Locals to host breast cancer fundraiser

Longtime East Meadow residents Robert and Marcia Levine are hosting a fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 20 for their niece, Jamie Hick, who was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer in May 2011.

“Because she lives so far away, this is the best thing for us to do,” said Robert, who is overwhelmingly pleased with the community response. “The people in the community are really coming together,” he said after explaining that many local companies and individuals have donated money and raffle prizes toward the fundraiser.

Hick, who lives in New Jersey, is mother to three young children and was initially denied disability when she was diagnosed, she said. Robert also added that their family recently joined together for a breast cancer walk in New Jersey and while the more than 17,000 people in attendance collected more than $1 million for breast cancer research, Hick was provided a mere $150 for the year for transportation and child care when it will cost $800 per month for three half-days of child care for two children.

Levine hopes to raise $3,000 to assist Hick with childcare and other expenses that may arise. “If I could to that for her, it would be fantastic.”

With the fundraiser nearly one week away, the Levines have been collecting donations for the last month and are glad to see the community contributions. Robert said they have raffle giveaways from Starbucks, for karate classes, manicures, cookies, wine and numerous restaurant gift certificates.

“This definitely means a lot,” said Hick. “I definitely have a lot of support and that makes all the difference.”

The fundraiser will be held at East Meadow Lanes on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. For $20, all attendees will be entered into a raffle for a Norman Rockwell drawing and will receive two games of bowling and pizza and soda. Additionally, raffle tickets for the 50/50 drawing and Chinese auction will be sold. For more information, contact Robert Levine at (917) 805-6172.