Community Highlights
The Lustgarten Foundation is proud to highlight community activities and events that are helping to support critically needed research. Special thanks to everyone who has joined the fight by creating or participating in a community activity.
To add your story to our Community Highlights section, please call Megan Cranmer at 516.803.2324.
Putt for a Cure
The Montana State University Billings (MSUB) men's and women's golf teams donated money for every birdie made during their March 20-21, 2010 Tournament to help fight pancreatic cancer. Everyone wore purple hats in a show of support for pancreatic cancer research. Together with community donations, more than $2,000 was raised. Special thanks to MSUB Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach Shawn O'Brien, the MSUB men's and women's golf teams, and everyone who supported this event.
2nd Annual Dennis T. Davis Memorial Bike Ride
For a second year, friends and family gathered in June 2010 to celebrate and honor the life of Dennis T. Davis. More than 25 cyclists embarked on a 30-mile trek throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, touring many places that represented milestones in Dennis' life. Several honored Dennis at the finish line by practicing yoga, one of his favorite pasttimes.
The celebration continued with friends and family in Rego Park, NY for food, drinks, and raffles that included autographed sports memorabilia and other exciting prizes. Known for his handlebar moustache, many participants grew moustaches to honor and remember Den's signature 'stache, and a prize was awarded for "best moustache!" (The winner is already planning to defend his title at next year's event.) Together, friends and family raised close to $6,000 for needed pancreatic cancer research, bringing the total raised to date by this event to more than $10,000! Congratulations and thanks to the family and friends of Dennis T. Davis. Read an Article About the Event
Zumbathon Rocks Brooklyn
On July 31, 2010, a local Brooklyn community joined together to raise awareness and money for pancreatic cancer research. Karen Barone, who has been battling pancreatic cancer for two years, along with Christine and Roseanne Barranca and their family and friends, created the Zumbathon as a fun way to raise support for this special cause. In partnership with Brooklyn-based Physique Fitness, the event welcomed hundreds of participants. DJ "Trio" donated their time to spin tunes, while Physique Fitness’ Zumba instructor Natalie Ann Russell kept the group rocking. Special thanks to everyone who participated in and/or supported the event. Together, more than $28,000 was raised!
Two Tournaments, One Cause: Santaniello and Shapiro Golf Outings Celebrate 10 Years
More than ten years ago, Massachusetts wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Barbara Mantoni Santaniello, was lost to pancreatic cancer. Hundreds of miles away in New Jersey, the Shapiro family was mourning the loss of their father, friend and mentor, Howard, to the disease.
The families resolved to help make a difference for others facing pancreatic cancer, and established Memorial Funds at The Lustgarten Foundation. But they didn’t stop there: Each family also began plans for fundraising a golf tournament in memory of their loved one. In June 2001, the Mantoni and Santaniello families hosted the inaugural Barbara Mantoni Santaniello Memorial Golf Tournament in Springfield, Massachusetts. That same year, Ken Shapiro and his family organized the inaugural Howard Shapiro Memorial Fund Golf Tournament in West Orange, New Jersey. The inaugural events proved a resounding success, raising tens of thousands of dollars in support of the work of The Lustgarten Foundation.
Each year since, the families have continued their homage to Barbara and Howard through annual fundraising golf outings. 2010 marked the 10-year anniversary of both tournaments, and once again, family and friends gathered for a day on the links to raise funds for research. During the past decade, each Tournament has raised more than $100,000 for the work of The Lustgarten Foundation!
Special thanks and congratulations to the Santaniello/Mantoni and Shapiro families for their enduring partnership in the fight.
Inaugural Rock & Run 5k
On October 23, 2010, more than 125 participants gathered at Goshen Central High School in Goshen, New York, for the Inaugural Rock & Run 5k event to benefit The Lustgarten Foundation. The event was created in loving memory of Frank J. Romano, who was lost to pancreatic cancer in July 2007, as a way to honor Frank and raise awreness and dollars for pancreatic cancer research.
The Inaugural event raised $2,500 for The Lustgarten Foundation. Plans are already underway for a 2nd Annual Rock & Run in October 2011. Special thanks to the family members and friends of Frank Romano for their dedication in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Buzz for a Cure
In March 2011, Merrick Avenue Middle School hosted Buzz for a Cure, the school’s first-of-its-kind fundraiser, where students were given an opportunity to decide which of participating teachers would have their heads shaved in support of the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Created by the MAMS Student Government in conjunction with the Builder’s Club, Buzz for a Cure was unlike any other in the history of the school because students voted for the teacher they would most like to see shave their head. For every one hundred dollars raised, the next teacher with the most votes would be given a new haircut. Teachers and school staff challenged students to raise enough money to have every teacher on the list shave their head!
On March 15, chosen staff members had their heads shaved for all to see on the MAMS auditorium stage. Local hair salons, Cactus and Maximus, donated their time and expertise for the cuts. The Lustgarten Foundation thanks and applauds the Merrick Avenue School students, staff, MAMS and the Builder’s Club for their innovation and success with the Buzz for a Cure event, which raised $2,500 in support of urgently needed pancreatic cancer research.
3 Stooges + 1 Golf Classic
The 3 Stooges + 1 Golf Classic was started 20 years ago as an effort to get novices out on the golf course.
Michael Hatzinikolau took it over 10 years ago and decided to use this event as a fundraiser. Eight years ago, the event raised $850 for a local charity, over the years The 3 Stooges + 1 Golf Classic has donated money to several organizations. In 2011 they decided to raise funds for pancreatic cancer. "We are proud to donate to The Lustgarten Foundation a check for $10,000 which is the most amount of money that we have raised to date", Michael said.
Photo Courtsey: John Skwarto