For the entire month of September, 58 Main BBQ and Brew in Brockport, is serving up more than just comfort food; they are joining forces in a “food fight” against childhood cancer, participating in a fundraising effort to support families affected in Monroe County.
Established in 1976 C.U.R.E. (Counseling, Understanding, Research, Education) Childhood Cancer Association created the “Liquid gold for C.U.R.E. Challenge.” Participating restaurants offer signature macaroni and cheese dishes, donating a portion of their sales to C.U.R.E., which provides financial and emotional support to families impacted by childhood cancer.
C.U.R.E. is the only organization in the Rochester area that focuses on meeting the non-medical needs of children who have cancer or a chronic blood disorder. The organization aims to provide emotional, educational, social and financial assistance to improve the lives of pediatric cancer patients and their loved ones.
According to Executive Director of C.U.R.E., Holly Dutcher, the Liquid Gold Challenge has grown into an annual tradition for Monroe County, bringing together community members for the month under one shared mission.
Dutcher likens the parent of a patient to a vessel with limited capacity.
“All of the responsibilities that a parent has are the glasses that are around them. A person only has so much to pour into each glass,” Dutcher said.
While C.U.R.E. offers support to families with children currently undergoing treatment, their assistance can extend even after a child dies.
The Liquid Gold Challenge was created as a fundraiser for C.U.R.E., with the decision to focus on mac and cheese being intentional.
“Mac and cheese is a super kid-friendly food to eat, but it’s also kinda gold in color,” Dutcher said. “So, it was a dual-purpose thing. It represents the child cancer awareness ribbon, but also is a kid and adult friendly food.”
To participate in the challenge, C.U.R.E. asks local restaurants to offer a signature mac and cheese dish during September and promote it through signage and social media to raise awareness about childhood cancer awareness month, and, if they feel so inclined, they can donate a portion of each sale to the organization.
Brockport’s 58 Main is no stranger to the fundraiser, as they have participated for the past three years, making this year their fourth. Sarah Marcello, wife of owner Marc Marcello, said that 58 main lives by the slogan “local support local.”
“We’re big on community,” Sarah said. “It’s not just about running a business; it’s about giving back. Being in a position to help is something we take pride in.”
While giving back provides a sense of gratitude, the feeling is not exclusive to the management staff. Owner Marc Marcello said that collaborating with C.U.R.E. is something the entire staff looks forward to.
“Kids with cancer — it’s something that just touches your heart,” Marcello said. “But our employees are the reason we thrive. People aren’t coming here to see me. They’re coming to see our staff, who take care of our customers. They know how involved we are in the community.”
Businesses like 58 Main are essential to C.U.R.E., which touches the lives of about 800 families annually.
“58 Main has been phenomenal,” Dutcher said. “They’ve put little signs on every table, and the waitstaff would talk about it. It’s just a really great way to get people talking about childhood cancer. That’s what we’re here to do. If we talk about it, action usually follows.”
As participation in the Liquid Gold Challenge grows each year, C.U.R.E. continues to rely on local businesses and community members to provide families with the support they need.
“We only have one full-time and four part-time staff members,” Dutcher said. “We can only do so much.”
The emphasis on community effort is echoed by businesses who participate.
“Every drop in the bucket adds up, and spreading awareness is key,” Marcello said.
As it comes to a close this year, the “Liquid Gold for C.U.R.E. Challenge” showcases the collaborative efforts of local businesses in supporting families affected by childhood cancer. With 58 Main BBQ and Brew participating alongside six other establishments, the initiative not only raises funds for C.U.R.E. but raises awareness about pediatric cancer.
For more information or to donate, visit C.U.R.E Childhood Cancer Association’s donation page. Every contribution will help provide support to families battling childhood cancer.
