Henniker, NH –New Hampshire’s Pats Peak ski area in Henniker is hosting the 12th Annual Childhood Cancer Lifeline fundraiser weekend on Feb. 25-26. This event promises to be a fun-filled weekend, full of activity and promise. Be an extension of the “lifeline” by supporting the annual fundraising event, an opportunity to enjoy skiing and riding and support New Hampshire families who have a child with cancer.
Each year in New Hampshire as many as 73 families hear the words, “Your child has cancer”. For them, life is never the same. The emotional and financial impact of a cancer diagnosis upon a family is devastating. In addition to social and support opportunities held throughout the year, the Childhood Cancer Lifeline provides direct financial assistance and comfort items to New Hampshire families, from the point of diagnosis through the journey with cancer.
Since 2009, through the Links! Program, the Childhood Cancer Lifeline has provided laptops to each newly diagnosed school-aged child. These laptops provide a much needed connection to the world beyond the confines of the hospital. Since their inception, they have provided in excess of $400,000 in direct financial assistance to New Hampshire families.
“The ongoing support of the local community helped the Lifeline to reach major goals in recent months. We continue to address the urgent needs of families through the provision of gas cards, meal vouchers and emergency funding. The long awaited fully accessible tree house was dedicated in June of 2011 at YMCA Camp Coniston in memory of four young campers. Our 100th laptop was delivered last month. We are so touched that so many continue to support our organization, to reach out to truly ‘be a lifeline’ to families in need,” says board President, Sylvia Pelletier.
Throughout the week leading up to the weekend events and throughout the weekend skiers and snowboarders will be able to make a donation to the cause. Raffles, Childhood Cancer Awareness Pins along with tickets for the Sunday evening event will be available for purchase during the weekend.
On Saturday, October Sons will be playing in the ski area’s Sled Pub from 4 to 9 p.m. On Sunday, October Sons will host several Lifeline Benefit Rock Bands in “We Will, We Will ROCK Cancer” starting at noon in the Sled Pub.
Sunday evening’s events kick off at 3 p.m. with a live and silent auction, raffles and dinner by Pats Peak’s Executive Chef, Guy Pelletier. The Live and Silent Auction has many gift certificates, tickets New England Sports Teams, sports memorabilia plus much more. Tickets purchased before the weekend of the event for the Sunday evening event are $20 per person or $30 per couple. Tickets purchased the weekend of the event are $25 per person or $40 per couple. Tickets may be purchased at PATS PEAK Guest Services, by calling (603) 428-3245, throughout the event weekend in the Main Lodge or at the door. This event continues to be the most successful fundraising event for the Childhood Cancer Lifeline of New Hampshire.
The Childhood Cancer Lifeline of New Hampshire has a special relationship with Pats Peak. Chef Pelletier, who joined Pats Peak in May of 2000, has two children who are cancer survivors. His wife Sylvia is a founding member and current President of the organization. The Lifeline continues to be the only organization dedicated to empowering New Hampshire families whose children have cancer by providing them with financial assistance, resources, and most importantly, hope.