On Feb. 22, team Rangers for a Cure hosted a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s in Rocky River to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The event was a true display of community spirit and their commitment to fighting blood cancer, bringing many people together.
Team Rangers for a Cure are currently in the midst of their seven-week campaign to raise funds for those with blood cancer. They are competing against other schools in Northeast Ohio to raise the most money. This year, their goal is to raise $50,000, and doing events like the pancake breakfast is helping them reach their goal.
Before the event, members of the team worked to sell tickets to promote the event. Then, from 8 to 10 am on Saturday, people could come with their tickets and be served two pancakes, bacon or sausage, a hash brown, and a choice of juice or coffee.
Michael Varnes, one of the team leads for Rangers for a Cure, put this event together and organized the whole thing for the team. The idea came to Varnes when he was eating at Applebee’s with his mom. They discussed the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and brainstormed ideas to raise money for the team.
“One of the waitresses actually overheard us talking about our events and stuff like that, and they offered to get us here for the pancake fundraiser,” Varnes said.
Varnes then contacted the Applebee’s team and set up the event. From there, tickets were made and passed out to team members to sell to their family, friends, teachers, and neighbors. The team worked hard, and they were able to sell 154 tickets, raising $1,540 for their cause.
On the day of the event, team members showed up early, eager to contribute their time and energy. Although it was a Saturday morning, they generously volunteered, understanding the importance of their cause. Team members greeted people with positive attitudes, and they also worked serving drinks and cleaning up tables.
“Everyone’s putting in amazing work,” Co-visionary Ava Cuffari said. “It’s not easy to wake up at seven in the morning and come to serve people.”
Cuffari, alongside Delaney Starr, are student co-visionaries, and they are the leaders of Rangers for a Cure who work to organize the team and ensure the team meets its goals. By working with Varnes, they were able to help the event go smoothly and ensure money was raised.
The event had a good turnout, with a steady stream of people coming in to enjoy the delicious breakfast and support Rangers for a Cure. Many were happy to support the team, knowing they were helping the fight against blood cancer. It showed the true spirit of the community and how supportive they are for others.
“It’s cool to see all these families support us,” Cuffari said.
Paisley Norris attended the event and had a great time supporting Rangers for a Cure.
“It’s really fun and I’m excited that my money is going to a good cause,” Norris said.
The end of their campaign is on Mar. 7, and Rangers for a Cure are still working hard to reach their goal. Team members have been going door to door and reaching out to their community to raise money.
None of this would happen without the hard work of team leads and team members. Their dedication truly helps Rangers for a Cure hit their goal.
“They’re here because they care and we’re so close to our goal and it’s because of them,” Cuffari said.
On Mar. 2, they will be hosting Brighter Together, their final event at Lakewood High School. The event will be their final push to raise money and hit their goal. They will be celebrating all of their hard work at this event with raffle baskets, candle lighting, student speakers, food, and more.
