The Marcy Morreale Memorial Benefit has announced that it raised a record $10,000 during its fifth annual benefit in Frewsburg.
Held at the Carroll Rod and Gun Club, this year's event raised more than $4,000 raised at the organization's 2010 event. Of the $10,000 raised at this year's Marcy Party, $5,000 was donated to Hospice Chautauqua County, which brings the five-year total donation to Hospice more than $18,000.
Hospice Chautauqua County provides support to patients with life-threatening illnesses and their families to enhance the quality of life at the end of their lives. The Marcy Memorial Fund will be listed as a Gold Patron on the Annual Tree of Light this Holiday Season at Hospice.
Article Photos
Michelle Morreale Anderson, daughter of the late Marcy?Morreale, presents Ron Sellers, Hospice Chautuqua County present and CEO, with a check for $10,000 following a benefit in honor of her father held recently at the Carroll Rod and Gun Club.
Submitted photo
The rest of the money raised will be going to the Marcy Morreale Memorial Scholarship Fund along with residing in a slush fund for next year's event to be used for donating to families in need and/or charities that follow their personal goal. The Marcy Memorial Scholarship Fund is awarded to a graduating senior from Frewsburg High School, chosen based on their abilities and interests that mirror that of Michelle Morreale's late father. The Marcy Morreale scholarships have already awarded five graduating Frewsburg Seniors for this upcoming June. The scholarship amount is going to change this year, increasing it from $500 to a generous $750.
More than 280 people attended this special event. The intimate evening was hosted by the woman who inspired and created the event, Michelle Morreale Anderson, daughter of Marcy, and featured entertainment by Sue/Stray Kats Karaoke.
Mrs. Anderson created the event to honor the memory of her father, Marcy who passed away in November 2006. She is very pleased to continue to ongoing support to Hospice, help provide support to young adults starting off his or her future, and help families in need, all in the name of her father.
''With your help, another person and their family will be offered the care and compassion that Hospice gives during that time, another child will get help understanding the loss of a parent. A young person will embark on a hopeful future. Families will get help when they need it the most,'' Mrs. Anderson said. ''Thank you.''
The Marcy Morreale Memorial holds a very special place in her heart.
''My father was a truly wonderful, husband, father, grandpa, son, businessman and friend,'' she said. ''Without those memories, this event wouldn't have the meaning it does.''
In November 2006, after losing her father to a year-long battle with lung cancer, Michelle Morreale Anderson, thought about how traumatic this experience was for her at 35 years of age and how traumatic it must be for a child when there is a loss of a loved one. At his time of death, Hospice Chautauqua County was there to assist Marcy and his entire family through his final days of life.
''I wanted to do something that would help other patients and families and the only way I could think of was to do something that would help Hospice,'' stated Michelle.
For more information about this event, or how you can contribute, visit marcymemorial@windstream.net. Next year's event has been scheduled for Sept. 29, 2012.
''The Marcy Morreale Memorial has had a tremendous impact on the lives of many in our community,'' said Ron Sellers, Hospice Chautauqua County president and chief executive officer. ''One hundred percent of the funds raised stay right here in Chautauqua County. The generous donations made are used to enhance the care we provide to patients and families during the end stages of a loved one's life. What a wonderful tribute to the life of Marcy Morreale."
Hospice Chautauqua County is a non-for-profit organization dedicated to providing hope, care and dignity to patients with life threatening illnesses and their families. If you would like more information about Hospice, go to www.hospicechautco.org or call 338-0033.