Dukes Fight Together Cancer Fundraisers
As the chill of fall settled over Marlboro, warm hearts filled the hallways, gymnasiums, and classrooms of the Marlboro School District. This year, the community came together like never before in support of families battling cancer and cancer-related illnesses. Students, faculty, and staff from Marlboro Middle School, Marlboro High School, and Marlboro Elementary School joined forces in a series of events to raise awareness and funds for the cause.
The Marlboro Faculty Association (MFA) kicked off the season of hope with the much-anticipated PINKALICIOUS event at Mary Jane’s Dairy Bar in Middlehope, NY on October 16, 2025. This year, we had the honor of celebrating Margaret Gallo, the beloved owner of Mary Jane’s, with a special plaque marking her 10th anniversary of support for the Marlboro community and this important cause. The event was truly PINK-TACULAR! Thanks to the generosity of those who purchased t-shirts and bracelets, enjoyed sundaes, and made donations, we raised over $3,500. Teachers and students also sold handmade bracelets, remembrance items, and event merchandise to help fund the efforts. Even with a line wrapping around the building, everyone left with a smile, proving that the power of kindness and community can warm the heart, no matter how cold it gets outside.
Following the success of the PINKALICIOUS event, the MFA kept the momentum going with the DUKES FIGHT TOGETHER apparel fundraiser, hosted by Melinda and Mark Ciaglia at SC Designs in Marlboro, NY. A portion of the proceeds from each item sold was donated to the cause, raising over $500. Throughout October, faculty, staff, and students showed their support by wearing “Dukes Wear Pink” gear every Friday, transforming the schools into a sea of pink in honor of cancer awareness.
Marlboro Middle School's modified volleyball team, led by coach Francine Lipsey, added to the momentum by hosting a bake sale and dedicating their volleyball game to the fight against cancer. With their dedication, the team raised over $1,200. The JV and Varsity volleyball teams also got involved, collecting donations during their games and contributing an additional $250 to the cause.
On Sunday, October 19, the Marlboro Faculty and their families took part in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at the Woodbury Commons Premium Outlet in Harriman. Walking together in memory of loved ones and in honor of cancer survivors, the group completed the 5K event with a powerful sense of unity. Their collective efforts helped raise $1,500 for the American Cancer Society. A heartfelt thank you to the Knights of Columbus for their generous donation, which further supported this cause.
The MFA wrapped up their fundraising with a special food event at the Angry Chef restaurant in Marlboro on October 30th hosted by the Rizvani Family. For six hours, 50% of the proceeds from all vodka-style dishes—whether dine-in or takeout—were donated to the cause. Thanks to the support of the community, the event raised an impressive $1,800 in just a few short hours.
In total, the collective efforts of the MFA Dukes Fight Together Committee have raised over $8,700 to support the local American Cancer Society and assist Marlboro families affected by cancer. Thanks to this generosity, several families received checks this holiday season as a small but meaningful gesture of support in their ongoing fight. These contributions help ensure that more birthdays are celebrated and remind families that they are not alone in their battle.
Thank you to everyone who contributed—whether through donations, participation, or simply spreading the word. Together, we’ve proven that even in the face of adversity, the Marlboro community stands united, with hope in our hearts and strength in our spirit.