Beat Fundraising Goal By More than $5,000

Friends and family of St. Francis College students came out in full force Friday, March 30 to raise money for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. The event took in more than $25,000 with the final total still being counted. That's more than $5,000 more than the $20,000 goal set by organizers.

"The event was a tremendous success," said Ruben Gonzalez, Assistant Director of Student Activities at St. Francis. "News 12 Brooklyn and several local papers were very helpful in creating a special buzz for the event. They interviewed and spoke with several individuals from the college including Chris Gibbons, a cancer survivor and Director of Special Events for the College, Doreen Patrone, one of our top fundraisers and student Stefanie Morisi."

Participants walked for nine hours around the campus Anthony J. Genovesi Athletic Center. Entertainment throughout the day was provided by local bands, dance groups and step teams. There were specific laps marked as tributes to cancer survivors and their caregivers. There was also a ceremony to honor loved ones who lost their battles.

This year the Relay for Life was dedicated to the memories of Franciscans Brother Shane Burke and Brother John Hoffschmidt, who served the community of St. Francis College for a number of years with endless energy and commitment to the ideals of the Franciscan Tradition.

Donations are still being accepted. Please contact Ruben Gonzalez at [email protected] for more information.

Brother Shane Burke served as Superior General of the Brooklyn Franciscan Order beginning in 2003. He is a graduate of St. Francis College and served on the Board of Trustees. He battled cancer for three years before passing away last December.

Brother John Hoffschmidt served for more than 55 years as a Franciscan Brother. He spent more than twenty of those years as Director of Career Development at St. Francis College and kept a close relationship with the students and staff of the college until his passing in November of last year.

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.
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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu