Shown here are presentations of the Brittany Award by the foundation:

Brittany Awards Presented

North Shore Kiwanis Distinguished Past Presidents John Kle and Leslie Kle were each honored with a Brittany Award. Presenting the awards was Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundtion board member Jeanne Egan (right).

(Posted July 31, 2022)

Brittany Awards Presented

Brittany Fellowship Awards were presened to Ben Leung and Lewis Liu, and Brittany Fellowship Emerald Awards were presented to Fred Chan, Regina Chan and John Yu by Distingushed Past Gov. John Gridley.

 

(Posted October 20, 2018)

Chinatown Has Benefit Night

At the Annual Benefit Night party on Saturday, May 19, 2018 the Chinatown Club presented James Tong Scholarship Fellow Awards to Ben Leung and Chuiman Lai. The presentation was made by Distinguished Past President Jimmy Year and Distinguished Past President James Tong, witnessed by Vice President Stella Chan.

Also at the Benefit Night, three Brittany Fellowship Awards were preented by Past Lt. Gov. Sean O'Sullivan. From left, * DPP John Yu, Brittany Fellowship; Vice President Stella Chen, Emerald Fellow, O'Sullivan, and DPP Grace Law, Emerald Fellow Level 2.

(Posted May 20, 2018)

Chinatown Celebrates 33 Years

The club was joined by District Foundation Past President Lindy Marrazzo, Kiwanis International Trustee Peter Mancuso, Immediate Past Gov. Stephen Sirgiovanni, Lt. Gov. Keith Cummings, Distinguished Past Lt. Gov Al Federico, Distinguished Past Gov. Joe Aiello, Distinguished Past Lt. Gov. Thoams Poccio, District Foundation President Sal Anelli and Distinguished Past Gov. John Gridley.

During its 33rd anniverary celebration Oct. 6, the Kiwanis Club of Chinatown presented five James Tong Scholarship Awards to, from left, David Yeung, Catherine Ng, Distinguished Past President James Tong, Michele Geresi, Distinguished Past Gov. Joe Aiello and Sophia Ng.

Brittany Lyme Fellowship Awards to President Regina Chan and Vice Presidnet Stella Chan by Distingushed Past Gov. John Gridley.

Two Kaiser Fellowship Awards were presented to Yvonne AuMak and Chui Man Lai by District Foundation President Sal Anelli, accompanied by Orlando Marrazzo and five other Kaiser Fellows.

Five new James Tong Scholarship Awards were presented; the recipients are pictured with the a group of its charter members.

This Kiwanis Club of Chinatown celebrated its 33rd anniversary on Oct. 6.

(Posted October 8, 2017)

Division Presents 80 Lyme Foundation Awards

From left, Past Gov. Eric G. Paul, 2017-18 Lt. Gov. Bonnie Baker and 2016-17 Lt. Gov. Hank Baker. Hank Baker also is governor-elect for 2017-18. They are each wearing Brittany awards.

At the last Niagara Frontier South Division Couuncil for 2016-17, the division handed out 10 Brittany awards and 70 Joseph Michael Wuest Awards to division Kiwanians. The awards resulted from the division fund raiser to benefit the Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation. The division raised more than $15,000 for the foundation.

(Posted October 3, 2017)

Woodridge Awards Scholarships

From left, front: Sue Kasofsky, Master of Ceremonies; Mary Elizabeth Kellerman; Mekayla Perneszi; Brittany Leventoff; Deb Jacobsen, Kiwanis President; back: Pu (Sam) Zheng and Mirza Javed.

The Kiwanis Club of Woodridge held its 18th annual scholarship dinner on June 8. Scholarships were given to graduating Fallsburg Central School seniors who will be attending an accredited two- or four-year college, other higher education program, or trade school. This year the club awarded $1,000 scholarships to five graduates, bringing the total scholarships given to date to $69,900.

Graduates must complete an application to be reviewed by the clubs's Scholarship Committee and meet the following criteria: academic achievement, community and school service and need.

The graduates given this year’s Kiwanis Club of Woodridge scholarship are: Mirza Javed of Woodbourne; Mary Elizabeth Kellerman of Mountain Dale; Brittany Leventoff of South Fallsburg; Mekayla Perneszi of Hurleyville; and Pu (Sam) Zheng of Woodridge.

(Posted June 12, 2017)

Brittanys Awarded to Chinatown Members

Chinatown Club Distinguished Past President Grace Law, left, received a Brittany Fellowship Award, and President Jimmy Yee, center, a Brittany Emerald Fellowship, from the Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation at the Metropolitan Division meeting March 30. At right is Past Gov. John Gridley, the foundation's founder.

(Posted March 31, 2017)

Lyme Foundation Presents Award

Angie Politano, president of the Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation, presented a Brittany Fellowship award to Fordham Club Past President Vincenzo Lippiello and Lt. Gov. Michael Marinaccio on Oct 24 at the Fordham officer installation.

(Posted November 7, 2016)

Adirondack Kids Day was Oct. 1

Central Adirondack Kiwanis Information Tent and Fishing Derby sign-up.

Town of Webb School Key Club Hot Dog Booth: Left to right: Key Club Advisor Diane Amos, Brittany Johnston and Shawn Hansen.

On Oct. 1, Adirondack Kids and Central Adirondack Kiwanis sponsored the 5th annual Adirondack Kids Day in Inlet.

The event is inspired by the best-selling children's book series, The Adirondack Kids by Gary and Justin VanRiper. The event is dedicated to children and provided many free activities.

The event celebrates the outdoor activities described in the Adirondack Kids series of books inspired by authors Gary and Justin Van Riper.  Mark Manske with Adirondack Raptors held a demonstration with several of his amazing birds of prey. Master Photographer Eric Dresser provided a slide show on Wildlife of the Adirondacks. A Fishing Derby sponsored by French Louie ADK Sports and supervised by DEC for children 12 and under accompanied by an adult was very successful, more than 135 fish were caught.

The weather was a spectacular Adirondack fall day and the children enjoyed many special events during the day such as a petting zoo by Utica Zoo and free popcorn and hot chocolate provided by Inlet Community Church. Face painting, outdoor recreation displays including knot tying, hiking and kayak paddling as well as displays by various authors of children's books.

In addition, there was a magician, bouncy house and Pony rides as well as the Life Net helicopter landing and display, that was a big hit with the kids and parents also an archeological dig set up by Mitch Lee.

Kiwanis members assisted with an Event Information Booth and Fishing Derby Signup while Town of Webb Key Club provided a food booth, an opportunity to enjoy hot dogs, chips and a drink.

(Posted October 7, 2016)

Chinatown Club Presents Awards

A Brittany Fellowship Award presentation was conducted by DPG John Gridley. Pictured from left are President Jimmy Yee, Distinguished Past President Patrick Ng, Distinguished Past Gov. John Gridley, Distinguished Past President Fred Chan and Distinguished Past President James Tong. Yee, Ng and Chan received the awards.

The Chinatown Club also honored Distinguished Past Gov. Joe Aiello with a Centennial Award. The presentation was made by (left) Past Distinguished Gov. Peter Mancuso, who also is a past president of the Kiwanis International Foundation.

Several presentations took place aAt the Chinatown's Club's annual Benefit Night Dinner and Dance party on April 22.

(Posted April 26, 2016)

Hudson River West Takes a Bit Out of Lyme

On April 2 a Take a Bite Out of Lyme dinner dance was sponsored by the Hudson River West Division. The event benefited the Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation.

The event took place at the Middletown Elks Club. During the event, Hazel Goldstein received a Britany and an Emerald Brittany.

(Posted April 8, 2016)

Brittany Award Presented

Lt. Gov. Julie Watterson and Gov.-Elect Stephen Sirgiovanni recently attended a meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach to present a Brittany award to the Retired Supreme Court Justice Augustus Agate on behalf of the Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation.

(Posted January 30, 2016)

Di Troia Receives Brittany

Queens West Lt. Gov. JP Di Troia receives a Brittany for the Queens West Event raising more than $2,200 for the Kiwanis  Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation. The presentation took place at the Mid-Year Conference in Albany. Di Troia thanked the division noting the money would not have been raised without its support.

 

(Posted February 25, 2015)

International President Visits Buffalo

President John Button addressing Kiwanians present for the event. Looking on is Gov. Eric G. Paul.

Betty Armenia, left, receives a donation to the Buffalo Children's Hospital as a result of a division project from Lt. Gov. Chuck Eckert. The nickel-dime-quarter project allowed the division to buy gift cards which the hospital can give to families who need some immediate help as a result of a hospitalization. Seated to the rear is Kiwanis International First Lady Debbie Button.

Stephanie Szymanski (in wheelchair) and her family have just learned the Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation had extended her coverage for medical bills to $50,000. Pictured with the family are, at left, Lt. Gov. Chuck Eckert and Distinguished Past Gov. John Gridley; to the right of the family are Gov. Eric G. Paul and International President Dr. John Button.

President John Button presenting Gov. Eric G. Paul with the Centennial Award, which supports the Eliminate Project. At right are District Administrative Assistant Kevin Love and Niagara Frontier South Lt. Gov. Chuck Eckert. The award was made possible by members of the District Board.

Gov. Eric speaking.

President John speaking.

International President Dr. John Button and his first lady, Debbie, attended the Official Governor's Visit to the Niagara Frontier South Division on Jan. 10 in Buffalo.

The event had been rescheduled from November after the Buffalo area was buried with up to 7 feet of snow, a storm now dubbed Snovember.

President John participated in the pre-dinner meeting with club officers from the division, and addressed the dinner during the evening, which also included the usual Governor's Visit activities.

Some special presentations did take place. Gov. Eric G. Paul received a Centennial Award, an award only available during Kiwanis' centennial year. The award was arranged by the current District Board, which is headed by Niagara Frontier South Lt. Gov. Chuck Eckert.

Distinguished Past Gov. John Gridley was on hand to meet with the family of Stephanie Szymanski, who has received support from the Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation for the continuing treatment of her infection. Gridley announced that while the foundation had previously approved $15,000 to pay for her treatment, that in light of the continuing expenses that amount would be increased to $50,000. Also present for the surprise announcement were members of the Marilla club, who originally referred the Szymanski family to the foundation for assistance.

Gridley also presented Gov. Eric with a Brittany Award, noted that the $500 donations which support the Brittany Awards are the primary source of revenue for the foundation.

Eckert also made a presentation to the Buffalo Children's Hospital as a result of a division project. The clubs "nickel-dime-quarter" project had allowed the division to purchase many gift cards which the hospital can give to families who need some immediate help as a result of a hospitalization.

(Posted January 11, 2015)

Foundation Honorees Now Listed

For the first time, recipients of the International Foundation Awards, including the Hixson and Zeller awards, and the New York District Foundation's Kaiser Award are available for viewing here on the web site.

The award recipients can be searched by name or by club.

The Brittany Awards, presented by the Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation, which have previously been available on the site are listed as well.

See the listing at: Foundation Awards.

(Posted July 21, 2014)

Six Mother's Day Zellers Presented by Hartsdale

From left, District Eliminate Project Coordinator Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse, Distinguished Past President Suzanne Willis, Distinguished Past President Linda Witzling, Distinguished Past President Lucille DeBellis, President Irene Kanowitz, Past President Sue Plath and Lois Bronz.

Hartsdale Kiwanis celebrated its 58th Charter Night May 20 by awarding six Mother's Day Zellers.

Eliminate Project District Coordinator Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse presented the Zellers to the following past presidents of the Hartsdale Club: Suzanne Willis, Lucille DeBellis, Sue Plath and Linda Witzling.

Others receiving Zellers were President Irene Kanowitz and former Westchester County Legislator Lois Bronz, a 25 year Legion of Honor Recipient and the first woman to join the Hartsdale Club.

Tom Dejulio, 2012-13 International President, and former First Lady Dr. Rosemary DeJulio; and Bronx Westchester South Lt. Gov. Frank Riti were on hand as the six Hartsdale recipients were recognized by the party of 70 guests.

Immediate Passt President Linda Witzling was also awarded a Brittany by Angela Politano, President of the Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundaion.

(Posted June 7, 2014)

Brittany Presented at Governor's Visit

On March 4 Gov. Joe Aiello made his official visit to the Bronx Westchester South Division. Pictured is Angela Politano, president of the Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation, presenting a Brittany award to Lt. Gov.-Elect Rosemary Carnacchio.

(Posted March 12, 2014)

Membership Awards, Brittany Fellowship Presented

From left, Distinguished Past Gov. John Gridley, club President Kathy Levinson,  Lt. Gov. Russ Burcheri and Gov. Joseph Aiello.

On Jan. 23, Gov. Joseph Aiello visited the Manhasset Port Washington club to present membership growth pins to the club's members, who have added 14 new Kiwanians to their ranks.

Distingished Past Gov. John Gridley also attended to present a Brittany Fellowship Medallion and Brittany Emeral Fellowship in to club President Kathy Levinson. Levinson's award, sponsored by the club was a surprise for her.

The visit was arranged by Long Island North Lt. Gov. Russ Burcheri.

(Posted January 26, 2014)

County Seat Celebrates Anniversary

On Jan. 13 the County Seat Kiwanis Club, of the Long Island North Division, held its annual Charter Night to honor its Past and Current President (and past Long Island North Lt. Governor) Rich Forte as well as the Club's Kiwanian of the Year (and current Lt. Governor-Elect) Luisa Filipe.

The previous week the entire Division was re-educated with a Divisional Program given by Distinguished Past Governor John Gridley on the ongoing mission of the Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation. The Clubs were inspired to help and the County Seat Kiwanis Club decided that it would be fitting to present President Rich with a Brittany Medallion issued by the Foundation to honor his good work for Kiwanis.

Since it was also his birthday, the club felt that combining a "Brittany" with a "Marilyn" would be appropriate and so through many club contacts (both here and in the great beyond), arrangements were made for Marilyn Monroe to take time away from her true love Joe DiMaggio and spend her evening with the County Seat Kiwanis Club instead. And we are happy to report that her singing voice, particularly her rendition of "Happy Birthday, Mr. President", is just as sultry as ever!

(Posted January 19, 2014)

Brittany Award Presented

On Oct. 17 at the Riverdale Kiwanis Club meeting held at Corny's Coach N' Four Restaurent in the Bronx, a Brittany Fellowship was presented. Pictured from left are Janet Peterson, Richard Peterson, recipent of the Brittany, and Past Distinguished Governor John Gridley.

The Brittany Fellowship program supports the Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation.

(Posted October 19, 2013)

Brittany Fellowship Presented

Genesee Division Lt. Gov. Doris Marsh received a Brittany Fellowship, bestowed by the Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation, at a recent Genesee Division Council Meeting. Shown from left are Past Gov. Doreen Pellittieri, doing the presentation; Doris Marsh, her husband Bob Marsh and Super Distinguished Past Lt. Gov. Peter Pellittieri. 

(Posted October 10, 2013)

Penfield-Perinton Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Penfield-Perinton Charter Member and Past Gov. Robert Calabrese (seated, second from left) in a picture taken at the club's 50th anniversary celebration.

On Sept. 14, 2012, the Kiwanis Club of the Penfield-Perinton Townships celebrated its 50th year of providing service to the community and the Kiwanis organization.

This celebration also provided the club with an opportunity to honor its longest serving and charter member, Past Governor Robert "Bob" Calabrese.

The dinner celebration was attended by 104 supporters of the club, which included Past Kiwanis International Foundation President Jack Harten, Past Kiwanis International President Jerry Christiano, Past New York District Governors Jack Tetamore, John Gridley, Patrick Cooney, Joe Eppolito and Doreen Pellittieri. Fourteen Past Lieutenant Governors were joined by the Finger Lakes Division current Lt. Governor Margaret "Peg" Bobzin. Civic leaders in attendance included retired state Supreme Court Judge Andrew Siracuse (former club President), New York State Senator James Alesi (club member), Penfield Supervisor Anthony LaFountain, Penfield Councilwomen Linda Kohl and East Rochester Mayor Fred Ricci (club member). Past Lt. Gov. John Vogel from the Niagara South Division, an original member of PG Bob's Board, was also in attendance.

Letters of congratulations to the club and Past Gov. Bob were received from Kiwanis International President Thomas DeJulio, Kiwanis International Foundation 2012-13 President Peter Mancuso, New York 2012-2013 District Governor Albert Norato Jr. and New York District Past Gov. Justin Underwood.

Past Governor Bob Calabrese was awarded the Brittany Fellowship by Past Gov. John Gridley. The Town of Penfield presented Bob with the Town Service Award and a rosewood pen and recognized the club for its record of community service. A proclamation from the NYS Senate, honoring the club, was read and the Penfield-Perinton members presented their longest serving and only active charter member with an etched glass plaque commemorating his 50 years of service to Kiwanis and to the club.

All in attendance raised their glasses for a champagne toast, made by club President John Hanratty, "To all the good that has been done, to all the good that is yet to come, to the first fifty and fifty more".

(Posted October 15, 2012)

Monticello Key Club Members Visit Nursing Home

Displaying the beautiful artwork are, from left, Alexis Watkins, Brittany Rupp, Courtney Wissman, Christian Carvajal, Ms. Toni Carnesi-Montemurro, Key Club Advisor, and Aly Rodrigues.

Several Monticello High School Key Club members recently visited the skilled nursing unit of the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris, New York, where they assisted residents in making beautiful heart shaped greeting cards for Valentine's Day. The students had as much fun and pleasure as the residents.

Sheila Lashinsky, Monticello Kiwanis Club 2nd VP and Key Club Liaison, said of the Key Club members, "I am so proud of their warmth and the thoughtfulness they displayed while interacting with the residents at the nursing home."

(Posted February 27, 2012)

Key Club Conducts Lyme Disease Fund Raiser

The annual fund raiser for Lyme Disease was sponsored by the North Shore Key Club. The chairperson for this event was distinguished key club member Eleni Efstathiadis who has organized this event for the past 4 years. To date this young lady has raised, with the assistance of her key club, $850, and has received the Brittany Medal of Honor by DPG John Gridley, the New York District Administrator for the Lyme Disease Foundation. Pictured are some of the key club members in action for the candy cane sale that took place at North Shore High School December 20-23, 2011.

(Posted January 5, 2012)

Bronx Westchester South Raises Funds and Awareness of Lyme Disease

From left, Lyme Disease Foundation President Angela Politano, Rosemary DeJulio, Distinguished Past Governor John Gridley, and Kiwanis International Vice President Thomas DeJulio.

Hearing that this season will be the worst in the last 10 for Lyme disease, the Joseph Michael Wuest Kiwanis Club of Morris Park hosted and sponsored a fund raiser to support the Kiwanis Lyme Disease Foundation.

More than $7,000 was raised to support the medical needs of children with Lyme disease who are not otherwise covered by health insurance.

Two "Brittany Awards" were presented to Kiwanis International Vice President Tom DeJulio and DPLG Dr. Rosemary DeJulio representing a $1,000 donation made in their honor to the fund. On hand to make the presentation was Foundation President Angela Politano and Distinguished Past Governor John Gridley.

The fund raiser was attended by members of seven other clubs in the Bronx Westchester South division, led by Lt. Gov. Claudia White, with one new JMW Morris Park Kiwanian inducted that evening.

The Brittany award is named after the late Joseph Michael Wuest's granddaughter who has been suffering from Lyme Disease since childhood.

(Posted June 18, 2011)

Key Club Members Receive Awards

The Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center Foundation has recognized North Shore Key Club President Charles Sharkey. Above, DPG Joe Corace, president of the foundation, presents Charles with an award for his dedicated service to The Safe Kids Program.

The North Shore Key Club honored member Eleni Efstathiadis with the Brittany Foundation Medal for her outstanding fund raising efforts for Lyme Disease. Eleni has Lyme Disease and has been fund raising for the past 3 years at North Shore High School where she is a student. In the absences of the New York Foundation Chair for Lyme Disease DPG John Gridley, advisor for North Shore Key Club and Lt. Gov. for the Long Island North Division presented Eleni with the award. Shown, from left, are honoree Eleni Efstathiadis, Advisor Julia Salat and Key Club President Charles Sharkey.

Two North Shore Key Club members were honored at the club's meeting on March 10.

(Posted March 11, 2011)

Key Club Members Assist at Kiwanis Event

The Key Club servers: front row, from left: Lauren Mathis, Jessica Concovs, Rachelle Walker; second row, Gennifer Ivory, Kimi Sammiguel; third row, James Whitlock, Andrew Shore (grandson of Bernie Shore) and Brittany Rupp.

The Key Club officers, from left: James Ryan, treasurer; David Fishler, president; Brittany Rupp, vice president, and Vanessa Miranda, secretary.

The Annual Bernie Shore Memorial Roast Beef Dinner on Nov. 1, sponsored by the Monticello Kiwanis Club, was once again a huge success. Bernie was a past Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis and a very respected life member of the Monticello Club, who generously donated his time, services and talents to the Kiwanis causes. Everyone enjoyed the delicious roast beef prepared by Jay Shore, son of Bernie Shore, with the assistance of other Kiwanis members. They also were treated to all the trimmings, including home made, scrumptious pies and cakes.

Members of the Monticello High School Key Club did an excellent job serving all the guests. They recently elected new officers for the school year. The Key Club's advisor is Karen Collura. They plan to remain busy all year with lots of upcoming events planned in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club, including assisting with the Red Cross Community Blood Drive, which will be Monday, Nov. 29, 2010, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center in Monticello.

(Posted November 12, 2010)

Brittany Fellowship Presented

At the Bensonhurst and Bay Ridge Kiwanis Club annual dinner dance at the El Caribe Caterers in Brooklyn, a Brittany Fellowship was presented to Club President Willy basso. Pictured, from left, are Basso, Distinguished Past Gov. John Gridley and Immediate Past President Philip Kelly Jr.

(Posted October 26, 2010)

Great Neck North High School Key Club Raises $33,000 for American Cancer Society

Charity Dinner Kicks Off Relay for Life in Great Neck

On Tuesday, May 18, Cafe Rustica hosted a charity dinner to benefit the American Cancer Society's 2010 Relay for Life Great Neck NY. The Great Neck North Key Club, sponsored by the East Norwich Oyster Bay Kiwanis Club and led by Morgan Howard and Brittany Aryeh, organized the evening as the kick-off event for Great Neck's first Annual Relay for Life. The evening was a tremendous success. Rustica was filled to capacity from 4:30 until well after 10 p.m., and 50 percent of the profits were donated to the 2010 Relay for Life event. Diners enjoyed performances by various students from Great Neck North High School. The highlight of the evening was a performance by recording Artist Jason Liebman. Jason played several tracks from his album, Sweet Sacrifice, which is available on i tunes. Jeffrey Phillips, owner of Cafe Rustica, presented the students with a check for $1800.00 at the Relay event on Saturday May 22.

Relay for Life Great Neck

Great Neck held its first ever Relay for Life on May 22, to benefit the American Cancer Society. The event, which took place on Saturday overnight until sunrise Sunday morning, was a tremendous success. The Great Neck North High Key Club, under the direction of Jordana Cohen, Key Club Advisor, took on the enormous task of organizing this event with the help of a planning committee of students, parents, school faculty and community members. Erica Aryeh and Yvonne Howard coordinated parent volunteers and raffle prizes. For those who are not familiar with Relay for Life, participants sign up in teams and one person from each team must be walking at all times throughout the duration of the event. The Relay is meant to symbolize that cancer never sleeps and that we must all fight together against this disease.

The evening began with a dinner for cancer survivors and their families, organized by Joan Lazaunik, North High School Guidance Department Secretary, with generous donations from various local businesses. Susan Babkes, Social Studies Department Chair at the High School, played the piano and sang with Junior Stephanie Ohebshalom. After dinner, the cancer survivors joined the rest of the participants on the football field for the opening ceremonies. Susanne Marcus, ESL teacher at North High and Great Neck resident, told of her personal battle with cancer, which inspired the participants and kicked off the survivor's traditional first lap. Just after sunset, there was a moving Luminaria Ceremony, where bags containing candles were lit either in memory of those that we have lost to cancer or in honor of those who continue to fight. As the bags glowed through the night, the over 350 participants walked laps around the track until sunrise.

The event featured musical performances by a faculty/student band led by North High Principal Bernard Kaplan, student band Tidbits and Magic by Jen Kramer. There were several impressive raffle baskets donated by many local merchants. One of the highlights of the evening was a midnight presentation by Jeffrey Phillips, owner of Cafe Rustica. Mr. Phillips presented the Key Club officers with a check for $1,800, the donations from the May 18th kick-off fund raising dinner held at Cafe Rustica.

During the night there were games and activities while team members walked their laps. Bake sales and donated snacks and beverages were provided throughout the evening to keep the participants energized.

Also donated was a sunrise breakfast of fresh fruit, bagels, and banana bread, which recharged the participants just as the sun was rising. The event was a tremendous success and raised over $33,000.

The Great Neck North Key Club members stated that the event was a great success, thanks to the generous donations of many local merchants and the support of the student body, faculty and administration of North High School. Special thanks to all the chaperones, teachers and parents who stayed for the entire night and made it possible for so many children to participate in such a wonderful event.

(Posted May 30, 2010)