The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

McGovern Fundraiser A Big Success

By

by Steve Bradley

This year’s 16th Annual Karen & Molly McGovern Memorial Fund Volleyball Tournament was a tremendous success. According to co-founders Lisa Ferrannini and Donna Cuddihy, the event raised over $11,700 to help local residents suffering from life-threatening illnesses. [private]

The Sand Bar was the Hoosick place to be Saturday. Here one of the players gets good air during a late morning volleyball match, while other participants begin to gather for the McGovern Memorial Volleyball Tournament day. A good time was had by all, for a great cause. The annual event raises money to help local individuals or families with life-threatening illnesses. Every dollar raised is returned to the community. Photo by Steve Bradley.
The Sand Bar was the Hoosick place to be Saturday. Here one of the players gets good air during a late morning volleyball match, while other participants begin to gather for the McGovern Memorial Volleyball Tournament day. A good time was had by all, for a great cause. The annual event raises money to help local individuals or families with life-threatening illnesses. Every dollar raised is returned to the community. Photo by Steve Bradley.

One-hundred percent of all raised funds are donated back. Corporate donations, the volleyball tournament, silent auction and a 50/50 all contributed to the total. Pat Hayes, Terri Burdick, Chris Marsh, Bonnie St. Onge, Bill and Barb McGovern all contributed to organizing the event.

Local businesses donated generously. The Polish Hall gave a substantial donation raised by their annual motorcycle ride. Mike and Trish Bloomer, owners of the Sand Bar, donated the facility for the day, along with a keg, burgers, hot dogs and a salad lunch. Brown’s Brewing donated a keg of their beer. Other businesses donated items for the silent auction.

Over fifty people played on the volleyball teams. Five A teams and three B teams participated in the volley tournament. Players Matt Sausville, James Espinoza, Adam Lozano and Angie Lozano of the “JAAM” team were the victorious A team members. B winners were the Interface Solutions team consisting of Jim and Julie Lynch, Lisa and Mike Schneider, Terry Henry and Leah North. Many other people came to watch the games, join the festivities and donate or just join in the fun.

Bonnie St. Onge of team “Campers” won the Matt Philpott Sportsmanship Award.

The Thayne family of Hoosick Falls. Photo by Steve Bradley.
The Thayne family of Hoosick Falls. Photo by Steve Bradley.

The Thayne family of Hoosick Falls, received the Karen McGovern Memorial Award. The three children of Tony and Maggie Thayne, sons Tucker and Cooper along with daughter Logan, suffer from Anklysing Spondylitis, a form of arthiritis. The illness creates constant pain in their backs and large joints. Logan and Tucker are receiving infusions at medical facilities in Boston, MA.[/private]