Day Kimball Health’s (DKH) Cruisin’ for Cancer Care committee hosted its annual Guest Bartender Night at Marley’s Pub at the Black Dog Bar & Grille on Thursday, March 30, and more than $17,600 was raised through cash tips to benefit the NECT Cancer Fund of DKH. The fund provides financial assistance for cancer-related screening and treatment services to individuals living in Northeast Connecticut who otherwise may not have the financial resources to pay for needed medical care.

“DKH is incredibly fortunate to have the energy and enthusiasm of our community partners behind us day in and day out, and that was clearly demonstrated through their overwhelming support of this fun event,” said DKH CEO Kyle Kramer who served as one of the guest bartenders. “Making a difference in the lives of our patients is part of our organization’s mission and is a responsibility that everyone at DKH takes very seriously. We are so proud to work together with business and community leaders to ensure that no one in Northeast Connecticut goes without cancer screening or treatment because of the cost.”

The guest bartending teams who competed to earn the most tips on behalf of the NECT Cancer Fund included: The DKH Oncology team featuring Sharon Bell and Anne Fearing; bankHometown featuring Maria Thomas, Jason Howard, Nancy Roberts, and Megan Berkery; Gates Auto Group featuring Craig Gates, Mark Dexter, Chelsea Cormier, and Tiffany Blackman; the PBA Powerhouse Presidents featuring Gary Osbrey and Jeff Rawson; the SPIROL Fundraising Team featuring Nicole Caron, Will Greene, Timothy Thorstenson, and Benjamin Zern; the KBA All Stars featuring Amy Brunet, Terri Adams, Shane Young, and Trent Pappas; Weiss, Hale & Zahansky Strategic Wealth Advisors featuring Kate Pitts, Leisl Cording, Holly Wanegar, and Jim Zahansky; and DKH Senior Leadership featuring Kyle Kramer and John O’Keefe, with special guests Rachelle Davis and Misty Grether.

“We were overwhelmed by the turnout for this event yet again, said DKH Director of Development Kristen Willis. Marley’s Pub was filled with local supporters, friends, and donors who understand the importance of the service the NECT Cancer Fund provides. “We are so thankful to everyone who attended and showed their support including our very generous and dynamic guest bartending teams, and to Craig Gates and the staff at the Black Dog Bar & Grille for being such gracious hosts.”

The Guest Bartender Night is held as a lead-up to DKH’s annual Cruisin’ for Cancer Care motorcycle and classic car cruise event, “Cruise, BBQ & Brew”, to be held this year on Sunday, August 27 at the Thompson Speedway. The event benefits the NECT Cancer Fund of DKH and draws motorcyclists and classic car enthusiasts for a 70-mile ride through beautiful Northeast Connecticut followed by memorial laps on the 1.7 mile road course at the Speedway. Registration is $35 per person and is now open. For more information and to register for the event visit www.daykimball.org/cruising. 

To learn more about the Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund of DKH, visit daykimball.org/nectcancerfund. 

Photo Caption: (L to R): The SPIROL Guest Bartending Team of Nicole Caron, Will Greene, Benjamin Zern, and Tim Thorstenson raised $4,528 during their shift behind the bar at DKH’s Annual Guest Bartender Night at Marley’s Pub at the Black Dog Bar & Grille on Thursday, March 30.