Province Ministries Advocate, Fundraise for Cancer

Rebecca Doel Features

NEW YORK — St. Bonaventure University’s student-run radio station, “The Buzz” 88.3 FM, draped the campus in pink when it hosted a three-day breast cancer awareness fundraiser — “BUZZ’D about Pink.” The event in Allegany, N.Y., was one of several among Province ministries to raise funds for cancer during October.

The station’s original 150 pink t-shirts sold out in three hours on Oct. 26, forcing WSBU to order another 100 to satisfy students’ demands for more. Those sold out in 20 minutes on Oct. 28. The event, which ended with a concert, raised $2,000 for the American Cancer Society.

cancerAt Siena College, the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy (FCSA), run byMathias Doyle, OFM, sponsored a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure team, raising more than $300. The FCSA also held a “Show You Care With Pink Hair” event where participating students and faculty received pink hair extensions. The fundraiser garnered an additional $1,000.

In New York City, parishioners and friends of St. Francis of Assisi Church participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk Oct. 18 in Central Park to benefit the American Cancer Society (ACS). The team of eight exceeded its goal, raising more than $1,000.

The ACS, whose New York headquarters is behind the church at 132 West 32nd Street, in the building partially-owned by the Franciscan friars of Holy Name Province, held its annual inspirational Charity Runner pre-race dinner on Oct. 31, the evening before the New York City Marathon in the Province’s San Damiano Hall on West 31st Street. The casual pasta dinner, which honored participating athletes and those for whom they run, also included motivational speakers.

The American Cancer Society partners with the marathon, raising funds to “support groundbreaking cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer information, advocate for all people to have access to screenings and treatment, and offer free programs and services to improve the quality of life for people facing the disease.” Through 230 runners, the society raised more than $850,000 toward the fight against cancer.

The photo above shows a Siena student receivng a pink hair extension. The photo behind shows Buzz board members selling “BUZZ’D about Pink” wristbands.

— Rebecca Doel is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.