice evening without rain or snow, and another victory for the Fisher Cardinals!



Wishing all of you a safe and happy weekend and Halloween!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

October 18, 2011

Once again, the Camp Good Days’ family, along with the Rochester Institute of Technology community, and the Greater Rochester community, lost a very special soul to cancer with the passing of Donna Scheid on Monday morning. Donna leaves behind her husband, Pete, and her beautiful children.



Over the past 11 years, the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and Auction Dinner has become the single largest fundraising event for Camp Good Days in the Greater Rochester area and Donna was one of the people who committed and devoted so much of her time, talent, and many volunteer hours to help this event become so successful. The logistics of an event of this magnitude require the hard work, effort and dedication of hundreds of volunteers and even with her diagnosis and battle with cancer, Donna was always smiling and always willing to do whatever she could to help.



This brings me back to when are we going to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH?! When are we, as Americans, from the greatest nation on earth, going to say that we need to do more? More not only for the 11,000 Americans who die from cancer every single week, but more for the world we will leave behind. What greater gift could we give to the world than to find the answers that have been eluding us in this fight against cancer?



In the past month alone, Walter Mondale’s daughter, Eleanor, died from cancer; Ted Kennedy’s daughter, Kara, died as a result of the cancer treatments she went through; Steve Jobs lost his battle with pancreatic cancer; and Donna lost her battle. These four individuals were under the age of 60, and all of their deaths have occurred since September 17th. These are only four of the 44,000 Americans that have died as a result of cancer during the past four weeks. These people should have had so much more life to live and so much more ahead of them.



On December 2nd, we will commemorate the one-year anniversary of announcing and launching CANCER MISSION 2020…THE END OF CANCER BY THE END OF THE DECADE. When we announced CANCER MISSION 2020 at Frontier Field in Rochester, we said that our effort would include a three-pronged approach – Information, Call to Action, Accountability.



We have been and continue to share information with people about where we currently stand in our fight against cancer. 11,000 Americans die from cancer every single week, which is as if one of the Twin Towers was falling every single day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. One in three American women and one in two American men will face a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime. If you are 85 years old or younger, cancer is the leading cause of death in the United States and many believe that by 2016 cancer will be leading cause of death in the United States, regardless of age. In 2010, the World Health Organization announced that cancer was not only the most economically devastating disease, but for the first time had become the number one disease killer.



We have to go about finding the answers in a completely different way. The one area in which we have had some success is in pediatric cancer research. This success has come about because of the fact that approximately 60-70% of pediatric cancer patients are actively involved in clinical trials. However, when it comes to adults, currently only 1-3% of adult cancer patients, of which there are many more than pediatric patients, are actively involved in clinical trials. If only 1-3% of adult cancer patients are involved in clinical trials, it is easy to see why 11,000 Americans are dying every single week. This needs to change because the answers are going to be found through clinical trials and no matter how good something appears with animals in a lab, it has to also be shown to have a positive impact on human beings, otherwise it will never get into the hands of those who could most benefit.



When we announced CANCER MISSION 2020, we shared this information and asked people to visit our website, www.cancermission2020.com and I am pleased that thousands and thousands of people have visited the site and have joined us by signing the CANCER MISSION 2020 Petition.



We also shared the belief that in order to be successful in this effort, it would have to be a cooperative and collaborative one involving government and the private sector. Cancer is an issue that affects all of us and has brought together representatives from all sides of the aisle…freshman and experienced, Republican, Democrat, Conservative, Liberal, Independent, Tea Party, etc. Cancer is an issue of the people and it crosses all lines. This past August, we held three Congressional District Cancer Summits. These Cancer Summits, held in the 25th Congressional District Cancer Summit with Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle, the 28th Congressional District with Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, and the 29th Congressional District with Congressman Tom Reed, brought together several hundred people, as well as some of the most prominent cancer physicians in Upstate New York. Dr. Stephen Edge of Roswell Park Cancer Institute and member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Executive Committee, Dr. Leslie Kohman, Distinguished Service Professor, Medical Director of Surgery, and Medical Director, Upstate Cancer Center at Upstate University Hospital, Candace Johnson, PhD, Deputy Director, Chair, Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Wallace Chair in Translational Research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and Lydia C. Pan, Director of Worldwide Policy at Pfizer, Inc. shared their expertise, research, comments and ideas with attendees.



We are now in the process of compiling all of the information that came out of the Congressional District Cancer Summits and preparing a CANCER MISSION 2020 Update & Report. We are also pleased to report that Congressman Richard Hanna of New York’s 24th Congressional District and Congresswoman Kathy Hochul of New York’s 26th Congressional District have committed their support and have expressed their willingness to host additional Congressional District Cancer Summits.



When my granddaughter asked me why at my age, I was taking on the CANCER MISSION 2020 effort, as she said that it seemed like a daunting task, I answered her that yes it is a daunting task, but I am tired of going to funerals.



In my role as Chairman & Founder of Camp Good Days, which just began its 33rd year of operation, I have had the opportunity to work with thousands of cancer patients and their families and I have gone to way too many funerals, probably more funerals than some clergy members.



If we are going to be successful in this effort it is going to take all of us! PLEASE, if you have not yet checked out CANCER MISSION 2020, www.cancermission2020.com, please go to the site, sign the petition and join us in this important initiative. And please, share the site and the initiative with your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, co-workers, fellow parishioners, etc. It is going to take all of us, together, to finally find the answers and put an end to cancer by the end of the decade!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

October 13, 2011

Happy New Year to all of us here at Camp Good Days! As I noted in my last posting, our fiscal year came to a close on September 30, 2011, so we are now in the beginning weeks of our 2011-2012 Fiscal Year. We have many things going on, being planned, discussed and reviewed.



We held our semi-annual Staff Retreat last Thursday. We do these Staff Retreats twice a year, one in the Spring before Camp officially opens for the summer and one in the Fall and we end one Fiscal Year and begin a new one. We all came together and spent the day reviewing and reflecting on the past year – our programs and services, our special fundraising events, our recruitment and outreach efforts for new volunteers and program participants, and our exposure and awareness throughout the communities we serve. We also discussed our plans for the coming year in regards to what we think we want to continue offering, what things might need to be changed or reevaluated, and some new ideas for fulfilling our mission to improve the quality of life for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer. In addition, we took some time to hear from Mark Kreydt from Tompkins Insurance Agencies and Jared Lusk from the Nixon Peabody Law Firm to learn more and gain a better understanding of some of the current and relevant concerns and challenges we face as an organization in regards to insurance and legal issues. Overall the Staff Retreat was very informative and productive for all of us and will help enable us to continue making a difference in the lives of those we serve, doing so in the safest and most efficient and effective ways possible.



We hosted our final session of the Women’s Oncology Programs for the 2011 season this past weekend at the Recreational Facility. Approximately 50 women who are all dealing with cancer had the opportunity to spend a fun-filled, supportive weekend at Camp Good Days, in the company of those who can truly understand what they are going through as a woman dealing with cancer – other women with cancer. We were blessed with some beautiful weather and the women had a fantastic time at the many activities available throughout the weekend. Special thanks goes out to all of the volunteers who gave so much of their time, talent and love to make this weekend memorable for these women!



Unfortunately, I personally was not able to attend the Women’s Oncology Program as I was in Ithaca for the St. John Fisher College Football game. For those of you who have been following this blog, we came out victorious two weekends ago against longtime rival, Alfred, after a tough loss to Hobart the week before, and I am pleased to report that although it came down to the wire and wasn’t the prettiest game to watch, we were triumphant against Ithaca! With this win we are now in a position to really make a run for the Empire 8 Conference Championship. This Saturday we take on Frostburg at home at 12Noon, so again, keep your fingers crossed that we walk away with another one in the win column!



Back to Camp Good Days…and our new Fiscal Year…as we lay the groundwork and plans for the coming weeks and months, a key part of that process is our Board of Directors who help us to fulfill our mission and serve to provide guidance and direction for our long-term strategic plans. We are looking forward to our next Board of Director’s Meeting this coming Tuesday, October 18, 2011 and to getting to work with all of the Board Members on how they can best help us to continue fulfilling our mission and vision.



Also coming up soon is the Annual Joe Benet Memorial Kazoo Fest! I am so pleased that here in the Rochester community, our local JC Penney Store Managers at Eastview Mall, Greece Ridge Center Mall, and Marketplace Mall have generously and graciously agreed to allow us to hold the Kazoo Fest at the mall entrances to their stores. Their continued support for this important annual fundraising event is beyond measure and so much appreciated! We are also excited that we will once again have the Kazoo Fest at the Walden-Galleria Mall in Buffalo; the Carousel Mall in Syracuse; and the Shops at Ithaca. This year’s Kazoo Fest will kick off on Friday, November 25, 2011 and go through Friday, December 23, 2011. The Kazoo Fest has become a great Holiday tradition in all of these communities and provides us with a fantastic opportunity to be out in the community during the busy shopping season to share all of our programs and services with potential participants and volunteers and to raise some of the much needed funds that are necessary for us to be able to continue offering our programs and services free of charge.



We need HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS to help make the Kazoo Fest a success! We only ask for people to commit a few hours (or as many as they would like) and volunteers can choose their preferred location, date and shift. If you or someone you know is interested in helping out with this fun and important fundraising event, please contact your local Camp Good Days’ Office for more details (Rochester: 585-624-5555; Buffalo: 716-206-0709; Syracuse: 315-434-9477; Ithaca: 607-266-9180).



Another exciting event is the upcoming World’s Largest Disco, put on by Conesus Fest for Charity, which will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at the Buffalo Convention Center from 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM. This year’s event is SOLD OUT, as it is every year and those who are fortunate enough to attend always rave about what a fabulous time they have. Proceeds from this amazing event benefit the children and families at Camp Good Days. For more information and to see some great photos, the history and to learn how to be a part of the World’s Largest Disco in the future, check out www.worldslargestdisco.com.



We are continuing to work and move forward with CANCER MISSION 2020…THE END OF CANCER BY THE END OF THE DECADE. Taking the information, suggestions, ideas, discussions, and comments that came out of the Congressional District Cancer Summits held in August, we are putting together an Update / Report / Newsletter, highlighting what took place and where we are headed. We are also setting up a meeting with representatives from the district offices of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, Congressman Tom Reed, Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle, Congresswoman Kathy Hochul and Congressman Richard Hanna in order to identify some of the items from the Cancer Summits that can be developed into actual legislation, as well as a statement to be read, jointly, by these representatives, into the official Congressional Record. We are also working on developing some new media concepts and staying in touch with our College Campus Advocates. We will keep you posted on these plans and please, check out www.cancermission2020.com, join us and thousands of others by signing the petition, and share the site, information and petition with your network of contacts.



Last, but certainly not least, we would like to offer our heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to Lisa Donato, our Regional Director in our Buffalo Office on her recent engagement! We wish Lisa and Jonathan a long life together filled with good health, happiness and much, much love!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

September 28, 2011

It has been a little while since my last post, and I apologize for the delay, but again, the days just go by so fast!



In my last post I told you all about the Camp Good Days COURAGE BOWL, which is the annual football game between the St. John Fisher College Cardinals and the University of Rochester Yellowjackets. Camp Good Days COURAGE BOWL VII was played on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Sahlen’s Stadium in Downtown Rochester and I am happy to report that we had another fantastic event! We had a great night, with perfect football weather, we were able to generate some revenue to support our programs and services, and most importantly, it was an exciting and memorable experience for the campers from Camp Good Days who served as Honorary Coaches and Honorary Cheerleaders with each team.



A special thank you to all those who supported the Camp Good Days COURAGE BOWL through their partnership, generous sponsorship, program book advertisements, in-kind donations, and volunteer service. We would never be able to have such a successful event without all of them!



Well on the subject of football, I had the opportunity last Thursday to attend the St. John Fisher College’s Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner, with some of our former players, as the 2006 Fisher Football Team was inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with the teams from 1971, 1981, and 1996. Congratulations to all of the inductees! On Friday, I stopped by the St. John Fisher College Alumni Golf Classic and was given the opportunity to speak to all of the participants and share CANCER MISSION 2020 with them.



Now that the Courage Bowl has been played for this year, we will be focusing more on CANCER MISSION 2020 and developing action steps and plans for moving this important initiative forward, based on comments and discussions that came out of the Congressional District Cancer Summits held in August. Stay tuned for more and please join us in this effort by visiting the website, www.cancermission2020.com and signing the petition!



As part of my role here at Camp Good Days and specifically our Partners Against Violence Everywhere (PAVE) Initiative, I serve as the Chairman of the Project Exile Advisory Board and have been pleased to do so since the program’s implementation in Rochester on September 28, 1998.



We all celebrated the 13th Anniversary of the Project Exile Program at the Project Exile 13th Anniversary Report to the Community Breakfast yesterday at the Rochester Plaza Hotel.



Our Keynote Speaker was Joseph D’Amico, Superintendent for the New York State Police. Joseph A. D’Amico was nominated by Governor Andrew Cuomo on December 22, 2010, and was unanimously confirmed by the New York State Senate as the 14th Superintendent of the New York State Police on January 31, 2011. Prior to his confirmation as Superintendent, D'Amico served as Chief Investigator for the Office of the New York State Attorney General, and had a 27-year career with the New York City Police Department, where he served in many patrol and investigative assignments in the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens, ultimately rising to the rank of Deputy Chief.



Also providing remarks were William Hochul, United States Attorney for the Western District of New York; Sandra Doorley, Assistant Monroe County District Attorney; Patrick O’Flynn, Monroe County Sheriff; William Taylor, Special Counsel for the County of Monroe, and James Sheppard, Chief of the Rochester Police Department.



Project Exile was started in Rochester in 1998, when I was asked to attend a meeting in a Federal Judge’s chambers, where I met then Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of New York, Denise O’Donnell. At the time, the Rochester community was desperately searching for a means in which to address the crime and violence plaguing our community, as Rochester’s homicide rate was around 70, giving us the distinction of having the highest per capita homicide rate of any city in New York State. In addition, the previous holiday season three uniformed Rochester police officers were shot and wounded, but thank God were not killed. At the meeting, I learned about the highly successful Project Exile program that had been implemented in Richmond, Virginia by an Assistant United States Attorney.



As a result of that meeting, Project Exile was implemented in the Rochester community on September 28, 1998. Project Exile operates under the direction of the Project Exile Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from local, state and federal prosecutors and law enforcement, as well as businesses, clergy, and community organizations, who meet once per month throughout the year, at the Federal Building, to share information and improve communications among those who are waging the battles against illegal guns and drugs in our community.



The Project Exile program has continued to thrive and grow through three administrations; five United States Attorneys for the Western District of New York; two Law Enforcement Liaisons; four FBI Special Agents in Charge; two County Executives; two District Attorneys; two Sheriffs; three Mayors; and four Chiefs of Police.



Under the leadership and direction of Camp Good Days’ PAVE Initiative, the Project Exile program in Rochester has been recognized and highlighted at various local, regional and national seminars and conferences; and has served as the impetus for other community-based initiatives such as the Rochester Youth Violence Partnership at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Project T.I.P.S., which stands for Trust, Information, Programs & Services and includes community agencies and law enforcement personnel working in selected neighborhoods to rebuild trust amongst residents and share information.



According to the most recent statistics from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms and the Rochester Police Department, over the past 13 years, the Project Exile program has helped to remove more than 13,000 illegal guns from the streets of our community, and the homicide rate has not reached the high levels we saw prior to Project Exile.



One can only imagine the devastation and despair that could have come as a result of these illegal guns remaining in the hands of those who ought not to have them. The collaboration and cooperation amongst and between all of the Project Exile partners is truly unique and exemplary and it is because of their continued and diligent efforts that we are able to improve the quality of life for some of our fellow citizens and strive to make the Greater Rochester community a safer place in which to live, work and raise our families.



In other news, our current fiscal year is coming to an end, as our year goes from October 1st through September 30th so we are now in the process of planning and budgeting for what will be our 33rd year of providing programs and services for children and families touched by cancer. There is much to be done, but we are all taking this time to reflect and develop the plans that will enable us to continue being a premier service organization that truly makes a difference in people’s lives.



We do have one remaining program for this current camping season and we will host the Women’s Wellness II Program, for women dealing with any form of cancer, next weekend, Friday, October 7th through Sunday, October 9th. We will also be having a Yard Sale at the Camp that Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM so if you are in the Branchport area, stop by and get some great deals and help out the children and families we serve!



On a personal note, the Fisher Cardinals took a tough loss to Hobart College last Saturday, so I hope that practice goes well this week and we can come back this Saturday and defeat Alfred!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

COURAGE BOWL WEEK!

The days just keep flying by and here we are in the middle of COURAGE BOWL WEEK! The Courage Bowl is the annual football game between the St. John Fisher College Cardinals and the University of Rochester Yellowjackets, to benefit the children and families at Camp Good Days.



For those of you who don’t know, in addition to my work with Camp Good Days, I am also an Assistant Football Coach at St. John Fisher College, a small, Division III college here in Rochester. In the summer of 2005, while driving home from our Recreational Facility, I was stopped at a red light and heard a mother yelling at her children. When I looked to see what she was yelling about, I saw that the kids were throwing a football around the van. I realized that it was that time of year when every red-blooded American boy and even girls, are anticipating the upcoming football season and dreaming about scoring the winning touchdown or making that winning kick. I also realized that the children with cancer whom I had just been with at camp could never have those dreams or the opportunity to play organized football, as any doctor in their right mind would never sign off on a child having been treated for cancer to play a contact sport, like football, and the opportunity for them to ever play football at the college level would be beyond their wildest imagination.



At our next coaches’ meeting at St. John Fisher College, I suggested the idea of taking our annual game against cross-town rivals, the University of Rochester, and turning it into the Courage Bowl, dedicated to the children of Camp Good Days, as our theme here is, Where Courage Has No Boundaries. The coaches from both schools were on board with the idea and the Inaugural Courage Bowl was played in September 2005 at Growney Stadium on the campus of St. John Fisher College. After five very successful years playing the game on alternating campuses, in front of record crowds, we decided to move the game to Downtown Rochester last year. The COURAGE BOWL moved to the neutral, downtown venue, Sahlen’s Stadium, in September 2010. Moving the COURAGE BOWL to Sahlen’s Stadium provided an extra special atmosphere for all involved. The players from both teams have the opportunity to play on a neutral field, and the components have been put into place to make the Courage Bowl a true community event, with two local institutions of higher education and Camp Good Days being a strong community organization that was founded right here in Rochester more than three decades ago. The move also provides the space for many more alumni from both schools and community members to attend the game, and be a part of this extraordinary event.



Camp Good Days COURAGE BOWL VII will be played this Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Sahlen’s Stadium, 460 Oak Street, Downtown Rochester, with kickoff slated for 7:00 PM. Gates will open at 5:30 PM. As part of the festivities at Camp Good Days COURAGE BOWL VII, musical groups, Measure 13 from St. John Fisher College and After Hours from University of Rochester will perform the National Anthem together. Jennifer Dinolfo will sing God Bless America, the Army National Guard will Present the Colors and at halftime, the John Marshall High School Urban Steel Band will perform.



At the conclusion of the Courage Bowl, the Teddi Trophy, named in memory of my daughter, Teddi, the inspiration behind Camp Good Days, will be presented, which will later be inscribed with the date of the game, final score of the game, names of the six Honorary Coaches and the names of one player from each team who displays exceptional leadership and sportsmanship.


Each year we select young boys who have been battling cancer to serve as Honorary Coaches for the Courage Bowl with each team and young girls who have been battling cancer to serve as Honorary Cheerleaders with each squad.



The Honorary Coaches and Honorary Cheerleaders were introduced at the Courage Bowl Community Luncheon, which took place yesterday and was hosted by Dr. Donald Bain, President of St. John Fisher College. In the tradition of The Masters, it was determined that the previous game’s winning school would host a luncheon the following year.



The Honorary Coaches for the St. John Fisher College Cardinals for COURAGE BOWL VII are: Philip “PJ” Baldo, from Rochester; Adam Turner, from Rochester; and Gryphon Akridge-Phillips, from Williamson. The Honorary Coaches will attend practice with the St. John Fisher College Cardinals on Friday, September 16, 2011 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Growney Stadium on the campus of St. John Fisher College. On game-day, the Honorary Coaches will meet the Cardinals at St. John Fisher College for the pre-game meal. They will ride the bus with the team to Sahlen’s Stadium, be in the locker room with the team, lead their team on to the field, be at mid-field for the coin toss, and coach from the sidelines during the game.



The Honorary Cheerleaders for the St. John Fisher College Cardinals are: Mallory Wojcinski, from Dunkirk; Sara Bischoping, from Rush; and Kayla Gregg, from Tully. The Honorary Cheerleaders will attend practice with the squad on Thursday, September 15, 2011 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the Student Life Center at St. John Fisher College. On game-day, the Honorary Cheerleaders will meet their squad at Sahlen’s Stadium to prepare and will cheer from the sidelines for the game.



The Honorary Coaches for the University of Rochester Yellowjackets for COURAGE BOWL VII are: Robert Brock, from Rochester; Simon Fendinger, from North Evans, and Nolan Redhead, from Victor. The Honorary Coaches will attend practice with the University of Rochester Yellowjackets on Friday, September 16, 2011 from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Fauver Stadium on the campus of the University of Rochester. On game-day, the Honorary Coaches will meet the Yellowjackets at the University of Rochester for the pre-game meal. They will ride the bus with the team to Sahlen’s Stadium, be in the locker room with the team, lead their team on to the field, be at mid-field for the coin toss, and coach from the sidelines during the game.



The Honorary Cheerleaders for the University of Rochester Yellowjackets for COURAGE BOWL VII are: Haley Smith, from Henrietta; and Stella Usiak, from North Tonawanda. The Honorary Cheerleaders practiced with their squad on Monday, September 12, 2011 at the University of Rochester. On game-day, the Honorary Cheerleaders will meet their squad at Sahlen’s Stadium to prepare and will cheer from the sidelines for the game.



Tickets for Camp Good Days COURAGE BOWL VII are on sale now. General Admission Student Tickets are available for a donation of $5.00 each and General Admission Adult Tickets are available for a donation of $7.00 each. Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.com or at the Sahlen’s Stadium Box Office, which is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. More information is also available on our website, www.campgooddays.org.


During yesterday’s luncheon, we also announced the recipient of the Second Annual Courage Award. The Camp Good Days’ Courage Award was established in 2010 and is presented each September at the Camp Good Days’ COURAGE BOWL. The Camp Good Days’ Courage Award is presented to someone who displays courage, strength and determination in a time of great struggle. The Inaugural Camp Good Days’ COURAGE AWARD was presented on September 18, 2010 to Dr. Bradford Berk, CEO at the University of Rochester Medical Center.



The 2011 Camp Good Days’ Courage Award, being made possible through the support of Gary Passero and Passero Associates and Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria, will be presented on Saturday during the pre-game ceremonies.



The Second Annual Courage Award will be presented to Joseph Szafranksi of Buffalo, New York. Joe Szafranski is a Buffalo Police Officer and New York State National Guard Staff Sergeant who served in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While overseas, Szafranski received the news that his 12 year-old nephew, James “Jimmy” Szafranski had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Joe and Jimmy were very close – Jimmy was more like a son than a nephew to Joe and more like a brother than a cousin to Joe’s daughter, Jasmine.



Jimmy lost his battle to cancer in January 2011 and Joe turned his anger, frustration, grief and pain into something positive. Joe has pledged that every June until 2020, he will personally ride his bike from Buffalo, NY to Albany, NY and back to raise awareness of childhood cancer within the United States. Joe kept true to his promise, completing his first Ride for Cancer 2020 this past June. In addition to raising awareness, Joe is also endeavoring to raise funds to support the children and families at Camp Good Days and CANCER MISSION 2020, our most recent initiative to call for a cohesive and collaborative plan and set of actions to help put an end to cancer by the end of the decade. You can join Joe and all of us in this effort by visiting the website, www.cancermission2020.com and signing the petition!



Given Joe’s courage displayed every single day, as a Buffalo Police Officer and a member of the United States Military, combined with his personal strength and determination through his nephew’s battle with cancer and subsequent efforts to turn something so terrible into something positive, I was absolutely thrilled when the Courage Award committee shared his nomination and selection with me. Joe personifies all that the Courage Award means and we are so pleased that Joe and his family will be joining us on the field at the Camp Good Days COURAGE BOWL to personally receive his award.



In tribute to Joe and his selection as the Second Annual Courage Award recipient, and in honor of all those who work and serve to protect our streets, our communities, our neighbors and our country, all Military, Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Services Personnel who attend the Camp Good Days COURAGE BOWL on Saturday in uniform or with appropriate credentials, will receive a complimentary ticket to the game. These tickets will be available, on game-day, outside of Gate D at Sahlen’s Stadium, beginning at 4:30 PM.




And since we have to get the game balls to the stadium on Saturday, what better way can there be than to have a relay-style event on Saturday afternoon! Carry the Ball for Courage, will take place on Saturday and is an Olympic-Torch style relay, during which the Courage Bowl Game Balls will be transported to Sahlen’s Stadium, arriving for kick-off.



Special thanks to our Carry the Ball for Courage sponsors, 13 WHAM TV, St. John Fisher College, Advantage Federal Credit Union, Karpus Investment Management and Excellus.



We are asking community members to donate some of their time and energy, as well as the support of their friends and family, to carry one of the “official” game balls for approximately one quarter of a mile en route from the Camp Good Days’ Headquarters in Mendon to Sahlen’s Stadium in Downtown Rochester on Saturday. Routes have been mapped out from Camp Good Days’ Headquarters in Mendon, to St. John Fisher College, to Sahlen’s Stadium; and from Camp Good Days’ Headquarters in Mendon, to the University of Rochester, to Sahlen’s Stadium.



Participants may register to Carry the Ball for Courage for a minimum donation of $25.00. Additional donations may be obtained via pledges. Participants may register as an individual or as a team, and may indicate their preferred route and preferred quarter-mile area. Registration forms may be obtained online at www.campgooddays.org or www.13whamtv.com or by contacting Camp Good Days at 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135.



Another exciting new component of the Courage Bowl this year is the Courage Bowl Car Raffle!


The prize is a 2011 Toyota Corolla-S, valued at approximately $20,000.00, which has been made available through the generosity of Vanderstyne Toyota/Scion, led by Jay Vanderstyne and his son, Jay Jay Vanderstyne, who played in the early Courage Bowl games, as a standout member of the University of Rochester Football Team. The Courage Bowl Car Raffle is also being made possible through the support and generosity of Toyota Motor Sales. The Toyota Corolla is overall about three features…Performance. Style. Safety. One of the best selling cars in the world, it has agile handling, excellent fuel economy and a smooth comfortable ride.



The drawing for the Courage Bowl Car Raffle will take place as part of the Halftime Show on Saturday.



Courage Bowl Car Raffle tickets are available for $25.00 each, for those ages 18 and older, and may be purchased by contacting Camp Good Days at 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135. More information may also be found at www.campgooddays.org. Each ticket will include a ticket to Camp Good Days COURAGE BOWL VII on Saturday, September 17, 2011.



As you can see, the Courage Bowl is truly so much more than just a football game and we hope that you will be able to be a part of this very special and memorable event, whether you purchase a raffle ticket for the car, help Carry the Ball for Courage, and / or come out to the game, you won’t want to miss this extraordinary event!