The Jimmy Fund received an extra boost thanks to a Boston University fundraiser “Jivin’ With Jimmy” sponsored by College of Arts and Sciences sophomore Mike Haddad and the CAS Core Curriculum. This first-ever fundraiser featured a limbo contest, a raffle and a dance party. Haddad, who had been planning this event since September, secured donations from Barnes ‘ Noble, The Ninety-Nine Restaurant and Strawberries for the raffle.
The Jimmy Fund has raised more than $160 million for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and sponsors about 250 such events a year. The charity began in 1948 when the Variety Club of New England and the Boston Braves baseball team helped to raise money to help a 12-year-old cancer patient named Jimmy who was visited by Braves players in the hospital. The Boston Red Sox now carry on this commitment to the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, according to The American Cancer Society. It kills about 552,200 Americans and more than 1,500 people a day. In seeking to increase the chances of survival for cancer patients worldwide, the Dana-Farber Institute relies on the help of charities and individual contributions to achieve its goal.
The event not only raised money for the charity but it also raised awareness about the need for cancer research. The fundraiser also gave BU students the opportunity to help donate money to help the Institute’s research while attending a fun event. Haddad and everyone who supported this fundraiser should be commended for their efforts to support such a worthwhile organization.
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