Published: September 04, 2007 05:08 pm            

PEOPLE PROFILE: Kenmore woman raises money for fight against cancer

When Kristen Kimmerle’s good friend, Gina Militello, died of cancer about four years ago, she decided to find solace in a worthy cause.

That’s why she began raising money for the right to participate in the Gelatin Splash, sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Proceeds for the event are used for cancer research.

“There’s so many people out there with cancer and I just believe in helping out any way I can,” Kimmerle said from her Kenmore home. “When you’re at the splash and you see people in remission who are raising money, it’s overwhelming.”

Kimmerle raised $2,000 for the 2007 splash, and plans to try and double that this year. She’s kicking off the fundraising for this year’s splash at the bar and restaurant where she’s a manager, Malone’s Restaurant on Delaware Avenue, in conjunction with the Buffalo Bills game on Sept. 23. She’ll also hold bake sales, sell candy bars and sell 50-50 tickets to raise funds.

Kimmerle got involved with the fundraiser about five years ago, and has consistently gone above her previous yearly totals in fundraising, she said. Last year, 138 people participated in the splash.

“The highest person that jumped raised over $12,000,” she said. “Which, to me, is pretty impressive.”

Kimmerle has lived in her Kenmore house for about 11 years, in the same general area as her brother, sister, two nieces, nephew and parents. She also has a side business, making cakes for family, friends and others.

She’ll admit that cakes are best moist, but becomes discreet when asked how she makes them.

“I can’t give out my secrets,” she said.

Contact reporter Dan Miner at 693-1000, ext. 115.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.