‘Rockin Roses Boo Bash’ promises fun for all

Halloween fund-raiser to assist Cystic Fibrosis research

by Terry Duffy
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, September 30, 2006

Fall is in the air, Halloween’s right around the corner, and here’s a good, fun-filled event the whole family can participate in and enjoy, and also help out a worthy cause in the process. The Western New York Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation reports it will be holding its fourth annual Rockin’ Roses Boo Bash fund-raiser, Friday, Oct. 27, at the Father Justin Council of the Knights of Columbus hall, 2735 Union Road in Cheektowaga. The spookiness kicks off at 6 p.m. that evening and continues till 11. And it’s open to ghosts and goblins of all ages, from the little ones to adults. Proceeds benefit Cystic Fibrosis research. Now in its fourth year, Nicole Caito, director of Special Events for the Western New York chapter, reports that local Cystic Fibrosis officials in conceptualizing this family-oriented affair, saw Halloween and all the fun wrapped around this celebration of fall spookiness as a perfect event for residents to join in and assist the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the same time. “Back in the first year our committee was considering what we could plan for a fun family event. Halloween was a natural,” she said.

A little one gets all wrapped up as a mummy at last year’s Rockin Roses Boo Bash affair.

Caito reports that for a modest admission price, Rockin Roses offers families, particularly those with little ones, an evening of good old-fashioned Halloween fun and then some. This year there will be costume contests for children of all ages held throughout the evening, a D.J. and dancing, a kid’s corner and more. “We’re working on a possible visit by the Buffalo Jills and hopefully a Bills player too,” she adds.

She pointed out this year’s location – the Father Justin K of C Hall in Cheektowaga – is just perfect for this type of regional event. “With more space and a central location, people can come from all over to enjoy this ‘spooktacular’ party.” Caito said. The event includes food and drink as well as a fantastic basket raffle and plenty of games for kids and parents alike. Come in your best costume to qualify for a special trick or treat.”

On site will be a full bar offering beer and wines. Foods include pizza, wings, munchies and more. Tickets for the event are priced at $20, presale, for adults and $25 at the door. Children age 2 and up are priced at $10. Those under age 2 are free.

Caito notes that sales of sponsorships to benefit the Rockin Roses Boo Bash – for businesses as well as area residents – are moving along at a good pace. Open to all, sponsorship levels include: Pumpkin, $100; Witches Brew, $250; Ghost & Goblin, $500; Monster Mash, $750; and Haunted Mansion, $1000. Opportunities also exist for in-kind sponsorships, she adds.

“The sponsorships are open to everyone. So far it’s going pretty well,” Caito said, adding that Mosaic Marketing in Amherst has signed on as the event’s biggest sponsor thus far.

And opportunities for those interested in assisting with sponsorships continue.

For further information on the Rockin Roses Boo Bash and sponsorships, contact Caito at 686-9400; e-mail: ncaito@cff.org, or Anna-Lesa Calvert at acalvert@cff.org