Submitted by Bonnie St. Onge
On Saturday, September 8, the 19th Annual Karen McGovern Volleyball Tournament was held at The Sand Bar in Hoosick Falls. All funds raised benefit the Karen and Molly McGovern Fund.
The tournament raised in excess of $14,000 which represented sponsorships, individual donations, volleyball fees, merchandise raffle and 50/50 drawing. Sixteen teams participated, equally split between A and B levels. Community members attended the event throughout the day to show their support by purchasing 50/50 raffle tickets or tickets for the merchandise raffle which consisted of over 40 items contributed by local businesses and individuals.
There were two winning teams for this year’s volleyball tournament. For the A Division, the winners were Team Philpott and the B Division winners were Team Weeden.
Each year the Karen and Molly McGovern Committee honors a person or family within the community who is battling a life-threatening illness. The honoree is chosen because he or she holds the same qualities Karen McGovern herself personified throughout her struggle with cancer; courage, perseverance and graciousness. Karen was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 1998 and passed away in 2000, she was 32 years old. This year’s recipient of the Karen McGovern Award was the Quackenbush Family. Honored were Everett, Judy, and their dog River who have all been fighting cancer during the past year. The Quackenbush family has resided in Hoosick Falls for over 20 years and have been very active in community activities. Judy has battled Leukemia for over 2 years. During the time of Judy’s treatments her husband, Everett, was diagnosed with bladder cancer. As Judy and Everett were simultaneously going through their treatments they learned through a veterinary appointment that their beloved dog River was also diagnosed with cancer. Hopeful news is that Judy has had a stem cell transplant and Everett is currently in remission. Both are taking great care and continuing with treatments and medical appointments in order to seek the very best guidance. We wish this family love and hope as they continue on their journey.
An award of appreciation was presented to St. Mary’s Academy of Hoosick Falls for its community spirit, annual donations and resources which have helped build the fund throughout the past 19 years. The Matt Philpott Award was given to Alyssa Ellis who played in the volleyball tournament promoting team spirit and competitiveness.
In 2018 over $30,000 was distributed throughout our community. There are no administrative costs in the running of this Charitable Fund and 100% of the funds go directly towards helping community members. The Karen and Molly McGovern Fund provides needed financial assistance to those individuals and/or families fighting life threatening illnesses. If you know of someone who may be in need, please call Pat Hayes at 518-686-4314. If you would like to donate to this cause, you may send a donation to Karen and Molly McGovern Fund c/o Rural Rensselaer County Council of Health and Human Services, (RRCCHHS) P.O. Box 132 Hoosick Falls, NY 12090.