This blog was written by Team Roswell event coordinator, Tom Schuh.
Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer. In my case, the inspiration for Bridget’s Battle was, of course, my wife Bridget, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2008. Bridget was treated at Roswell Park Cancer Institute until she passed away in January 2014.
Those who met Bridget discovered her upbeat personality and her strong will to enjoy a full, rich life while fighting her condition. One of her greatest joys was music. We especially loved to go to our favorite musical hangout, The Dockside Inn, in North Tonawanda. We met there in 2007, got engaged there and even got married there! We spent many nights together listening to bands there, and occasionally gave karaoke our best shot.
Those nights led to the hatching of an idea to have a big jam session with all the Dockside bands headlining. Once we started planning the event, it seemed right to ask for a small donation at the door, and Roswell was a perfect beneficiary.
Our first Dockside Band Jam happened in the fall of 2010, followed by annual repeats in 2011 and 2012. Dan and Gloria Wingrove, the generous owners of Dockside, matched the donations at the door each year, and we were able to make significant contributions to Roswell Park.
Unfortunately, Bridget’s conditioned worsened in 2013, and we decided not to hold an event that year. She was hospitalized, and passed away in early 2014. Bridget’s memory inspired us to carry on in her honor, and Bridget’s Battle was officially born.
We held the first event later that year in September, at Crazy Jake’s in North Tonawanda. Over the past three years, we have raised over $20,000 for Roswell Park in Bridget’s memory.
This year, Bridget’s Battle IV moves to The Grove at Banchetti by Rizzo’s. We have ten bands scheduled, plus acoustic and DJ music lined up. Many of our talented performers have appeared at every one of our events dating back to 2010. In addition to all-day music, we will have plenty of prize raffles and themed baskets up for auction, a 50/50 split raffle, available food and beverages, plus a few surprises! The $10 donation “at the door” will get you a guaranteed good time.
Our help provides critically needed funds to aid in cutting-edge cancer research, and just as importantly, you help provide hope to the individuals and families touched by this terrible disease. Together, we can help find cancer cures and save lives.
Love and blessings to all,
Tom Schuh