Hungry For Life

More WALK Pics 2011

2011-06-27T17:29:00.008-04:00

What a Day!

2011-06-27T17:20:00.002-04:00

It was another great WALK day. Thanks to everyone who participated, donated and supported my family. A very special thanks to Jason Maxwell, MassPay and Fed Up With Cancer for uniting with us and for arranging an amazing bagpipe player and awesome after-party. Unbelievable! I know Dennis is giving us a thumbs up right now. Forever in our hearts...

Ready to Walk

2011-06-17T17:33:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone,

I just want to share some last minute details. The WALK is about a week away.

We are meeting at the usual spot at 7:30 am. Bagpipes will be sending us off.

A HUGE thank you to Fed Up With Cancer, who has reserved the Knights of Columbus Ballroom from 10am - 2pm. The ballroom is upstairs from the room we are usually in.Supino’s will donate pizza and calzones and Super Sub will donate wraps and salad. A cash bar will be available. They will be selling $1 raffle tickets for prizes as well.

Please sport Team HFL t-shirts from previous years...anything goes. We look forward to seeing you all. If you have any questions, let me know.

Katie

More Info.

2011-06-03T20:25:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone,

We are going to be meeting at 7:00am this year at our usual spot. Look for blue Hungry For Life shirts.

Immediately following the WALK we will be attending the Fed Up With Cancer/Hungry For Life after-party at the Knights of Columbus in Salem (the same place we have had it in the past) ~ except the party is upstairs this year in the larger room (not in the basement).

If you are interested in joining our team or donating, click on the links in my previous post below.

Only about three weeks until WALK time. Hope to see you there!

WALK 2011 ...It's Coming Soon!

2011-05-19T20:29:00.003-04:00

Hello Everyone,

It's almost June and as usual, Team Hungry For Life will be participating in the annual NSMC Cancer WALK/Run.

Team Hungry For Life is very excited to announce that we are joining forces with team "Fed Up With Cancer" this year. Fed Up With Cancer (www.fedupwithcancer.com) was established by my brother-in-law, Jay Maxwell. It is a charitable organization that supports cancer fundraisers specifically on the North Shore.

We will proudly walk in memory of my brother, Dennis M. Rich, Jr.~ Dennis is always on my mind and in my heart, and I know he is so proud of what Team Hungry For Life has accomplished in the past several years. I am walking because I am truly fed up with cancer~ and I hope you will join us. Let's do something about it together.

TO JOIN HUNGRY FOR LIFE'S TEAM, click here.

If you want to donate, pick a team member's name in the right column. Please consider donating to this cause. Better yet, join Team Hungry For Life and Fed Up With Cancer and walk with us on June 26th. Remember, the WALK this year is not on Father's Day.

Just a note~ At this time, we are unsure of after-party info. and also not quite sure about t-shirts. There's a good chance we will be recycling past Team HFL shirts. I will be updating this site more regularly from now until the WALK next month.

Many thanks for your support! Keep in touch.
~Katie
bettslevine@metrocast.net

P.S. Look for Dennis' story in the NSMC Tribute Book~ coming out soon! We're being featured! :)

Fed Up With Cancer Event

2010-11-05T17:46:00.003-04:00

1st Annual FED UP WITH CANCER Event
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The event will be hosted at The Danversport Yacht Club, 161 Elliott Street, Danvers, MA 01923. Featuring samples of food from local restaurants:
Acapulcos
Danversport Yacht Club
Casual Catering at Super Sub
The American BBQ
The Farm Bar & Grille
Toscana’s Ristorante & Cafe
Four 66 Pub and Grill
Howling Wolf Taqueria
and Goodies Ice Cream

There will be a cash bar, silent auction and live music performed by Sunday’s Well. Tickets to the event are $30 per person ahead, $40 at door. Tickets may be purchased online at: http://fedupwithcancer.eventbrite.com/

All proceeds directly benefit the NSMC Salem Hospital and the Mass General/NSMC Cancer Center in Danvers.

For more information or if you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Kevin Mason at 978-998-6896 or kevin@masspay.net

More WALK Photos

2010-06-21T18:00:00.009-04:00

Team Photo 2010

2010-06-21T17:34:00.001-04:00

What a Day!

2010-06-20T20:11:00.014-04:00

Wow, what a great day for the 2010 NSMC Cancer WALK/Run. We had lots and lots of people representing Team Hungry For Life, and walking or running in memory of D. Rich and all those who have fought and are fighting against cancer.
It was a hot day for sure but it was beautiful, with sunny blue skies and a light breeze along the shore. Salem is the place to be on Father's Day! We collectively raised close to $10K for the medical center when all was said and done. I want to give an extra special shout-out to Thomas Massie, who raised over $5,000 single-handedly. Way to go, Thomas!
I am truly filled with so much warmth and appreciation for those who have supported and loved my family over the last few years. It has been a difficult time~ losing someone who is so, so special and who's truly larger than life. But as a friend said today, "It just goes to show how Dennis keeps bringing family and friends together even after he's gone." He's so right. This is everything Dennis was about.
It feels so good to do something like this, to join together for a day and have a memorable time with family and friends. It reminds me that people are good...and in this crazy world (that's just not fair and doesn't make sense at times) at least there are good people out there.
~
Thank you to everyone who donated, raised money, showed up, helped to organize, coordinate, and worked extra hard to make today extra special. You are all good people, who mean so much to me and the entire Rich family. Go Team Hungry For Life!

See You Sunday!

2010-06-15T21:30:00.002-04:00

Are you ready?!?

Walk Day Schedule
There is free parking at Shetland Properties on Congress Street.
Busses and shuttles are available from Shetland Properties to the WALK starting at 7:00am.

8:00am – Meet at the start line. Look for royal blue Team Hungry For Life shirts.

8:15am – Walk begins. Entertainment and water stops along the route.

10:00am – After Party at the Salem Knights of Columbus begins.

TEAM HFL T-Shirts

2010-05-22T09:44:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Emilio Del Vecchio of Old School Apparel, Team HFL t-shirts are going to look awesome at the WALK this year.

I am taking orders now~ the deadline is June 4th. That gives you just under 2 weeks to put your t-shirt order in.

They are $5 ea for Youth XS-Adult XL and $6 ea for Adult 2XL and 3XL. Email me at bettslevine@metrocast.net for payment information.

Crunch Time

2010-05-19T07:14:00.001-04:00

If you want to join our team and start your own fundraising page, click here:
(If you can't make it and/or you just want to donate, click on a team members name on the right side of the page to do so.)

Thus far we are at $4705.00, thanks to the help of many people. Way to go, Team HFL!

T-shirt information is coming in the next few days.

Please join us on Father's Day in memory of D. Rich!

WALK Talk 2010

2010-03-30T15:06:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone,

It's that time of year again. I know it seems far away, but in less than 3 months Team Hungry For Life will be walking in memory of D. Rich.

If you are interested in participating and want to help raise funds for the North Shore Medical Center, you can start your own fundraising page here:

http://nsmcgiving.partners.org/goteamhungryforlife

Choose to join Team Hungry For Life when you sign-up. You will be creating your own fundraising page. All funds raised will go towards our team tally.

We will be meeting at the same time and same place on Sunday morning. The hall for the after-party has been booked as well. The pieces are starting to come together.

Please join us,
Katie

Polar Plunge 2010

2010-01-02T13:16:00.001-05:00

www.drichpolarplunge.blogspot.com
Join us in 2011!

Copies

2009-12-16T21:02:00.004-05:00

Copies of "A Rich Life" will be mailed out tomorrow. Let me know if you need one.

DVD Update

2009-11-20T11:42:00.002-05:00

If you haven't seen or heard, there is an 8 minute segment of Part 5 that is missing from some of the "A Rich Life" DVDs that were passed out at the premiere. New copies are being made and will be mailed to those who received a faulty DVD.

Also, if you didn't make it to the premiere and want a free copy of the movie, I am taking orders now. You can request as many copies as you'd like. Just let me know how many you need and your mailing address. Copies will be mailed out in the next two weeks.

My email is bettslevine@metrocast.net

Thanks!

"A Rich Life"

2009-11-15T15:54:00.012-05:00

The night was a smashing success! Way to go, Jimmy! Your hard work truly paid off. The movie, rated I for Inspiring, was unbelievable. I know Dennis was so proud of his debut on the big screen. Thank you to everyone who attended the premiere. Your continued support means so much to my family. Special thanks to Brian Peluso, Erin Lyle & Donald Pannese.
If you didn't go to the premiere, but would like a copy of the film~ email me (bettslevine@metrocast.net). Copies will be mailed out in the next two weeks.

Here are just some of the 300 attendees:

Movie Update

2009-10-28T17:35:00.004-04:00

Here are some new details regarding the premiere of "A Rich Life" on November 14th:

*Please arrive before 5:00 pm. We are expecting over 300 people, so please arrive around 4:30 pm if possible.

*There will be a list at the door. Tickets will not be mailed out beforehand. We are currently at maximum capacity~ we have reservations for all of the seats available. If you currently have a reservation but find that you can't make it, please email me ASAP (bettslevine@metrocast.net).

*You can purchase concessions at the theater as you would at any other movie.

*The film is two and a half hours long. You may want to make dinner arrangements before the show, since it will be ending around 7:30 pm.

*The after party starts after the movie (about 8 pm) and is at the Sheraton Colonial Boston North Hotel in Wakefield.

Light fare will be provided. A cash bar will be available as well. Please join us after the premiere to celebrate Dennis' 41st birthday.

If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact me. Looking forward to seeing you all in just 2 weeks.

Theater Details

2009-10-16T07:48:00.005-04:00

We have reserved the AMC Loews Liberty Tree Mall theater in Danvers, MA for the premiere of "A Rich Life" on November 14th. Please arrive at 5:00pm.

Driving Directions:

View Larger Map

I currently have reservations for 271 people. The theater seats 300 and has stadium-style seating. If you are interested in attending, please contact me ASAP (bettslevine@metrocast.net) with the number of tickets you need and your mailing address.
We are working on a location for the after-party, which will most likely be in the vicinity of the theater. I will be posting the details when I know more.

Our Brick

2009-10-04T14:44:00.009-04:00

Here are the pics of our brick in the NSMC Healing Garden. Thank you, Jake, for taking these. (Double click to enlarge.)

"A Rich Life" Documentary

2009-10-01T22:33:00.004-04:00

(Pause music at the bottom of this page before playing video.)

Join us for the premiere of "A Rich Life" ~ a documentary about Dennis. The documentary was written, directed and produced by my brother, Jimmy.
It will be premiered on Saturday, November 14th ~ Dennis' 41st birthday.

"A Rich Life" will inspire and captivate all audiences. It will surely be an unforgettable evening to honor and remember Dennis.
There will also be an after-party (location TBA). More information to follow.
We hope to see you there!

* Admission is free but seating is limited and on a first come, first serve basis. If you want tickets, email me (bettslevine@metrocast.net) with the number of tickets you need and your mailing address. Again, seating is limited~ so please only request tickets for those who are definitely able to come.

Anniversary

2009-09-21T21:27:00.002-04:00

Ceremony

2009-09-11T08:26:00.005-04:00

There will be a ceremony to recognize the bricks in the Cancer Center's Healing Garden on Saturday, September 26th. The ceremony starts at 8:30am. Our HFL brick is located in section 2.

I will be unable to attend the ceremony~ if anyone is ever in the area and has a camera handy, please send me a pic so I can post it on this blog.

Brick

2009-07-21T16:22:00.003-04:00

We've officially earned our brick! I got a letter in the mail stating that we have, in fact, already met the criteria.

Our team brick will read:

TEAM HUNGRY FOR LIFE
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
DENNIS M. RICH JR.

We will have a permanent spot in the healing garden at NSMC. It's all for you, Den!

Wow!

2009-07-06T15:57:00.001-04:00

Total raised this year for The North Shore Medical Center Development Office:

$341,496.35!

More Incentive

2009-07-06T15:38:00.003-04:00

The magnificent new Cancer Center (that we raised over $10K for) is presenting a new opportunity for walkers, donors, Cancer WALK teams and Cancer WALK corporate sponsors alike. This new opportunity is for Team HFL to be recognized on a brick that will be installed in the Cancer Center healing garden.

(Situated next to the wetlands overlooking the Waters River, this garden is visible from inside the glass-walled infusion bays and accessible outside for strolling, quiet meditation and contemplation.)

Healing Garden bricks will be available in recognition of Cancer WALK contributions received from 2008 to 2010, according to the following criteria during this three year span:

· Individual walkers/donors - $3,000 total or $1,000 per year
· WALK teams - $15,000 total or $5,000 per year
· Corporate sponsorships - $15,000 total or $5,000 per year

*You may have participated in the 2008 WALK and be well on your way to meeting these criteria!

They are hoping this opportunity will inspire walkers and teams to reach these thresholds~ raising even more funds for the new Cancer Center and at the same time providing permanent recognition for a loved one at the new Mass General/North Shore Cancer Center.

That means that after the 2010 WALK, Team Hungry For Life will have earned a brick in the healing garden. Pretty great!

WALK Pics 8

2009-07-06T15:37:00.000-04:00

Thank you for these pics, Ali!

WALK Pics 7

2009-06-24T09:59:00.004-04:00

WALK Pics 6

2009-06-24T09:17:00.008-04:00

Thank you Erin, for all of these great shots.

WALK Pics 5

2009-06-23T21:02:00.001-04:00

These pics came from the Lyle fam.

WALK Pics 4

2009-06-22T22:08:00.000-04:00

Thank you Holly, for these adorable pics!

WALK Pics 3

2009-06-22T15:43:00.005-04:00

Thank you Kristin, for sending in these great shots.

Thank you Rhonda, for sending in these pics!

WALK Pics 2

2009-06-22T10:31:00.007-04:00

Thank you Shaughnessy fam for sending in this batch of pics.

WALK Pics

2009-06-21T22:22:00.002-04:00

Thank you for sending me these pics, Becca! If anyone's got more, send 'em my way (bettslevine@metrocast.net).

Go HFL!

2009-06-21T17:38:00.002-04:00

Meet Team HFL 2009

2009-06-21T17:32:00.003-04:00

Hello everybody,

I wanted to thank all of you for attending the WALK today, and for the continued support you have shown my family. We have close to 200 team members in attendance this year. That in itself speaks volumes. It is truly amazing. It is also a testament to the kind of person my brother, Dennis, was.
This year we have collectively raised over $10,000. That is quite an accomplishment. I am so proud of our team, it was truly a group effort.

Here we are today~ Team Hungry For Life. That slogan: "Hungry For Life" has been used over and over again. Many, if not all of you, know that that is actually a phrase Dennis used when describing his will to live. He always had a way with words. But I want to pause for a moment to think about what the phrase "Hungry For Life" means. To me, it means living each day to the fullest. It means appreciating our friends, our family and our health. We need to be thankful for today, because everything can change tomorrow. Dennis knew firsthand that tomorrow is never guaranteed. He truly embodied what being Hungry For Life means.
We are here today for you, Dennis. We will never, ever forget you and we promise to remain Hungry For Life.

Finally

2009-06-20T17:37:00.003-04:00

The WALK is tomorrow! As of right now, I think it's safe to say that we've hit our goal of $10K. We are at $9615.00, and I am confident that even more donations will roll in on WALK day. I am extremely proud to be your Team Captain, for we have all accomplished a lot in fulfilling this goal.

Meet at 8:00am tomorrow morning, bright (hopefully) and early, at the hill by the start line bathrooms. We will take a group photo by 8:15am and then walk at 8:30am. The after-party starts at 10:30am at the Salem Knights of Columbus on the Commons. Please join us.

~

I am nervous, excited, and a little sad...I am thinking a lot about Dennis. I know one thing for sure~ I know that he is proud. Proud that his memory lives on, proud that something positive has come of his death, and proud that close to 200 people are a part of Team HFL (he was never shy about loving attention). :)

Tomorrow, we WALK PROUD & STRONG for D. Rich.

See You On Sunday!

2009-06-17T10:01:00.004-04:00

The WALK is only 4 days away and Team HFL has surpassed last year's fundraising total. Currently, we have collectively raised $8,330.00! That is incredible!

(If you've got donations, let me know and I will add them to our offline total.)

Just a note, the WALK is rain or shine. Sunday looks like it will be cloudy with a chance of showers, in the 60's. Dress appropriately. I wish we could have gotten a sunny day, but Team HFL will be walking proud no matter what.

See you soon!

Keep Climbing

2009-06-09T21:32:00.006-04:00

I am so PROUD of Team Hungry For Life. We officially hit the $6K mark tonight. To be exact, Team HFL has raised $6115.00! This puts us in the 5th spot for top ranking teams!
Honestly, I wasn't sure we would even come close to our goal of $10K, but at this point I feel like anything is possible. We have less than 2 weeks to continue raising money for the cancer center. Let's do this!

Almost all t-shirts were mailed out yesterday, so you should be receiving yours this week. If you don't receive your order within the next few days, let me know. Oh, my Mom, Jeannie Rich, might be hand-delivering yours (thanks Mom!) to cut down on shipping costs. If you're related to us, there's a good chance she's got your package and will be getting it to you soon. :)
In your order box/envelope was a yellow flyer with details regarding WALK day. There are also some nametags. Wear them! Again, we are meeting at 8:00am sharp at the start line and plan on taking a group picture at 8:15am. We will walk at 8:30am. Please try to be on time.
The after party starts at 10:30am. We hope to see you there. All festivities should be over by noon~ giving you plenty of time to make your rounds if need be (the WALK is on Father's Day).
I am expecting close to 200 walkers. I am just hoping and praying that we get a nice, sunny day like last year.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me (bettslevine@metrocast.net). Also, I have lots of free HFL bracelets that I will be bringing to the WALK. If you need some, come see me.
Can't wait to see you all in less than two weeks!

Walk Details

2009-05-22T15:34:00.003-04:00

Hello Team Hungry For Life,

The 2009 NSMC Cancer WALK, presented by Danversbank, is just a month away! The planning and fine-tuning for the event is underway. Listed below is some preliminary information about the WALK.

Free parking will be available at Shetland Properties on Congress Street, and shuttle buses will take walkers to Salem Willows Park starting at 7:00am.

We will meet at 8:00am at the start/finish line~ look for HFL team shirts. (Same spot as last year.) There are also return shuttle bus trips to the parking lots. The after party begins at 10:30am at the Salem Knights of Columbus. (Same spot as last year.)

Live entertainment will entertain us along the route.

This year's WALK takes place on Father's Day and just three weeks after the opening of the new Mass General/North Shore Cancer Center in Danvers. It will be especially meaningful for many families that have been affected by cancer.

See you soon!

1 Month Countdown

2009-05-19T16:07:00.003-04:00

The WALK is just about a month away and thus far, we have raised $3865.00! We should be proud. We are still one of the Top Teams!

Team Hungry For Life still has a long way to go to reach our team goal. If you don't want to create your own fundraising page, please pass on the team page to anyone you think would be interested in donating to the new cancer center.

The team shirts will be mailed out in just a couple weeks. If you haven't mailed me your payment, please do so ASAP. Email me (bettslevine@metrocast.net) if you need my address or your shirt total.

Have a nice Memorial Day weekend. I am looking forward to seeing everyone next month!

Katie

Top Team

2009-05-05T12:58:00.004-04:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that we are currently one of the top fundraising teams. We have raised $2745.00 collectively thus far! I wanted to give a special shout out to team members Laura Cobb, Heather Conner and Deanna Zaccaria (who created their own personal fundraising pages) for already raising lots of money towards our goal of 10K. We are getting closer. It means so much! Way to go Team Hungry For Life!

To see the top teams, go to this page and look in the right column.

Fundraising Time

2009-05-05T10:36:00.005-04:00

We have to start thinking about raising money towards our team goal. There are a few different ways of raising funds:

1. You can forward the Team Hungry For Life fundraising page (www.firstgiving.com/teamhungryforlife ~ see link in right sidebar) onto all of your friends, family and co-workers that you think will contribute to our goal of 10K. No donation is too small.

2. Instead of passing on the team page, you can create your own fundraising page. Go to www.firstgiving.com/nsmcwalk to create. Just be sure to join Team Hungry For Life so all of the funds you raise go towards the team goal. Creating your own personal fundraising page may increase your overall total because friends/family may be more inclined to donate to you personally.

3. You can skip the online stuff and use a traditional sponsor sheet. Collecting donations this way is great for those who want to give but are not Internet savvy and do not wish to donate online, or just don't know how. If you need a sponsor sheet, email me and I can mail it to you.

Lastly, I realize that in this economy it may be difficult to raise lots of money. I even thought of lowering our team goal of 10K, but in the end decided against it. We have almost 200 confirmed walkers this year, so I think it's very feasible. If everyone who walks raises at least $50, we will easily succeed.

All I am asking is that you do the best you can. I am sincerely just happy that we will have a huge sea of blue, walking proud for D. Rich again.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Also, if you ordered a team t-shirt, please send payment to me as soon as possible. If you need my address and/or your total, email me (bettslevine@metrocast.net). I will be picking up t-shirts the first week in June and mailing them out immediately after that.

Lastly, it's really not too late to order a shirt. Because I knew there would be a few stragglers, I arranged one more order before the WALK. If you want a t-shirt, let me know.

Thanks,
Katie

Deadline

2009-04-21T10:49:00.003-04:00

The deadline for Team Hungry For Life t-shirts is next Thursday (April 30th). Please let me know what sizes you need if you plan on walking in June. (See size information in my last post.) If you don't want to walk but still want a shirt, that works too. Lemme know!

T-Shirts

2009-04-07T09:31:00.006-04:00

Hello Team Hungry For Life,
It's time to talk t-shirts! (Whether you are attending the WALK or not, you can still purchase a team t-shirt if you'd like.)
The t-shirts this year will be royal blue in color and come in youth and adult sizes. They have the NSMC logo on the front breast area, and We Are Hungry For Life on the back.
Please contact me to order t-shirts (bettslevine@metrocast.net). They will be priced at $7 each~ this includes shipping to you. XXL and XXXL will be $8 each.

Available youth sizes are: Youth XS, Youth S, Youth M, Youth L and Youth XL.
Available adult sizes are: Adult S, Adult M, Adult L, Adult XXL and Adult XXXL.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me. Looking forward to seeing you all in June. Thanks!
Katie

Old Photos

2009-03-24T19:20:00.003-04:00

These pics were sent to my sister Mary by Kristen Powers. Thanks Kristen!

Breaking News

2009-02-19T20:09:00.004-05:00

Last summer, NSMC made the decision to implement a $15 Walker Registration Fee to continue to direct more money to the NSMC Cancer Center, their patients and their families. In addition, these monies were needed to offset WALK event production expenses, and the printing and postage for the 3,500+ walkers who attend the event each and every year. These kinds of registration fees are in line with other similar walks, but as it has turned out - the timing was not terrific.

Who could have anticipated that the national and local economy would be under such stress? Each month has brought additional news of job layoffs and tough times all around. In early February, as the first NSMC Cancer WALK mailings arrived in households throughout the North Shore, they heard about the hardship the registration fee might create for us, our teammates and our donors.

So, they will eliminate the registration fee for 2009 and hope that we will join with them this year to WALK, bring friends and raise as many contributions as we can in support of the new NSMC Cancer Center. Now more than ever, they need our help.

If you have already registered on-line or by mail, they will be happy to refund the $15 fee to you, or you may allocate this money toward your fundraising goal. Please call Tracey Chalifour at 978-825-6129 (email tchalifour@partners.org) or Rose Fisher at 978-825-6116 (email rfisher3@partners.org) if you would like a refund.

For those of you that have not yet registered for the 2009 NSMC Cancer WALK, please click here to register online.

Thanks!

WALK Talk 2009

2009-02-11T10:48:00.006-05:00

Hello Team Hungry For Life,

I know it seems really early to start thinking about the WALK this year, which falls on Father's Day (Sunday, June 21st)~ but it's only about 4 months away. I have already begun the beginning phases of planning and hope that this year we are even bigger~ walking proud again for D. Rich!

I just booked the Salem Knights of Columbus on Monday. It is the same hall that we had our after-party at last year. The good news is that I reserved it for 10:30 am, which means we will be walking earlier than last year (and with the masses!). I am thinking we should probably meet at 8 am, same time/same place. Last year we had about 100 walkers and I think we'll have an even bigger team this June, partly in thanks to our Facebook page and being able to spread the word more efficiently there.

Anyhow, just one more quick note regarding the fundraising aspect of the WALK. This year, there is a slight change with the registration part. It seems they are charging each individual who registers online to create their own fundraising page. (Last year, there was no charge.) The fee is $15 if you register now, and $20 after June 1st.
If you want to make your own page, feel free to do so. Lisa Tocco created her own page last year and singlehandedly raised over $1K. The benefit of creating your own page is that it may encourage your family/friends to donate.
If you don't want to make your own page, feel free to pass on the Team Hungry For Life page to your family/friends. It's entirely up to you. All donations (whether made through your personal page or through the HFL team page) will be counted towards the Team Hungry For Life goal of $10K, just make sure that if you do create your own fundraising page, you specify that you want to join Team Hungry For Life during the set-up.

As far as our goal of $10K, I figure that we raised over $7K last year~ there's no reason we shouldn't aim high!
If you have any questions or concerns, please email me (bettslevine@metrocast.net).

Katie

2009 WALK

2009-02-09T12:40:00.002-05:00

Check out our donor page!

Rob Schriefer Benefit

2009-01-30T13:37:00.006-05:00

Because I know Dennis would want to help a friend, I am posting the following information about the Rob Schriefer Benefit below.

Hi Everyone,
I am a member on the benefit committee for the Rob Schriefer Trust Fund. Rob was born with a disease called Friedreich's Ataxia, which he was diagnosed with at the age of ten. Friedreich's Ataxia is a degenerative neuromuscular disorder which affects all mobility and motor skills. To learn more about Friedreich's Ataxia, click here.
Rob was an active adolescent who was forced into a wheelchair at the age of sixteen. For the past 25 years, this disease has taken complete control of his body, which has made him completely dependent on others for his daily needs and care. Throughout it all, Rob still has a great smile and positive outlook. Rob loves to be outdoors, go to concerts and travel to see his family. Rob is '96 grad of Wentworth Institute of Technology and a '91 grad of Saugus High School.
I am selling benefit tickets to an event which is on March 28th, at The Knights of Columbus in Lynn from 7-midnight. The benefit is to raise funds for a wheelchair accessible van, so Rob can "escape his captivity once in a while," and enjoy the world around him like everyone else. (He relies solely on state funding and limited financial help from family.)
The event will include live bands, food, raffles and a silent auction. The benefit tickets are $25.00 per person, and anyone who purchases a ticket will be entered into a drawing for a set of Red Sox tickets (whether you attend the event or not).
I am also looking for auction items and donations to help raise money for this special charity. If you or anyone you know can donate a signed sports item, sports tickets, or gift certificates for a restaurant, please let me know as every item big or small counts.
If you have any questions, want to purchase tickets, or donate an item you can e-mail me (k.kimberlywormstead@comcast.net). Additionally, I have flyers for the benefit and can email you one.
If anyone would like to donate to Rob's fund, please send donations to:
Eastern Bank, c/o Rob Schriefer Jr. Supplemental Trust Fund, 441 Main St., Melrose MA 02176.
Your support is greatly appreciated! To meet Rob, check out the video below.

Thank you for your help,
Kim Wormstead

HFL on Facebook

2008-12-30T11:05:00.002-05:00

HFL has made it to Facebook! I just created a new group there.
I figure it's a more efficient way to message people come WALK time. If you're on Facebook, don't forget to join HFL! This blog will remain current too~ I will be updating both sites from now on.

2nd Annual D. Rich Football Game

2008-12-08T10:42:00.011-05:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2nd annual D. Rich Football Game! A special thanks to Brian Peluso for the awesome t-shirts and Lisa Tocco for the pics. (Click on any photo to enlarge.)

Awesome!

2008-11-25T10:35:00.004-05:00

Dear Team Hungry For Life,
On behalf of the North Shore Medical Center patients, families and friends, we would like to thank our sponsors and teams that participated in our 18th annual NSMC Cancer WALK. We are delighted to report the WALK has raised $14 million since 1991. All 2008 proceeds will directly benefit the expansion and relocation of the NSMC Cancer Center to the Mass General/North Shore Center for Outpatient Care on Endicott Street in Danvers, opening in Spring 2009.

Team Hungry For Life raised $7,675.00!

I am so proud of our team for raising more than our goal of 5K~ way to go!

Be sure to SAVE THE DATE - Next year's WALK will be on
Sunday, June 21, 2009.

Team Hungry For Life will be walking proud again for D. Rich.

See you next summer!

~Katie

Happy Birthday

2008-11-14T08:32:00.003-05:00

Football Game

2008-11-12T19:27:00.004-05:00

This Sunday is the second annual D. Rich Football Game. First will be breakfast at Donna's Restaurant in East Boston (Dennis' favorite breakfast joint) @ 9:00 am, then there will be a trip to the cemetery. The game itself is around 11:00 am at Hill Park in Revere. Anyone who wants to play is welcome~ the more the merrier. Any questions, email jrich1970@aol.com.

Memories

2008-10-29T22:16:00.001-04:00

Thank you Chris, for sending in these pics!

Dennis,

2008-10-21T22:06:00.006-04:00

I can see your hands~ gnarled from a past injury or two, strong and calloused. I don't know why, but when I think of you I always see your hands. I can see your face, your teeth and your hair too. Everyone says we look alike. I think we do too.
I can hear the sound of your laugh, loud and booming. When something was funny you never held back. I can hear your voice. I can remember when it was gone, you mouthed to me that you loved me. I think of that often. I always knew you felt that way, c'mon~ I'm your sister...I just hated that you had to say it because time was running out.
I can recall all of the crazy mannerisms that were strictly yours~ the way you would stretch your neck, when you would walk and kick your heels, the way you would blink and nod, how you would space out mid-conversation while watching television. I hated when you did that to me. My favorite though was when you would close your eyes, shrug your shoulders and make that face. I can imitate it perfectly...always could.
I can feel your strength. You were invincible~ muscular, athletic, confident. You were so brave, so selfless. You still are all of those things to me, even now.

I will never forget you. How could I?

One year later, my heart and our family remains broken. I am still angry. Still in denial. Still worried. Still devastated. Still sad. Still missing you. I will never be the same.
I have so many questions I wish you could answer and I've wished you back a thousand times. I just wish you could go home to your girls.
I know what you wanted for all of us. I know what matters to you and what doesn't. I know you are still with me and I know we'll see you again someday~ it just seems like too long to wait.

There is nobody in this world like you, Den.
I love you,
Katie

Smile

2008-09-21T21:35:00.010-04:00

Fun With Cousins

2008-09-21T21:33:00.002-04:00

Uncle Dennis

2008-09-17T13:53:00.001-04:00

Cassidy Rich

November 5, 2007

Character Essay

Uncle Dennis

Picture perfectly gelled hair, a few tattoos scattered on muscular arms, and a huge voice. No, I am not describing Uncle Jessie from "Full House", but my Uncle Dennis. Now, picture no hair, a bright smile, and a roaring laugh. This is my Uncle Dennis with cancer. When everyone lost hope, he carried on with enough to make up for them. His faith remained with him until the end, which came far too early. However, whenever I think of my Uncle Dennis, I think about candy, funny dance moves, and effect on those around him.

When I was young, I lived at my Nana’s house. All of my family is generally young, so it was a house of babies, teenagers, young adults, and grown adults. My Uncle Dennis visited regularly. Upon these visits, he never failed to bring me candy. I would hear his usual "I’M HERE!" and run for the door. I jumped up and down with anticipation and barely survived through the longest seconds imaginable for him to cross through the breeze-way and into the kitchen. All around me, everyone would stop and wait. This was because if Dennis was here, the fun was about to begin. As he strutted into the kitchen, and I went flying into the air, everyone would let out a hello and get back to what they were doing. I would be placed back on the ground, and be spoken to, yet with the idea of sugar, I always ignored the words. With my knowledge now, I would have cherished those words and hung onto them with every bit of strength in me, because they were the only moments I got to be completely alone with my Uncle Dennis. But, because of my ignorance, I brushed off the sentences with "uh huh"s and "ok"s and finally got my candy. That is why, to this day, the sight of bright candy wrappers sends an image of him through my mind.

Just to set the record straight, my Uncle had the weirdest, yet best dance moves ever. At weddings, nobody even tried to outshine him, that’s how amazing he was. It was not that he was good at dancing, it was just that he had the best time doing it. He didn’t care what anybody thought, which didn’t matter because everyone had a good time just watching him. The day after he was diagnosed with cancer, my Auntie Jeannie had her wedding. Even though the horrible news must have devastated him, he was still on that floor dancing, with a smile on his face to boot. The first dance move he taught me was the one when you cross your arms over your knees and move your legs back and forth, uncrossing and crossing your arms while doing it. At the time, my cousins and I were baffled at how cool his knowledge of dancing was. In his apartment we continuously crossed and uncrossed our arms, laughing the whole time.

"What would Dennis do?" My Uncle’s best friend, David, let out the secret of his success. Whenever in a bind, he would ask himself "what would Dennis do?" How could one man have such an impact on another’s life? How could someone be so great that another person asks what they would do in their situation? I never knew how amazing my Uncle Dennis was until after he passed away. So many people have told stories of how he had helped them become better, and how he was always there for them. Almost every Sunday, he was at my grandparent’s house, just to eat breakfast with them. He always had an answer to questions. Daughters’ dance recitals, soccer games, or cheering competitions? He was in the crowd. Whenever in doubt, ask Dennis. That was a subconscious phrase that everyone who knew him lived by.

Whether it be candy, a funny dance move, or a simple flashback, my Uncle Dennis will be with me. Maybe I’ll see a tattoo of an odd design sprawled on someone’s arm and think of him. Or maybe I’ll here the words "I’m here," and assume they were spoken out of his mouth. At this point, I live for the moments when he pops into my mind.

2008-09-01T20:17:00.000-04:00

2008-08-18T12:16:00.000-04:00

Perfect

2008-08-08T11:22:00.007-04:00

This picture is obviously not perfect. I'm not sure if it got overexposed or exactly what happened. What gets me is that this would have been an awesome shot if it had not been for the mysterious beam of light.
I was going through my archives and remembered that I never posted it because of the obvious abnormality. Way back when I tried fixing it with my editing software but nothing seemed to make it look any better/clearer. If you look at it closely though, it is still a great shot and truly captures Dennis' fighting spirit and fun personality.
For some reason I was looking at it closely today, and that's when I knew it was worth sharing after all. I think you will agree-- despite its imperfections... it is so Dennis.

I really miss him.

2008-08-03T23:37:00.000-04:00

2008-07-29T20:33:00.000-04:00

2008-07-24T07:46:00.000-04:00

2008-07-20T22:01:00.000-04:00

2008-07-14T22:04:00.000-04:00

Bricks by the Lake

2008-07-10T08:50:00.003-04:00

Bricks by the Lake is a fund-raising campaign sponsored by the Friends of Lake Quannapowitt. If anyone wants more information, you can check out the webpage here. More bricks will be installed in late spring 2009.

2008-07-08T16:53:00.000-04:00

2008-07-05T12:32:00.000-04:00

Walk Talk

2008-07-03T16:37:00.006-04:00

Hello Team Hungry For Life,

NSMC is still very busy tallying all of the WALK donations. They won't have a final total until September. With additional donations arriving daily, NSMC is well on the way to meeting or exceeding last year's WALK total of $985,000!

I am pleased to report that Team Hungry For Life is still receiving donations, even after the WALK. Our firstgiving web page will be open until August 31, 2008. It's not a bad idea to send a final reminder to your email group and folks that have not donated yet.

I also wanted to tell you all to save the date for next year's WALK: June 21, 2009. I plan on reorganizing Team Hungry For Life again next year. We had just over 100 walkers in 2008. In 2009 our team will be even bigger and stronger-- walking proud for D. Rich! I hope you will join us again.

Thanks,
Katie

Studio Photos

2008-07-03T12:31:00.003-04:00

Four of our very own Team Hungry For Life members (Jen & Lyle Waldeck, Ali & Maddie Isabelle) were captured at the WALK by Carla Osberg Photography. Click here to check it out.
For more WALK photos taken by a professional, click here.

2008-07-03T12:17:00.001-04:00

Bricks

2008-06-28T20:59:00.004-04:00

Here are some pictures that were sent in by Debbie Hustins. These bricks were purchased in Dennis' honor at a park on Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield. Dennis used to take the girls there often.
Debbie created the "Daddy's Girls" brick. Jodi and Jane purchased the "Forever in Our Hearts" brick. Yesterday there was an unveiling of this memorial.

2008-06-27T14:38:00.000-04:00

Class Day

2008-06-25T17:04:00.002-04:00

Lisa Tocco sent in this pic. It was taken on Class Day, which was on 6/8/87. It is of Dennis and Dennis Murphy.

More WALK Photos

2008-06-24T17:07:00.003-04:00

Thank you Kim and Theresa for these pics! If anyone has additional photos they want to share, please send them to me (bettslevine@metrocast.net).

Tribute Wall

2008-06-23T13:56:00.004-04:00

After Party

2008-06-23T13:39:00.007-04:00

Meet Team Hungry For Life

2008-06-23T13:22:00.007-04:00

Quote of the Day

2008-06-23T10:27:00.006-04:00

I had to smile when I heard what Elise said of the 6.2 miles~
"I can't believe my Dad is making us walk this far."

$ucce$$

2008-06-22T21:07:00.007-04:00

Congratulations Team Hungry For Life!

I am pleased to announce that we have surpassed our $5K fundraising goal. I do not have an exact total yet-- as soon as I receive it from the NSMC WALK team it will be posted here.

I do want to give a special shout-out to the Tocco Family for raising the most money. They did an unbelievable job and single handedly raised over $1K!

Here's a pic of me and Lisa Tocco. Way to go!

Why was it so important to raise lots of money? Where is it going? Let me tell you!
Funds raised in 2008 will directly benefit the expansion and relocation of the NSMC Cancer Center to the Mass General/North Shore Center for Outpatient Care in Danvers, slated to open in 2009. The state-of-the-art facility will ensure continued access to comprehensive and coordinated medical, surgical and radiation oncology care in a compassionate, community-based environment right here - close to home.

2008 NSMC Cancer Walk

2008-06-22T20:49:00.003-04:00

One of the questions that the North Shore Medical Center has asked in regards to today is, “Who will you be walking for?”

The answer to that question is very simple. Today we are here in honor of my brother, Dennis Rich Jr. Today we are celebrating his life. Today is a tribute to Dennis. We will never forget him, his infectious spirit, or his insatiable hunger for life. He is missed every moment, of every day, by so many people. We are also here in support of his wife, Jodi, and their three beautiful girls, Alana, Elise and Mia.

I sincerely want to thank all of you—- family, friends, and even the complete strangers who have gone out of their way to show my family love and support during this difficult time. I also want to thank you all for being a part of Team Hungry For Life.

I know that Dennis is here walking with us today. I also know that he is extremely proud of all we have accomplished. We love you, Den.
Let’s start the WALK by giving Team Hungry For Life a round of applause.

2008-06-20T22:49:00.001-04:00

Join Us

2008-06-20T22:39:00.006-04:00

It's not too late.
We have extra shirts.
You don't even have plans on Sunday.

The time is now-- join Team Hungry For Life!

Contact me (bettslevine@metrocast.net) for details.

2008-06-18T17:37:00.000-04:00

An Abundance of Rich’s

2008-06-17T16:54:00.002-04:00

We have another article coming out in the Wakefield Observer that will be printed on Thursday. You can view it online now by clicking here.

Wakefield Daily Item Article

2008-06-17T16:33:00.005-04:00

SALEM - You can join the North Shore Medical Center for the 18th annual NSMC Cancer Walk this Sunday, June 22nd. The 6.2 mile route features an array of entertainment and refreshment breaks, making the day a fun and entertaining community event. It's the largest single-day fundraising event on the North Shore and will include a large contingent of the family and friends of Dennis Rich Jr. of Wakefield, the late co-owner of Rich Construction of Wakefield.
After a two year fight with a rare form of cancer called cardiac angio sarcoma, Dennis succumbed to the disease at the age of 38 this past October, leaving behind his wife and three young daughters. The oldest of seven children, Dennis also left behind five sisters, his brother, his parents, and many, many extended family members.
Sunday, over 100 of Dennis' friends, family members and colleagues will honor his memory by participating in the 18th annual NSMC Cancer Walk. The team captain, one of Dennis' sisters, is Katie Betts-Levine of Strafford, NH. The team's fundraising website can be found at www.firstgiving.com/teamhungryforlife.
The NSMC Cancer Walk has collectively raised more than $13 million in the fight against cancer on the North Shore of Massachusetts. This year, all proceeds will directly benefit the expansion and relocation of the NSMC Cancer Center to the Mass General/North Shore Cancer Center which is slated to open in Danvers in 2009. The state-of-the-art facility will ensure continued access to comprehensive and coordinated medical, surgical and radiation oncology care in a compassionate, community-based environment.
You can help by contributing to Team Hungry For Life by visiting www.firstgiving.com/teamhungryforlife or you can make a general donation or register to walk by visiting www.nsmccancerwalk.org or by calling 866-296-6900.
The walk, which has a rolling start time of 8 a.m., begins and ends at Salem Willows.

Wakefield Daily Item

2008-06-17T14:52:00.004-04:00

We're in print!
Dennis' story and a blurb about Team Hungry For Life's participation in the NSMC Cancer Walk on Sunday is in today's Wakefield Daily Item on page 11.

2008-06-16T17:13:00.002-04:00

Forecast

2008-06-16T17:00:00.003-04:00

Two years ago we walked in the pouring rain. Check out Sunday. So far, it looks nearly perfect...if only we could be guaranteed sunny skies and 80 degrees!
No matter what we will be walking proud for D. Rich! Less than one week left!

Dad

2008-06-15T08:43:00.004-04:00

Father's Day

2008-06-15T08:43:00.003-04:00

Itinerary

2008-06-10T15:55:00.006-04:00

Hello Team Hungry For Life!
Below is an itinerary for the day of the walk. If you have any questions, email me (bettslevine@metrocast.net).

When: Sunday, June 22nd (rain or shine)

Time: We're meeting at 9:45 AM at the registration/start line (a perfect group photo opportunity). Look for the blue shirts-- there are more than 100 of us expected! At 10:00 AM we will begin walking.

Directions: It will be difficult to drive yourself to the Salem Willows (both the start and finish lines). It would be easiest to take advantage of the free shuttle service from Shetland Properties on Congress Street, which will take you directly to the Willows.
Please note-- the last shuttle from the Willows leaves at 11:45 AM. You should plan on finishing the walk by then if you use the shuttle service.
To get to Shetland Properties, follow Route 114 East into Salem. Once you are at the intersection of Route 114 and Route 1A, go straight onto Derby Street/1A. Congress Street is less than a ½ mile on your right. Shetland Properties will be on your right.

After Party: There is a get together immediately after the walk, from 12:30PM-2:30PM. Everyone is welcome. Lunch will be provided. A cash bar will be available. Please join us at the Salem Knights of Columbus (Nathaniel Silsbee House), 94 Washington Square East, located on the Salem Commons. Free parking is available there.

Other information: With your t-shirt shipment from Erin, you should have received some nametags. Please wear one for the walk. It will help us to all identify eachother.

Looking forward to seeing you all!

2008-06-10T15:30:00.002-04:00

2008-06-08T17:54:00.001-04:00

Ready

2008-06-04T08:45:00.005-04:00

Erin just received a shipment of t-shirts. If you haven't sent her your payment yet, the time to do so is now. Email me with any questions (bettslevine@metrocast.net).

6

2008-06-02T14:09:00.001-04:00

Elise turned 6 last Friday. Happy Birthday Lisi!

Relay For Life 2008

2008-06-01T19:12:00.006-04:00

Deb Alba-Delaney participated in the Relay For Life on Friday night in Woburn, MA. She was kind enough to create a bag in Dennis' memory.

Here are the pictures of the bag that was decorated in Dennis' memory. It was placed along the track and stayed lit for the entire night into this morning.
The second picture was taken around 10:00 pm when all the lights were turned off. The bags were lit one by one and everyone took a silent walk around the track in their honor. It was an incredible experience, very moving and it was an awesome turn-out. A lot of money was raised for the American Cancer Society. I wanted to share these pictures with you and your family. Good luck with the walk.
Deb Alba-Delaney