The Adirondack Regional Chamber of
Commerce (ARCC) Leadership Adirondack’s
35th graduation class, in cooperation
with the Adirondack Flames hockey
team, recently completed a campaign to
benefit the renovation of Amanda’s House
at Glens Falls Hospital.
Over $50,000 was raised for the temporary
home for patients and their families
who have traveled a distance to be treated
at Glens Falls Hospital. That amount is
twice the goal that was set when the class
started last year.
The Flames campaign to fund the
Amanda’s House Campaign was launched
in January and came to a close on Saturday,
Feb. 7.
The Flames raised a total of $5,921 in
cash and furniture donations over their
30-day campaign, which made up over 40
percent of the Leadership group’s goal of
$25,000 set in 2014.
“Support from these organizations has
greatly assisted in the reopening of Amanda’s
House,” Kevin Baxter, Amanda’s House
manager, said. “Thanks to the generosity
of our community, we are able to provide a
home away from home, when patients and
families need it most.
As part of the leadership program curriculum, each year the class selects a
local nonprofit community project to support.
The 2014-2015 class chose Amanda’s
House.
“Having the Flames commit to such a tremendous
fundraising goal brought energy
and excitement to this ARCC Leadership
project. Seeing them propel beyond the
goal to help such a great cause gives me
confidence in this community we live in,”
Stephen Porto, president of the Adirondack
Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership
Group, said. “What a tremendous
effort and outcome by everyone involved.”
“Glens Falls Hospital is proud to partner
with the Adirondack Flames, the
Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Group, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region,”
said Cindy Sherwood, vice president
of development at Glens Falls Hospital.
“On behalf of the entire GFH organization,
thank you for helping raise awareness of
and support for Amanda’s House.”
The Flames received a generous contribution
from corporate partner Bare Bones
Furniture, who contributed six twin beds,
frames and box springs, and office furnishings,
all to be used in Amanda’s House,
valued at $3,000.
On “Amanda’s House Night”, held at the
Glens Falls Civic Center on Jan. 24, the
Flames raised over $1,000 towards the
campaign through their 50/50 from that
evening and a silent auction during the
game. The team also donated one dollar
from every ticket sold through a special
online campaign, for a total of $1,093 donated
that evening.
“The Adirondack Flames were humbled
by and thrilled with the generosity of
our friends at Bare Bones Furniture and
our fans throughout the Amanda’s House
restoration project,” Adirondack Flames
President Brian Petrovek said.” Amanda’s
House is an essential part of Glens Falls
Hospital that assists those traveling into
the area for hospital care with lodging.
We’d also like to thank Ronald McDonald
House in Albany for their generous matching
of $5,000 of our donation, enabling the
overall effort to exceed the $10,000 mark”
Additionally, the Flames donated 100
flex tickets to the ARCC Leadership Group
which were sold at their discretion, with
100 percent of the proceeds going towards
the project. The Leadership Group sold
all 100 tickets for a total of $1,400. The
campaign ended with $288 from the in game
50/50 raffle on Feb. 6 and $150 in additional donations made up the final
total of $5,921.
The Flames also received a campaign
match from the Ronald McDonald House
in Albany. Ronald McDonald House agreed
to match $5,000 of the Flames’ donation.
Amanda’s House works in a similar fashion
to Ronald McDonald’s House.
“We congratulate the Adirondack Flames
on the success of the campaign and salute
all who supported their heartfelt work,”
Jeff Yule, executive director of the Ronald
McDonald House, said. “Once again,
the Glens Falls community has selflessly
rallied in support of a wonderful cause.”
Amanda’s House is located at 22 Henry
St., Glens Falls, dedicated in memory of
Amanda Rose Cafaro, who was diagnosed
with acute myelogenous leukemia at just
four months old. During her struggle, the
communities in the Greater Glens Falls
area rallied to aid thew girl and her family.
After her death in 1998, it was suggested
that a memorial be established, resulting
in Amanda’s House. The house is offered
free of charge to anyone who is visiting
Glens Falls Hospital for treatment from
out of the area.
For more information on Amanda’s
House, visit www.amandashouse.org.
Photo Courtesy Leadership Adirondack