It’s hard to imagine how one day of simple fun can bring services and programs to so many local people all year.
But it does.
The 12th annual Miller Lite Bar Stool Open, benefiting the McKean County Chapter of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, is set for noon to 6 p.m. April 28 at bars and clubs across the Bradford area. Glenwood Beer Distributors is sponsoring the event.
Participants spend a springtime Saturday traveling from tavern to tavern to play the putt-putt hole set up there.
This year, 21 establishments are taking part, according to Mary Ann Colestro, general manager for Glenwood Beers.
Stops along the trail include Hotel Holley, Players Downtown, The Lighter Side, Corner Bar and Restaurant, The New City Line, Marsh’s Bar, Bradford VFW, Bradford American Legion, Bradford Eagles, Byllye Lanes, Model T, New Keystone, JJ’s Saloon, Viola’s, Marche Club, The Edge, The Roadhouse, The Same Old Kitchen, Vavalos, Rookies and The Italian Club.
“The American Cancer Society is the cause fighting cancer on every front; standing shoulder to shoulder with cancer patients and those supporting them,” Colestro said. “Funds raised help the American Cancer Society attack cancer in dozens of ways, each of them critical to achieving a world without cancer — from developing breakthrough therapies to building supportive communities, from providing empowering resources to deploying activists to raise awareness.
She said money raised at the Relay For Life of McKean County event “fuels the mission of the American Cancer Society to save lives and help people get well and fight back against cancer.” The Relay For Life movement supports research and education efforts, as well as programs for patients, including transportation assistance and free lodging at the Hope Lodge.
Teams of four who want to participate in the Bar Stool Open can sign up at any time the day of the event at any of the participating establishments. The cost is $60 per foursome, with fees donated to the Relay for Life.
As participants venture to each location, “Cancer Society volunteers are at each hole to count the strokes for each golfer,” she noted. The volunteers represent the different Relay for Life teams.
A new activity this year will be awards for People’s Choice for Best Hole and Judges’ Choice. People can vote for their favorite hole by placing $1 per vote in the bin by the putt-putt hole of choice, and the money raised will go to the Relay for Life.
The tavern with the best hole will have custody of a traveling trophy that is awarded each year. There will also be prizes for the Best Dressed Foursome and the Low Score Team and Individual.
Cards must be turned to the Italian club by 6 p.m. that day.
It was several years ago when the idea for the Bar Stool Open hatched.
“Glenwood Beer and Miller Lite started this event 12 years ago in Bradford as a fun way to raise money for a great cause,” Colestro said. “It was important to us that we give back to the local community and The American Cancer Society seemed like the perfect partnership. As we all know everyone is affected by this disease and we wanted to do our part to help.”
Because of its success, the event has spread to other areas, including one held this time of year in Elk County, Colestro said. She noted that the success of the event depends on the golfers and taverns that participate each year.
“Without them this event would not happen,” she said. “They all make a donation to the American Cancer Society, build a hole, and have specials throughout the day for the event, so we hope that when you are out and about you make sure to patronize these taverns.”
Support from local donors enables the American Cancer Society to help a number of local cancer patients all year.
“In McKean County in 2017, 32 patients received 148 free trips to their doctor appointments through our Road To Recovery program,” Colestro reported.
“Also, 10 women received the Look Good Feel Better sessions that are held at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. And six women received free wigs as well. Six people received eight nights of free lodging and 119 people requested information through our Patient Navigation Center by calling 1-800-227-2345.”
The 2018 American Cancer Society Relay for Life of McKean County will kick off at 6 p.m. June 22 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
