7th annual Rainbow Classic, Dec. 21*

*Please note: This is a new date for this event.

As is tradition, this Pittsford Mendon and Pittsford Sutherland High School basketball game to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong will again raise funds in memory of Katelyn Pasely and Ryan McCluski. Game starts at 6 p.m. at the University of Rochester Palestra, River Campus. For more information, call the Pittsford Central School District Athletic Department at (585) 218-1062.

Holiday Cards Sale Helps Children's Hospital, beginning now, until supplies last

While drafting your seasonal greetings, why not choose a holiday card that sends cheer in multiple directions -- bringing smiles to friends and kin, of course, but also to kids and families at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong?

Starting now, you can purchase cards that help our region's only children's hospital. Just stop by any of the nine local TOPS and Martin's Super Food Stores, listed below:

• TOPS in Brighton
• Martin's in Perinton
• TOPS on Winton Road
• TOPS in Hamlin
• TOPS in Gates
• TOPS in Avon
• TOPS in Canandaguia
• TOPS in Greece (both Mount Read, and Maiden Lane)

Each box of cards features a design by a child who is a children's hospital patient. Boxes retail for $10 and contain 10 cards each. For more information, contact Betsy Findlay at (585) 273-5933.

Fuel Up, Help Kids, now until Dec. 31

Donate $1 to purchase your Children's Miracle Network paper balloon or snowflake from participating area Sunoco APlus convenience stores and Express Marts. It's a small way to make a big difference for local children and families who need it most.

Good news, URMC faculty and staff -- when you present your University of Rochester ID card during Wilhelmus Estate Winery's Holiday Open House, they'll donate 10 percent of your purchase to Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong!

Just venture out to 3627 East Lake Road, Canandaigua, between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., now through Christmas Eve. In addition to delicious wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, holiday music and festive decor, you'll find plenty of unique last-minute gifts to share with family and friends. To learn more about the event, call (585)394-2860.

View the flier, here.

Nutcracker on Ice, Dec. 16

Giant rats and sugar plum fairies lace up their skates, not their ballet slippers, for the Sunday, Dec. 16 “Nutcracker on Ice Holiday Show” at ESL Sports Centre. In true holiday spirit, a portion of the recital-show's profits will benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

The performance begins at 2:30 p.m. in ESL Sports Centre’s Main Arena, 2700 Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road, featuring dozens of skaters, ranging from local beginners at the ESL’s skating school to high-lever skaters.

For ticket information (available for purchase in advance or at the door), contact ESL Sports Centre directly at (585) 424-4625.

View flier.

3rd annual "December to Remember," Dec. 8

Come out to Pineapple Jack’s, 507 Spencerport Road, Gates -- the night is set for making magic and music again, featuring tunes ranging from rock and roll to heavy metal and delivering local talent from at least ten bands. Admission – a monetary donation or toy donation, collected at the door (please see www.gchas.org for toy-giving guidelines) – will benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital. To learn more, contact John Paradiso at jparadiso@frontiernet.net.

Talent for Tots & Teens Holiday Showcase, Dec. 1

Join us at 5 p.m, 300 East River Road, to watch some of Rochester's most talented youngsters perform to compete for top honors at this fundraising talent show. Tickets are $10 per person (children 5 and younger are free) and all proceeds benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong. To participate or to learn more, contact Ida Wheeler at iwheeler@alumni.rochester.edu or (585) 273-5907.

View flier.

Pavilion School's Backwards Basketball Game, Nov. 2

The Girls Service League is holding yet another basketball game to raise money for Golisano's Childrens Hospital at Strong! (Last year's event turned everything upside down – starring kids as coaches, teacher-on-teacher competition, and guy’s in cheerleader skirts — to raise $1,500!)

Game starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Karen Eisenberg at (585) 273-1462.

20th Anniversary Golisano Children’s Hospital Gala, Oct. 20

Join nearly 1,000 attendees at the USAirports Hangar for our signature black-tie extravaganza.The evening brings cocktails, live and silent auctions, dinner and dancing.

For sponsorship, more information or to purchase your tickets ($175 per person), please call Betsy Findlay or Angela Pullen at (585) 273-5948.

Learn more about the annual Gala, here.

5th annual Smiling Pumpkin Halloween Party, Oct. 20

A Touch of Excellence is Partnering with The Kids Miracle Making Club and the Eastside YMCA to bring you the biggest Halloween party you've ever experienced! Come out to the Eastside YMCA, 1835 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd., 6 to 9 p.m., for a night packed with costume contests, t-shirt tie-dyeing, dancing (thanks to tunes from "Music in Motion"), pumpkin decorating contests (don't forget to bring your own!), goody-bags, games and more.

Cost is $5 per person; all proceeds support Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. RSVPs with estimates of how many family members will be attending are appreciated. Please phone (585) 739-2100 or e-mail amy@atouchofexcellence.net.

View flier.

Genesee Valley Hunt Races, Oct. 13

Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, just off Nations Road in Geneseo, the day of races celebrates a 79-year tradition of horse racing, canine events and family fun, in a valley back-lit by autumn’s orange and gold.

The events benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital and the Geneseo Rotary.

Tickets are $8 in advance (through Wegmans) and $10 at the gate on race day. Children 12 years old and younger are admitted free. To buy yours, call (585) 243-3949; for more information, visit www.geneseevalleyhunt.org/Races.htm.

Win a Year's Worth of Free Groceries from TOPS, Sept. 30 through Oct. 13

Smart shoppers, here’s a way to save big on your next 52 grocery trips: Sunday, Sept. 30 through Saturday, Oct. 13, TOPS Markets will offer you the chance to win free groceries for a year! To enter, simply make a dollar donation to Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong at the register (or, visit Customer Service), and you’ll receive your official entry ticket.

One lucky winner will be drawn at Golisano Children’s Hospital’s 20th anniversary Gala – one of Rochester’s premier, annual black-tie fundraising events – set for Saturday, October 20 at the USAirports Hangars on Scottsville Road.

To view flier, click here.

2nd annual 12 Hours of Fitness, Oct. 6

Venture out to the Iron Butterfly Health Club, 7493 Route 96, Victor. for this all-day sweat fest that burns calories and betters children.

The gym will be closed off for this noon to midnight fundraiser (if that sounds daunting, just come for just part of the time). Open to families of members and non-members alike, participants are asked to make a $20 donation (kids 14 and younger, $15) that benefits Golisano Children’s Hospital; prize incentives will be awarded to those who raise the most funds above this minimum donation.

For more information, call (585) 924-1540, or visit www.ironbutterflyfitness.com or click here.

Penfield Challenge 5K Race, Sept. 30

Come on out to the Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Road, Penfield to run toward a charitable end; last year’s racers garnered $600 to help hospitalized kids!

Entry fee is $15, now through Sept. 24, and $20 thereafter. To register or learn more, call Chris Bilow at (585) 340-8655.

24th annual Flower Day, Sept. 28

Last year, local community organizations and businesses banded together, selling carnations to raise more than $5,000 for our region’s only children’s hospital!

To make this year our best ever, we need your help; sign up to volunteer by calling Karen Eisenberg at (585) 273-1462.

Learn more about Flower Day, here.

Double Hit Donations, running throughout the 2007 Red Wings baseball season

Advantage Federal Credit Union is proud to announce that it has entered into an exciting arrangement with the Rochester Red Wings: the Credit Union will donate $25 to Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong for every double hit by a Red Wings player in a home game. 16 double-hits are already on record this year!

Be sure to head out to a home game and root on those hitters; they're playing for a great cause!

All Pro Fencing & Decking Shares Profits with Golisano Children's Hospital, all summer

This summer, outdoor renovations can transform your backyard -- and kids' lives -- at the same time. A new, Rochester-based fencing and decking business has promised to "give back" by donating 10 percent of its profits to Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong.

To learn more, call James Mussaw at (585) 690-5314.

Flier coming soon!

7th annual Frank Dianic Golf Tournament, Sept. 14

Join us at LeRoy Country Club, 7759 E. Main Road, LeRoy, for a day of golf that advances pediatric cancer research underway at Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

Cost for this four man scramble style tournament is $70 per person, which includes an 11 a.m. lunch buffet, plus a steak dinner.

For more information, contact James Eby at (585) 726-4026 or James.D.Eby@Kodak.com, or visit www.gchas.org.

View tournament flier.

Rochester Red Wing's Hawaiian Jersey Day, Aug. 12

The Rochester Red Wings, decked out in commemorative Hawaiian-print jerseys, take on the Ottawa Lynx beginning at 1:35 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12 at Frontier Field.

Proceeds from ticket sales – as well as those raised by a post-game auction of the players’ limited edition, autographed Hawaiian jerseys – will benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

The day includes tunes by Pirate Dreams, a chance to bid on a view of the game from the 20-person suite, and base-running fun for kids (with mascots Spikes and Mittsy!)

Learn more by viewing the flier or reading the press release.

8th annual Tim Milgate Charity Golf Tournament, Aug. 6

Come join us at the Deerfield Country Club for this annual tournament, which benefits Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong!

The scramble format competition, with a shotgun start at 9 a.m., costs $95 per person and includes18 holes of golf (with a cart!), soda, beer and lunch at the turn, a prime rib dinner and the chance to win prizes and keepsakes -- plus an annual gift!

Don't miss a first-rate opportunity to help the kids at our region's only children's hospital

Interested in sponsoring, underwriting, or playing? See the tournament's official web site, here.

View official brochure, here.

Many thanks to our sponsors! We are indebted to them for their generosity and support!

View photos from the 2006 event, here.

18th annual Ten Ugly Men Festival, July 28

Ready to have some fun and support Golisano Children’s Hospital at the same time? Venture out to the TUM Festival from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.at Genesee Valley Park for some serious dodgeball, bocceball and kickball tournaments -- not to mention a 5K Race. Visit www.tenuglymen.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

We need to round up 100 volunteers. A three hour shift gets you free admission (including all you can eat and drink!), plus a Golisano Children's Hospital t-shirt. Volunteer posts include: help selling drink tickets, directing parking, helping to run kids activities and working at registration/check in. If you're interested in helping, please e-mail Jen Montana with your address and phone number.

Charity Baseball Game, Webster Yankees vs. Brockport Riverbats, July 27

The Webster Yankees – a member of the New York Collegiate Baseball League, a summer wood bat league sanctioned by the NCAA and funded in part by Major League Baseball – face off with the Brockport Riverbats in a charity game set for 5 p.m. Friday, July 27 at St. John Fisher College’s Dugan Yard.

Tickets will be on sale at the gate for $2; all proceeds benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong. Raffles held at the game will also donate proceeds to the hospital.

The Yankees boast players from as close as local Monroe County towns, like Fairport and Pittsford, to places as far away as Bristol, Tenn.; some Riverbats' players come from places as distant as Austin, Texas and New Orleans.

To learn more about the Yankees or the Riverbats, visit www.websteryankees.com or www.gv-riverbats.com.

For more information, call Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939.

"Memories for Megan," a Coaches Showcase and Cheerleading Clinic, July 7

Webster Thomas High School student Brittni Battaglia hosts the 2007 "Memories for Megan", a coaches showcase and cheerleading clinic that benefits Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong (not to mention, it also doubles as her senior project!)

Held 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (registration begins at 8 a.m.) at The Aquinas Institute, the coaches showcase costs $75 per coach and includes lunch, inspirational talks, expert round table sessions and more; an inspirational talk given by Cheerleader Nation's Donna and Ryan Martin is open to athletes with a suggested minimum donation of $20.

For more information or to register (limited space is available), click here or call (585) 254-2020 x 2151.

All proceeds will be donated to Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong in honor of Megan Markus.

The Brothers K Challenge, bicycling fundraiser and celebratory after-party barbeque, July 7 and 8

The Kent brothers of Webster -- Patrick, Bryan and Mike -- will set off to ride 365 miles, non-stop, for 24 hours on Saturday morning, July 7. The brothers initially will be joined by a small group of serious bikers for the first 100-mile stretch, and then will continue on themselves (joined only by one close friend) for the remainder of the challenge.

As motivation for their pedaling, the brothers will be requesting pledges and donations to help area kids at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. They hope their journey raises awareness of the needs of many children who depend on the hospital's life-giving care.

People interested in joining the brothers at a post-ride barbeque can come to 794 Hightower Way, Webster, for food and festivities. A $5 minimum donation, also benefiting the children's hospital, is requested per person.

For more information, or to make a gift of support towards the brothers' fundraising efforts for the hospital, please call Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939, or call or e-mail organizer Bryan Kent directly at bken0705@brockport.edu or (585) 410-2081.

Learn more at: www.myspace.com/brotherskchallenge

High Fidelity Summer Band Jam, June 30

Join Mommies for Miracles out at High Fidelity (formerly Milestones) as they help to raise funds for Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong with this summertime concert, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Admission is $10 and includes a Free Drink token. To learn more, call Jill Orologio at (585) 507-5367.

View flier, here.

8th annual 'The Drive for Miracles' Radiothon, June 21 – 24

Listen to 100.5 The Drive as we broadcast live from the Strong Memorial Lobby Thursday, June 21 and Friday, June 22, and from Eastview Mall on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24. Consider being a Change Trooper, and patrol family, friends and co-workers for loose change -- to help kids here!

To learn about sponsorship opportunities, call Betsy Findlay at (585) 273-5933 or Angela Pullen at (585) 273-5937.

For more information, click on its specific web page (link is on the blue sidebar menu, left.)

6th annual Screaming Beaver Hockey Club Golf Tournament, June 23

All proceeds from the annual tournament, to be held at Brockport Country Club on Saturday, June 23, will be donated to the Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. 

For more information on playing in the tournament (just a few slots are left), or to learn about how to donate a gift or a sponsorship, contact Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939. (Please note, the deadline for all donations and gifts to be mentioned at the golf tournament is Wednesday, June 20.)

New Breed M.C.'s 3rd annual Poker Run, June 23

New Breed Motorcycle Club is pleased to announce its 3rd annual Poker Run to benefit kids at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. (Last year's event raised $300, and this year, they're setting out to beat that!)

Registration will be held 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 23; the run begins at Matella's Restaurant, 1479 Lyell Ave., and ends at The Jukebox, 5435 Ridge Road West. For more information, please visit www.newbreedmc.com or call Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939 or Karen Eisenberg at (585) 273-1462.

Learn more about the poker run, here.

Mint Jam Concert Benefits Golisano Children's Hospital, June 15

Because of rainy weather canceling "Rock Cancer off the Planet," Mint Jam has agreed to collect donations for Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong at this weekend's Friday night concert.

Join the band at 6:30 p.m. at the Henrietta Town Hall, 475 Calkins Road, for a two hour concert; free-will donations at the event will help local kids in their fights against illness and injury.

Rock Cancer Off the Planet, June 8

Help three local high school bands in their quest to kick cancer; The US Kings, Mint Jam and Madison Set will perform 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 8 at the Penfield Amphitheater (behind the town hall, 3100 Atlantic Ave.).

Though the show is technically free, concert-goers are encouraged to make a donation. All proceeds will benefit Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong.

For more information, please contact Karen Eisenberg at (585) 273-1462 or Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939.

View flier.

Left to right: The US Kings, Mint Jam and Madison Set.

GBG Supply, Rochester location, Grand Re-Opening Celebration, June 4 to 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractors, take note: GBG Supply, an HVAC supplier, is pleased to offer fun, food, giveaways and tours of its new facility, 460 Buffalo Road, Suite 210. The week-long celebration will feature food from the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, entertainment, prizes and an ATV raffle giveaway (a Polaris Phoenix 200, sponsored in part by Filer’s PowerSports). All proceeds will benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

Grand re-opening guests bringing an invitation will receive on “key” that brings a chance to win the Polaris Phoenix 200. Additional “keys” are available for purchase at the cost of $10 each.

For more information, please call Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939.

Miracle Weekend, June 1 to 3 (10NBC Telethon and annual Stroll for Strong Kids)

Tune into 10NBC’s annual Telethon on Saturday and Sunday evening to raise money for Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong. On Saturday, join in the fun at the 11th annual Stroll for Strong Kids at Genesee Valley Park, Rochester.

For more information on either event, call (585) 273-5948, or learn more by clicking on its specific web page (links are on the blue sidebar menu, left.)

Read more about the annual Stroll and telethon fundraisers...

Wal-Mart and Sam's Club Celebrate 20 Years of CMN Partnership: Special Campaign, May 1 to 31

Wal-Mart and Sam's Club's partnership with Children's Miracle Network has helped Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong in more ways that we could begin to count.

That's why were thrilled to celebrate 20 years of working together to improve children's health, both here in Rochester and across the nation!

NEW! Round Up for Kids!

Read about the Round Up for Kids Campaign, May 4 to May 31, at 11 local Wal-Mart stores and 2 local Sam's Club stores.

Local celebrities will be bagging goods at Wal-Mart! Read about it, here.

Memories and Miracles: May Photography Fundraiser, all of May (booking encouraged by April 1 to ensure best availability)

Schedule a session in May to have your child photographed by Amanda Padgham Photography, a brilliant natural light photography service, and 10 percent of the proceeds from all prints you order will benefit Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong.

Plus, if you order a set of wallets, you'll receive an additional set free -- and 50 percent of those proceeds will help ill and injured kids here!

Sessions book fast, so call soon. Amanda can be reached at (585) 764-2341. To learn more about her natural light technique and view her work, visit www.amandapadghamphotography.com.

Golfing for Kids, presented by Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, May 21

For more information on registration, sponsorship or underwriting opportunities, just click here!

See photos and a list of sponsors, here.

17th annual Sheriff’s Miracle Ride, May 20

Motorcyclists, here's a great chance to enjoy some riding for a charitable cause: join us on Sunday for at Harris-Whalen Park in Penfield, Rt. 441 (across from Wegmans). Registration is from 9 to 11 a.m.

Cost is $25 per rider and $5 per passenger. Expect many enviable raffle items, prizes and delicious food. 

100 percent of the Miracle Ride proceeds benefit Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. For more information, please call Ken Mancini at (585) 753-4146.

"Mud About You" Grand Opening Evening Event, May 18 (*PLEASE NOTE: This is a new date for this event.)

Mud About You, a new pottery painting, glass and mosaic studio, soon to open at 1802A Penfield Road (in the Dunkin Donuts plaza at Four Corners), will host an evening of art and hors d'oeuvres and more. Guests will paint a keepsake piece of pottery to bring home. Tickets are $25 each and proceeds will benefit Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong.

To learn more or purchase tickets, please call (585)248-3790

www.mudaboutyou.com

Chiavetta's 6th annual Chicken Barbeque, together with Strong Memorial Hospital Food & Nutrition Services, May 10

Chiavetta’s Chicken Barbeque and Strong Memorial Hospital's Food & Nutrition Services are holding their 6th annual chicken barbeque, held 3 to 6 p.m., Thursday, May 10 on the Crittenden Boulevard side of the Medical Center near the Psychiatry entrance. Take-out only; each meal costs $7.95 and includes half of a chicken, two salads, a roll with butter and a cookie.

To purchase tickets (you'll want to hurry, we've sold out the past four years!) call Karen Bisbo (585) 275-6367, or stop by room 4-2536. You can also purchase tickets at the Children's Hospital Development office, 300 East River Rd., Suite 207., or from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9, near the Courtyard Café. 

For more information, call Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939.

Eating Disorder Awareness Dance Fundraiser, May 10

Join students at Webster Thomas High School for a dance show that will not only entertain, but also plans raise awareness and funds to help treat sufferers of eating disorders at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong.

The show begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door, $8 for adults and $4 for students; a 50/50 raffle will take place during intermission and an informative speech about eating disorders will follow the performances.

For more information, please call Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939.

3rd Annual Girls Day Out, May 6

Enjoy a day of pampering, fashion and fun for girls of all ages! It's Shear Ego styling and mini-manicures for the younger girls, and massages and Trish McEvoy makeovers for the moms (and the aunts, etc.!) Not to mention great eats and dance-worthy tunes...

Our 3rd annual Girls Day Out will be held 2 to 5 p.m. at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

Cost is $15 for adults, $20 for girls 18 and younger.

RSVP by April 27 by calling Betsy Findlay at (585) 273-5933 or Karen Eisenberg at (585) 273-1462.

Read more about Girls Day Out, here.

Learn more by viewing the flier.

NICU Wall of Miracles, tile-decorating event, April 29

Come to the Flaum Atrium (at the University or Rochester Medical Center) between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, April 29 to join NICU nurses, doctors and other NICU graduate families for a tile-painting party where you'll create a special tile for our new tribute wall. 

You and/or your child can personally design and create a unique tile of your own to be installed outside the NICU. Once the tile wall is created, we will hold an unveiling event for all who participated! Exact date of unveiling to be determined.

(If you are unable to attend on this date, you may also go directly to Color Me Mine, in Pittsford, a time that is convenient for you during the month of April; you can create your tile there at the studio.)

More details, registration information, here.

A sample wall of painted tribute tiles, above; with your artistic aid, a similar wall will brighten the space just outside the NICU at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong!

Monte Carlo Night Fundraiser, April 28

Kids, not high rollers, stand to gain the most when Tops Markets and Martin’s Super Food Stores bring casino style fun to Fairport’s Green Lantern Inn, 1 E. Church St. That’s because regardless of how dice fall, all proceeds from the evening, set for 7 to 11 p.m., will benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong!

Admission is $35 per person, $65 per couple, and provides 250 chips per person, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and gaming, ranging from Texas hold’em, poker and blackjack to roulette, craps and more. To purchase tickets or for more information, ask for Emmerling or Allison Mich at the customer service counter at Martin’s Super Food Store, 6720 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, or call (585) 425-0020.

View press release, here...

Nazareth Commuter Association Car Wash, April 28

Nazareth College's Commute Association is willing to spare you from scrubbing your car this spring. The wash is free, of course, but donations are encouraged and will be accepted for the benefit of Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong.

The car wash will take place in the Arts Center parking lot (first parking lot on the right, if taking the East Avenue entrance).

For more information, please call (585) 273-5939.

5th annual Talent for Tots and Teens Talent Show, April 20

Come on out and watch some of Rochester's most talented youngsters as they perform to compete for top honors at this fundraising talent show.

The show will take stage at the 300 East River Road auditorium. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Ida Wheeler at (585) 273-5907 or IWheeler@Alumni.Rochester.edu.

If your students or children are interested in participating, please read this letter.

Monroe Avenue Cares for Kids, Charity Social Hour , April 6

Various Monroe Avenue establishments will donate a portion of social hour profits (3 p.m. to 9 p.m.) to Golisano Children's Hospital on Good Friday, April 6.

The event replaces Krazy Dave's annual "Krazy Krusade for Kids" and packs a powerful fundraising punch by drawing on more partners and hopefully, as organizer Dave Hill predicts, "will take on a life of its own."

Participating establishments include Acme Bar & Pizza, O' Callahan's Pub, JD Oxfords Pub, and Spikes Tavern, all located on Monroe Avenue (be sure to check back at this site for updates as more participants come on board).

For more information, please call Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939.

WITR Children's Hospital Charity Concert, March 31

RIT's radio station, WITR, is embarking on its first charity concert! The show begins at 9 p.m. and will feature the bands Scissors for Lefty, Boyskout and The Noise on Vinyl.

The concert will be held at the Ritz in the Student Alumni Union building at RIT. Admission is $2 for all ages. For more information, please direct inquiries to witrmusic@gmail.com.

Spring Forward Distance Race, April 1

Fleet Feet’s Spring Forward Distance Run, set for Sunday morning, April 1, at hilly Mendon Ponds Park, Mendon, will donate a portion of all entry fees to Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

The race is a 15K, or 9.3 miles, and begins at 8:30 a.m. Race day registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and an awards presentation for the top three males and top three females in five age categories will follow at 10:30 a.m. Finisher medals will be presented to and post-race cuisine available for all participants. Mizuno Technical Shirts will be given to the first 300 registered.

Read more about the Spring Forward race, here...

Volunteer opportunities (fill in form and send to Mike Hall, MHall@cccsd.org)

Registration form

Cost is $18 per racer is pre-registered by March 25; the fee increases to $20 if registering between March 16 to 31, and again to $25 on race day.  To register, visit Fleet Feet Sports, 2210 Monroe Ave., Rochester. Call Dave or Ellen Boutillier at (585) 697-3338 for more information, or visit www.yellowjacketracing.com.

2nd annual Sabres and Amerks Alumni Hockey Game, March 25

Come out and watch your favorite hockey players at the Blue Cross Arena as they skate for a great cause! Alums have teamed up to play against each other for the benefit of Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. (Admission to Amerks/Sabres alumni game will include admission to the Amerks/Crunch game that follows.)

Gates open at 3:30 p.m. Expect tons of incredible raffle and silent auction items!

Tickets must be ordered by Wed., March 21, and are available for $15 each ($5 of which will be donated directly to the Children's Hospital) through a special charity pricing package. To purchase, use the order form provided here or phone (585) 454-5335 ext. 3015 (be sure to mention that you’d like to purchase via the children’s hospital charity package!)

Read more about the Alumni Game, here...

Charity Ticket Ordering Form/Game Information Flier

For more information, please call Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939.

34th annual Brockport Dance Marathon, March 16 – 17

Brockport High School students and faculty will dance the night away, hoping to raise thousands for Leukemia research at Golisano Children’s Hospital! For more information contact Ann Hamlin at 585-637-3240.

Read more about the dance marathon (and another one, held at Martha Brown Middle School), here...

5th annual Taylor Brush Memorial Dinner Dance, March 10

Returning again this year, this fabulous night of dinner, dancing and raffles will benefit the NICU at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong!

The Saturday evening event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Diplomat Banquet Center. Tickets are $25 per person or $45 per couple. To purchase or for more information, please call Jennifer Brush at (585)544-6894 or Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939.

Read more about the dinner dance, here...

Community Day at The Bon-Ton, Marketplace Mall, March 3

We are partnering with The Bon-Ton at Marketplace Mall to sell coupon books for their Community Day, Saturday, March 3.

Each coupon book costs $5, and includes a $10 coupon inside (so they pay for themselves twice over, right off the bat!) They're filled also with lots of other savings, and 100 percent of the $5 price directly benefits Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

Booklets are available beginning Friday, Feb. 23, at the Children's Hospital Development office, 300 East River Rd., Suite 207. 

To sell them on behalf of the hospital, please contact Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939.

An Evening of Wine & Wishes, March 3*

* Note: Please disregard the date listed in the Fall 2006 Strong Kids Newsletter. Saturday, March 3 is the new date for the Wine & Wishes event.

An Evening of Wine & Wishes will benefit the NICU at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at Artisan Works, 565 Blossom Road.

The night will include wine tasting from several Finger Lakes wineries, heavy hors d'oeuvres, desserts, a silent auction and NICU wish list area, with items for purchase, as well as music from the Greater Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra.

Ticket prices are $95 per person; corporate sponsorships are available. Call (585) 273-5948 for more information.

Read more about the Wine and Wishes event, here.

Paul Tessoni's 5th annual Ski Invitational , Feb. 5

Save the date! The ski invitational will be held at Bristol Mountain Ski Resort.

For more information, call Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939.

Cycle for Hope, Feb. 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ; After-Party at Hawthorne's Restaurant, 5 p.m.

Save the date! Cycle for Hope attempts to set another world record this February, hoping to get as many people as possible cycling at the same time throughout the city of Rochester.

Proceeds from the event will be split equally between Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong and Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc

Read more about Cycle for Hope, here...

View the brochure (Publisher format) or view in another window; learn more by visiting www.cycleforhope.org (NOTE: site is in the process of being updated from last year's event.).

Participating Clubs:

• World Gym
• Personal Health Approach (PHA)
• Midtown Athletic Club
• Gold's Gym, Rochester
• Gold's Gym, Webster
• Harro East Athletic Club
• Penfield Racquet Club
• Rochester Athletic Club
• Iron Butterfly
• Flex Gym and Aerobics Center

Four for Four Concert Series at the Harro East Ballroom, starting Jan. 26; doors open at 4 p.m.

Each night of the Four For Four for Charity Concert Series will feature Uncle Plum, 50/50, Download and a guest DJ. The Jan. 26 opening night will also include two contests: a raffle for a chance to be on TV in an Ugly Betty lip synching competition (grand prize: a free round-trip ticket to anywhere in the United States) and a raffle to win a chances up on stage, performing a song with Rochester’s most popular bands, Uncle Plum, Download and 50/50.

View Four for Four flyer

Read the press release, here.

For SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES and more information, call Ted Rund at (585) 944-8679.

Montage Music Hall Benefit, Jan. 5 and 12, Doors open at 7 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m.

Join local Rochester bands in a benefit that will honor Evan Thrasher. Back-to-back Friday nights of music, each with a $10 cover, will directly benefit Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong.

The Montage is located at 50 Chestnut Street, Downtown Rochester.

You may wish to bring in a toy or item that will brighten a child's stay.

Read the press release, here.

For ideas and regulations about what can be accepted for donation, see here.

Learn more about the Montage and the benefit's band line-up, here.

Toys for Teens Holiday Toy Drive, now through Dec. 16

Starting after Thanksgiving and running through Saturday, Dec. 16, you can spread a little extra cheer to patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong. You’ll earn some special discounts, too.

Just bring in a new, unwrapped toy to one of two Fairport drop-off locations: Country Rode Motowerks, 286 Macedon Center Road or Casa Larga Vineyards and Winery, 2287 Turk Hill Road. Your generosity will be rewarded with coupons redeemable at select Rochester-area businesses (Mr. Shoe’s Eastside Café, Open Faced Sandwich Eatery, Casa Larga Vineyards and Winery and Country Rode Motowerks).

Read more about the Toys for Teens toy drive, here...

Nutcracker on Ice Holiday Show, presented by ESL Sports Centre, Dec. 17, 2:30 p.m.

Relive the magic of The Nutcracker this holiday season, as more than 60 children performers skate to share Tchaikovsky's classic tale, "The Nutcracker." Advance tickets to the show (which runs 45 minutes) cost $8 for adults and $5 for children; at the door prices are slightly higher.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call ESL Sports Centre at (585) 424-4625.

Read more about the Nutcracker on Ice Holiday Show, here...

December to Remember, Pineapple Jack's, Dec. 2

This year, the night is set for making magic and music again on Saturday, Dec. 2. Pineapple Jack's, located at 485 Spencerport Road in Gates, will feature tunes ranging from rock and roll to heavy metal, delivering 10 hours of local talent from at least nine bands.

The night will bring raffles, giveaways and of course, nonstop music, starting at 4 p.m. and running until 2 a.m. Admission is $10 at the door or a toy of equivalent value – both will be donated to the region’s only children’s hospital. Toys must be new and should not be gift-wrapped (please visit www.gchas.org for specifications on what can and cannot be accepted).

For more information about December to Remember (sponsorship, band information, etc.), contact John Paradiso at jparadiso@frontiernet.net. To learn how you can benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong during the upcoming holiday season, please call Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939.

Read more about December to Remember, here...

Evergreen Car Wash, Free Professional Wash Benefit, Nov. 13

UPDATE: Evergreen Car Wash washed nearly 300 vehicles, raising $1083.20 for the region's only children's hospital. Way to go, Evergreen!

Your car has between now and (dates coming soon!) to get as filthy as possible – and then it’s time to drive to Evergreen Car Wash at 358 Lake Ave. to have it scrubbed down and shined up for free at an all-day car wash that benefits Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

Evergreen Car Wash (less than a mile north of Frontier Field, next door to Aldi’s) will be offering free conveyor-style washes to all customers during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. While all washes will be performed at no charge, the business is encouraging donations be made to the children’s hospital and even offers incentives and extras – up to the “Ultimate” wash package, which includes a five-day rewash guarantee – depending on the donation amount.

For more information on the Evergreen Car Wash benefit, call (585) 273-5939.

Read more about the free professional car wash event, here...

Evergreen Car Wash Web site

Carrabba's Italian Grill Opening Celebration, Oct. 30

If you’ve been driving near Marketplace Mall in Henrietta lately, you may have noticed a newcomer under construction in the neighborhood: Carrabba’s Italian Grill. This friendly, festive eatery elicits the vibe of the Italian countryside and opens on Monday, Oct. 30, for a grand celebration that will donate 50 percent the evening’s sales to Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

Carrabba’s is located at 3540 W. Henrietta Road and opens at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30.

More about Carrabba's Grand Opening Benefit...

View charity opening flier...

Pittsford Dance Studio presents "Dracula", Oct. 28

It very well may be the only kid- and family-friendly version of “Dracula” you see this Halloween season. And it’s undoubtedly the only time you’ll ever see a vampire laced up in ballet slippers.

Pittsford Dance Studio students have been working hard to present an original, not-too-spooky ballet rendition of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” love story. All proceeds from the two performances, set for 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Mercy High School’s auditorium, will benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong. 

More about the "Dracula" production...

"Dracula" flier (Print and hang somewhere, to spread the word!)

Cruise for a Cause, Oct. 15-22

Graham Lodge and Patrick Booher celebrate their 10th year helping us cruise for a cause! The tropical excursion benefits Golisano Children's Hospital -- in fact, last year's getaway helped us raise $3,020!

Working through Just Cruises, Lodge and Booher are again arranging to fill cabins for a Caribbean cruise. Hurry, though. The cruise is set for Oct. 15 to 22, and $25 per cabin booked will come back to the hospital.

Onboard, this year's special guests are former Miracle Kid, Isaiah Cox, and his mother.

To buy tickets or to learn more about how a sunny vacation can help ill and injured kids, visit the Cruise for a Cause Web site.

Children's Hospital Gala, Oct. 21

This year's Gala will be held at the USAirports South Hangar on Scottsville Road -- a new venue that is twice as large as last year's. Mark and Marcia Siewert of Pittsford are the honorary chairs for this year's event. which promises an elegant evening of hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and sit-down dinner, and musical entertainment by Nik and the Nice Guys. The night, which begins at 6 p.m Saturday., also brings live and silent auctions.

To reserve tickets at $175 per person, sponsorships, or for more information, call (585) 273-5948.

More on the Gala...

Gala press release...

South Beach Salon Cut-a-thon, Oct. 14

Stylists at South Beach Salon know a secret: the satisfaction from getting a fantastic haircut is not unlike the pleasure that comes from supporting a charitable cause. And if you pair the two together, the feel-good sensation that results is doubly good.

To experience it yourself, come in for a new look 10 a.m to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. The salon will donate 50 percent of the cost of your cut to help ill and injured kids at Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

For more information about South Beach Salon and Café and getting your hair cut for kids, call (585) 342-7426.

Read more about the event, here...

Genesee Valley Hunt Races, Oct. 14

Horse-lovers, hound-lovers, here’s some good news: your trip to this year’s Genesee Valley Hunt Races will support Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong. 

Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, just off Nations Road in Geneseo, the day of races celebrates a 78-year tradition of horse racing, canine events and family fun, in a valley back-lit by autumn’s orange and gold.

Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate on race day. Children 12 years old and younger are admitted free. To buy yours, call (585) 243-3949; for more information, visit www.geneseevalleyhunt.org/Races.htm.

Read more about the event, here...

See poster, here.

Comics for Kids, Here and Far II, Oct. 13

An evening of laugh-out-loud comedy that also benefits the Hematology/Oncology program at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong -- sound to good to be true? Think again!

Since laughter is the best medicine, enjoy some yourself and help kids at the same time. Nationally touring comedian Sky Sands will headline the event, so you won't want to miss it!

Tickets are $25 each; if you can't make it, you can send a cut-out in your stead! To purchase, or for more information on sponsorship, call Tim Thomas at (585) 265-1565 or Linda Dirksen at (585) 273-5939.

Information form and Cut-Outs, here. (Adobe Acrobat file)

Read more about the event, here...

Bellini's Italian Eatery, Grand Opening Benefit, Oct. 10-11

Bellini’s Italian Eatery makes its debut in the Rochester community, celebrating the grand opening of its Victor location Oct. 10 and 11. All proceeds from the opening will benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

Learn more about the Grand Opening...

View Invitation...

Read the Bellini's Corporate Press Release...

Bellini's Web site

23rd annual Golisano Children's Hospital Flower Day, Sept. 29

Do you or your business or organization want to help us peddle pedals...for a good cause?

Learn more about how your selling some flowers could help the hospital...

The Penfield Challenge 5K, Sept. 24

Come out to the Penfield Community Center at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24 for a 5K race that benefits Golisano Children's Hospital. For more information, contact Chris Bilow at (585) 340-8655.

Registration form (for print out)

6th annual Frank Dianic Memorial Golf Tournament, Sept. 15

Join us on Friday, September 15 at LeRoy Country club for a 4-man scramble style tournament; the day includes an 11 a.m. lunch buffet, 1 p.m. shotgun start, and delicious steak dinner afterward. Expect 50/50 raffle, prizes, chance to win a Buick, and t-shirts for all participants. The cost is $70 per person; please contact James Eby for registration at (585) 726-4026 or James.Eby@Kodak.com.

Proceeds benefit cancer research underway at Strong Memorial hospital.

See flier!

10th Annual Golisano Children's Hospital Golf Classic, Sept. 11

We're tee-ing off to help kids, so save the date: Monday, September 11, 2006. Presented by IBM and Sysco.

Last year's event sold out on three courses, included more that 430 golfers and raised more that $215,000. Hurry now to make this year even better!

More on the Golf Classic, here...

Frank Vito Memorial Pasta Dinner, Sept. 10

Friends, family and community pasta-lovers are invited to celebrate the legacy of Frank Vito at a memorial dinner that benefits Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong. The Sunday, Sept. 10 dinner is held noon to 5 p.m. at The Diplomat Party House on Lyell Avenue.

More on the memorial dinner...

Flier with payment form...

Fairport Music & Food Festival, Aug. 26, noon to dark

Enjoy the tunes and tastes of Fairport as the Music and Food Festival returns for its second year..again, with all proceeds benefiting Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong!

Two stages near the lift bridge will welcome an in-demand line-up of local talent, including Uncle Plum and rising student band Mint Jam, to name a few. Don't forget the kids -- there'll be plenty of children's event, too (plus, if they're 12 years old or younger, they're free!)

To save and order advance tickets and learn more about the event, visit the Web site.

Learn more about the festival...

7th Annual Tim Milgate Charity Golf Tournament, August 7

Join us at the Deerfield Country Club for a scramble-format tournament that will celebrate Tim's memory and make a difference for children at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. Fun begins with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. and includes a hole-in-one contest, prime rib dinner, keepsake gifts and the opportunity for special prizes.

Click here to learn more about the event and view pictures from years past.

TOURNAMENT SOLD OUT, but you can still help...see how!

Carnival of Caring , Aug. 12 to 18

Employees from Raytec, Gorbel and Retrotech – three Victor-area sister companies that design material handling equipment – will enjoy daily entertainment at their second annual Carnival of Caring, Monday through Friday, Aug. 14 to 18.

The employee recreation carnival will benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong and has slotted its most outrageous stunt for right smack in the middle of the week: “shaving” kids’ lives. The Wednesday afternoon challenge features two female employees who will shave their heads if their co-workers hit the $800 donation mark. If they hit $1,000, a third employee will do a bit of trimming, too, cutting off his moustache of 26 years.

Read more, here...

Dancin' in the Streets, Aug. 19

Come out to Nathaniel’s Pub on Saturday, Aug. 19, and you’ll catch up on what’s hip.

That’s because Mommies for Miracles, a children’s charity group founded by Jill and Vinny Orologio of Fairport, has rounded up funky local vendors (beaded jewelry, belts, ‘decoplates’) and four of the area’s hottest bands (Puddle, Cheez Factor, Download, and a surprise performer) for an all-day party, from 2 to 11 p.m. at  291 Exchange Blvd.  The event will benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

Read more, or view flier.

2nd annual Flying H Ranch Rodeo, July 29 and 30

Whether or not you’re a cowboy or cowgirl at heart, if you steer your family down to the 2nd Annual Flying H Ranch Rodeo in Campbell, N.Y., on Saturday or Sunday, July 29 or 30, an afternoon of bareback bronc riding and calf roping just may have you and your little buckaroos singing Happy Trails on the ride home.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt to know that 10 percent of your ticket sale will be donated to Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong – and unlike the performers, your charity won’t leave you walking bow-legged.

More about the rodeo...

Guido’s Pasta Villa’s Annual Golf Outing, July 30

Join fellow golfers and children’s hospital supporters in a tournament on Sunday, July 30 at Victor Hills Golf Course. The restaurant, located at 1313 East Ridge Road in Irondequoit, assures that your game (no matter how good) will help kids at Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong. For more information, call Jesse Guido at (585) 266-2676.

PLEASE NOTE: THE ROYALS GAME IS RESCHEDULED FOR 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, at MCC. Hope to see you there!

TICKETS SOLD AT THE FIELD ON GAME DAY: $4 each (and FREE to Little Leaguers sporting their uniforms!)

Rochester Royals Baseball Game, July 22

All American sports and charity fit nicely together – especially on the afternoon of Friday, July 22, when the Rochester Royals take the MCC field for a ball game that will donate 100 percent of its profits to Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong. The event will feature bat boys (and girls) from the children's hospital and is free to Little Leaguers sporting their team gear.

Read more about the ball game (notice: the dates are not modified in release to reflect the reschedule)...

See the flier (notice: time, date and location have not been modified on flier)...

WNY Optics/Photonics Golf Tournament, July 20

This year’s 4-person scramble format tournament will be held on Thursday, July 20 at both Shadow Lake and Shadow Pines courses (do to the overwhelming participation last year, Shadow Lake will be filled first, and then the balance of foursomes will play at Shadow Pines).  The day packs lunch, buffet dinner at 5 p.m., a 50-50 raffle and the awarding of prizes. 

Golf and dinner is available for $85 per person; dinner or golf separately is $55 each, per person.  Register by July 1 to guarantee a spot, as the tournament slots book quickly!  Questions and volunteer information may be addressed by contacting Ron or Diane Schulmerich at (585) 663-7230 (standard business hours) or at (585) 359-2102 (evenings), or by e-mailing: wnyoptics@rochester.rr.com

Acknowledgement Letter

Registration Form

Cover Letter

17th annual Ten Ugly Men Festival, July 22

Rochester’s 17th Annual Ten Ugly Men Festival Names The Bright Eyes Fund at Golisano Children’s Hospital as Co-beneficiary.

Your summer weekends are probably booking up already, so you’ll want to hurry up and pencil this one in before it’s too late:  Rochester’s Ten Ugly Men Festival’s “King of Ugly” event, held from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 22 in Genesee Valley Park. 

Read more about the event, here...

Volunteer to help...

8th Annual Otter Lodge Golf Tournament, July 18

8th Annual Otter Lodge Golf Tournament will show strong support the children’s hospital and the family-friendly care provided there.

The tournament costs $100 per person, and includes a wine and cheese kick-off party at Otter Lodge the evening before (Monday, July 17); the event is open to the public, and golfers are invited to bring dates. The tournament-day festivities include 18 holes of golf at Victor Hills, with lunch at the turn and plenty of complimentary beverages and opportunities for raffles while on the course. A buffet dinner will follow at Victor Hills, and a bar tab continues afterwards Otter Lodge for those that wish to keep on celebrating.

Read more about the Otter Lodge Golf Tournament..

Golfing for Strong Kids, May 17

A golf tournament held jointly by Sam's Club and Wal-mart.

More on the golf tournament, here...

Motorcycle Rides: Saturday, May 20, New Breed Poker Run; Sunday, May 21, Sheriff's Office Miracle Ride

If you’ve got a bike, you might want to drag it out and start waxing.  The month of May brings back-to-back motorcycle charity options, with the New Breed Motorcycle Club 2nd Annual Poker Run on Saturday, May 20, and the 17th Annual Sheriffs' Foundation Miracle Ride on Sunday, May 21, both to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

For more information about or to register for Saturday’s Poker Run, contact Charles Max at (585) 313-3988 or visit www.newbreedmc.com; to learn more about Sunday’s event, call Ken Mancini at 585-753-4193.

New Breed's Poker Run

Sheriffs' Foundation Miracle Ride

Children's Miracle Network Telethon on 10NBC, June 2-3

Patient stories that bring hope and courage; listen in and call in, on Friday, June 2, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on Saturday, June 3, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.   

More on the telethon, here...

10th Annual Stroll for Strong Kids! June 3

Join us for a 2-mile walk through Genesee Valley Park in Rochester...and a special surprise, this year...if you can keep a secret!

More on the Stroll, here....

Free Concert and Charity Benefit, June 9

Looking for some good tunes by some of Penfield's coolest student bands? You're in luck: both Look! Some Presidents and Gabe Condon and Mint Jam will be performing, so just grab a blanket and come out to Penfield's Outdoor Amphitheater in Veteran's Memorial Park, 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 9.

See flier and press release for more details.

Listen to Mint Jam's tunes before you go...

Balloon for a Buck, Help a Kid, June 4 - June 18

The 19 area Rochester Tops Markets and Martin’s stores are teaming up to support Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong – and you can help! By buying a miracle balloon for only $1, you’ll support children at the hospital. 

Balloon sales run from June 4 to June 18.