Community Corner
Fundraiser Held at Mulcahy's for Island Trees Teacher Battling Leukemia
Hundreds of family, friends, co-workers and students of Dan Haggerty filled Wantagh bar to raise funds for his fight against Acute Meyloid Leukemia.
This past Friday, in Wantagh was filled with hundreds of family, friends, co-workers and students of Dan Haggerty, a physical education teacher in the Island Trees School District who is battling Acute Meyloid Leukemia.
While Haggerty himself could not attend the fundraiser, everyone celebrated him as a wonderful husband, son, teacher and father.
Starting at 4 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m., a team of Haggerty's friends and family known as “Haggo’s Helpers” hosted the fundraiser, which held a 50-50 raffle, and Chinese auction of close to 100 prizes including signed jerseys from sports superstars like Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and a Sony Bravia EX72 55” LED television.
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A quilt was also stitched by Mary Haggerty, Dan Haggerty’s aunt. The quilt was embroiled with a reading: “Every stitch a prayer for Daniel Haggerty.”
A painting by Joseph W. Palmerio, a famous artist from Philadelphia, was also featured at the fundraiser. He now resides in Sarasota, Florida, and his site can be viewed here.
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The Long Island based cover band, Souls on Board, provided music for the entire fundraiser, playing everything from modern day rock, doo-wop, classic rock and jazz. Visit their Facebook page here.
The Haggerty family was proud to report that the event raised over $30,000.
“We wanted to do this for Dan,” said John Dotzler, a close friend of Haggerty. “I’ve never heard anyone ever say a bad thing about him, he's one of the most wonderful and thoughtful people I know and we're just amazed at everyone who has helped out in supporting him.”
Two hours into the fundraiser, a moment of silence was held to honor the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Afterwards, a video was played on every television in Mulcahy's of Dan Haggerty and his son addressing the crowd.
“I wish I could be there with everyone, but I’m looking forward to getting together with everyone soon,” said Haggerty. “All the support we've gotten means everything to me and my family, thank you all.”
On behalf of Dan's family, his father, Ed Haggerty, spoke to everyone in attendance saying. “Thanks to the band for their time and music, to Haggo’s Helpers for organizing the fund-raiser, to all the donors and contributors for their generosity and to all the people attending this incredible event tonight.”
