Children at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Carly's Club will be benefiting from money donated by a Dunkirk man. Rick Kozlowski and Gifts of Love and Hope have donated over $7,000 to the two organizations throughout 2011.
Kozlowski founded Gifts of Love and Hope two years after listening to the Kiss 98.5 Radiothon to benefit Women and Children's Hospital.
"I felt sorry for them and wanted to do something on my own," he said.
All money that the organization raises goes straight to Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Carly's Club and children affected by cancer. Delta Phi Epsilon of SUNY Fredonia has been very involved in the fundraising for the organization.
Kozlowski first was introduced to Delta Phi Epsilon during a festival and asked if they would like to give involved. Stephanie Calderon, a junior at Fredonia, was newly elected into the position dealing with charitable work for the sorority. She thought it was a great idea to get involved with Gifts of Love and Hope.
"I knew Carly (of Carly's Club) when I was younger so I thought it was a good idea," Calderon said.
Throughout last year, Gifts of Love and Hope raised $7,222 to donate. Delta Phi Epsilon raised $4,000 for Carly's Club. The money helped pay for a Christmas party put on for the children of Carly's Club as well as presents for the children. Gifts purchased included Barbie and Bratz dolls, Buffalo Sabres and Bills merchandise, iPods, Hot Wheels, Disney merchandise and more.
For last year, Gifts of Love and Hope also chose a poster child. Cameryn, age 7, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was two years old. Cameryn has been cancer free for the past three years and has been involved with Carly's Club.
"We were honored when we got the call from Carly's Club," Monique Geising, Cameryn's mother, said.
The major fundraiser that Delta Phi Epsilon and Gifts of Love and Hope did was a Halloween party at Walleye Willies. More than 200 people attended the party which raised over $1,000. Another fundraiser included standing at Walmart asking for monetary donations.
Other local businesses and individuals also helped raise money for the great cause and Kozlowski was appreciative.
"Thank you very much to the businesses and people who made donations of money, merchandise, gift cards, services and their time and also to the many people who participated in our many raffles," Kozlowski said.
Geising also showed her appreciation to Gifts of Love and Hope.
"Thank you very much for all the support you give to Carly's Club," Geising said.
Kozlowski presented plaques to Delta Phi Epsilon, NRG and Calderon for their involvement. NRG also presented a check in the amount of $2,000 to Gifts of Love and Hope. The event was held Saturday at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club. Music was provided by Rinky Dink and food was provided by Applebees.
If anyone would like more information on Gifts of Love and Hope or to help with the organization, contact Kozlowski at 401-1354.
Comments on this article may be sent to smcdonnell@observertoday.com
