All event proceeds to benefit Hillside Family of Agencies
By David Yarger
Tribune Editor
As the 2017/18 Niagara County Peach Queen - and an overall genuine person - Jamie Hagerty is always looking to give back to good causes.
On Tuesday, July 31 Hagerty is hosting a Paint Night fundraiser at the Town of Niagara Community Center, located inside Veterans Memorial Community Park, 7000 Joe Rotella Way.
From 5-9 p.m. (painting starts at 6 p.m.) attendees can enjoy a night of instructed painting, light dinner and a basket auction. Attendees will also leave with their own custom painted wine glass.
The night for a good cause is $20, with all proceeds being donated to Hillside Family of Agencies. Hillside, according to its website, "Provides comprehensive health, education and human services for children and families whose challenges threaten their ability to realize their full potential."
On choosing Hillside, Hagerty said, "Being inspired by my own experiences with a broken family, I knew I wanted to use my opportunity as Peach Queen to raise money and support for children who face challenges in the already difficult task of growing up.
"I chose to do this by fundraising for Hillside Family of Agencies. Their mission involves supporting children through trauma support and connection to jobs and scholarships. In addition, they work to empower families to stay connected while living healthier, happier, and more stable lives."
As Peach Queen, Hagerty is always looking for ways to give back. With that, she also wanted everyone involved to have a quality time doing so.
"Part of every Peach Queen's duty is to fundraise and raise awareness for a charity of their choice. I have always loved to volunteer and support charity, so I wanted to hold a fundraiser that people could enjoy for a good cause," Hagerty said. "I thought choosing a paint night would allow everyone to enjoy a fun night out while making a positive difference in children's lives."
Overall, Hagerty hoped all her events, including the Paint Night, will serve as a way to better the lives of others.
"I hope this fundraiser and my other events will serve to make people aware of the equal support all children deserve regardless of the environment they grow up in. I'd like to raise money to support children from broken homes and empower all children to overcome any childhood trauma in order to grow into instruments of positivity and growth," she said.
Hagerty said the feeling of giving back to someone in need is something that's really unprecedented and means a lot to her.
"I know the barriers a broken family can cause for the children involved and understand there are so many younger and less fortunate children who need support when their families can't always provide it," she said. "I believe being able to help these children will encourage them to become positive leaders in future society rather than allowing their growth to be stunted by circumstances out of their control."
Those wanting to make a difference in a kid's life are encouraged to attend the Paint Night. For tickets/reservations or to donate money or a basket, contact Hagerty at 716-940-3231, or Jennifer Pauly at 716-940-1063 or
[email protected].
