Despite the unseasonable lack of snow, the 27th annual Tony
Dolan Ski-for-Cancer Saturday at the Westline Inn in Westline
brought in at least $2,000 more than last year’s event, an
organizer said Sunday night.

Fran Stewart, income development specialist with the local
chapter of the American Cancer Society, said while officials still
don’t have a final total, she knows they pulled in at least $8,300
Saturday.

“That’s a very good year for us,” Stewart said.

The annual event raised a little more than $6,000 last year, she
added.

Stewart reported Team Tri-State took first place in the team
category, raising $1,656. The Dolans took second, she said, with
$1,352.

In the individual skier category, first place went to Kevin
Clark, age 11, of Westline, with $1,065. Bob Radzavich of Bradford
took second place with $650.

Clark was also the youngest skier this year, she said.

In the nearly three decades the fund-raising event has been
going on, organizers have had to deal with unseasonably warm
winters before, Stewart said.

“It has rained in the past or been very, very warm; when that
happens, the skiers become walkers,” she explained.

Stewart went on to say the Kinzua Valley Trails Association has
done “a wonderful job” maintaining and grooming the trails used for
the event.

She said she thinks the event is so well-attended because
“everyone knows it’s a good time and a great cause.”

She said the annual pig roast held in conjunction with the
Ski-For-Cancer was also well attended. “It’s the middle of January,
and people need something to do,” she said. “And we’re happy that
they do.”

All proceeds from Saturday’s event benefit local cancer patients
through the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. In
addition to the pig roast, a luminary ceremony, live entertainment
and other activities are also part of the event.

The Ski-For-Cancer was founded in 1979 by Bradford pharmacist
Tony Dolan, who was a past president of the McKean County chapter
of the American Cancer Society. He was actively involved with the
society for more than 20 years.

Event sponsors include Ott & McHenry Pharmacy, City Beers,
Westline Inn, Paradise Found Stables and Jamestown Cycle Shop.