Kids and Cancer Committee steps in for Westline Ski Benefit
WESTLINE—DESPITE the lack of snow, the Tony Dolan Family Memorial Ski for Cancer benefit drew a large crowd in support to Westline on Saturday.
The benefit has been held at the Westline Inn for 45 years and is the American Cancer Society’s longestrunning fundraiser in Pennsylvania.
In previous years the Dolan family ran the event. This year there was a change in administration. The Bradford based Kids and Cancer Committee stepped in to oversee the benefit.
Kids and Cancer Committee member Jim Copeland said, “We’re ecstatic to be able to take this event over.” He said the committee is 100% volunteer. “No one makes a nickel. I can’t say enough about the people on this committee.”
The organization is best known for their annual Kids and Cancer Benefit Run motorcycle run which they have held for 27 years. The motorcycle benefit started as a
way to generate funds for charitable causes while promoting tourism and sharing the natural beauty of the Allegheny National Forest with other motorcycle riders.
Not only do they ride local, they keep the funds they raise local too. All of the money they raise stays within 100 miles of their base in Bradford.
Their main mission is to serve individual families during their time of need getting their child back to wellness. Copeland explained that they aren’t just about kids
they help adults also and not just cancer but any kind of critical disease. They work quickly to send aid to anyone who is in need and struggling.
Since their inception in 1998, they have granted $900,000 in financial assistance to individuals, medical facilities, cancer related organizations, and various service clubs that benefit kids and their families.
Many came to donate and support Kids and Cancer on Saturday. Westline Inn Owner Trudy Pomeroy said the weather didn’t affect the attendance. “It never does. If they can’t ski, they walk. They’ve always been very supportive.” Some guests walked on the Kinzua Valley Trail, and some rode their bikes. Some enjoyed the bonfire and refreshments down on the trail.
The Westline Inn’s bar and restaurant were packed so full that there was hardly room to stand. Connor Brien and Noah Evers provided the musical entertainment. A pig roast and picnic fare was provided for the guests.
Pete Dzirkalis, owner of the Just Riding Along bike shop in Bradford donated a Trek mountain bike for the raffle. The 50/50 cash drawing brought in over $1000 dollars. The winner kept just $50 dollars and donated the remainder to the benefit.
The next Kids and Cancer fundraiser is the Third Annual Winter Golf Tournament on Saturday March 9 at Pine Acres Golf and RV Resort located at 1503 Pine Acres Golf Course, Bradford PA. Play starts at 12 p.m. Registration starts at 11 a.m. Register ahead by calling Jody Zimmerman at (814) 558-7434 or Molly Cummiskey at (814) 558-3033 or visit kidsandcancerbenefitrun. com for information.