Butcher finds better way to raise bucks for Ride for Roswell

By Benjamin Joe

Senior Contributing Writer

The Ride for Roswell is slated for Saturday, June 27, and, according to its website, thousands will ride in the event.

One of those participants is Cookie Butcher of Lockport, who has been riding for 10 years to help fund the cure to cancer through research, as well as raise awareness. Butcher rides with Team Mantelli this year, and intends to trek 34 miles of county roads through Clarence.

“It’s about getting together with friends and family who all share the same vision: to fight cancer, raise awareness about this disease and fund cancer research. It unites the community,” she said in a short interview conducted over email.

Riding has been a decade-long passion for Butcher but, after the second year of participating, she decided to do a basket raffle to raise more funds for the cause. Butcher did this for five years and a fundraising event was held near Tasty Treats Ice Cream on Transit Road each year.

It was, however, a “labor-intensive” way to raise funds so, in 2024, she decided to extend the fundraising by selling tickets to interested buyers throughout the year and picking the winners a few weekends before the event in June. The first time she did this was on her 65^th birthday.

“Believing there had to be an easier, less labor-intensive way to do this, I decided on the raffle ticket approach for 2024 for my 65^th birthday,” Butcher said. “I got some businesses on board to help with donations. I hold the drawing the first Friday in June at my place of business, Summit MSP. That year, I had cake and pizza and drew the winning tickets live on (Facebook).”

Backed by the director of the Ride for Roswell, Andrea Gregory, and Joe Rizzo from West Herr, a fellow rider, Butcher pulled the prizewinners’ names. She described the approach as a success – and is eager to top that dollar amount this year.

“The first year, I raised over $13,000; last year, I raised $27,188. This year’s goal is $30,000,” Butcher said. “I am being optimistic, but this is for a great cause – we are very fortunate to have Roswell in our own backyard. We have all been touched by this disease in some way.”

More information on Cookie Butcher’s annual raffle fundraiser for Roswell Park.

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Butcher is still soliciting businesses for donations – and selling tickets – and said she is grateful to all her past donors.

“Every person who is donating is supporting Roswell,” Butcher said. “It’s a win-win for all.”

To buy a ticket, contact Butcher at 716-628-3926. Those who want to donate can go to https://give.roswellpark.org/site/TR?fr_id=2150&pg=personal&px=1077251.

Per its website, the Ride for Roswell will take place Saturday, June 27, at the University at Buffalo’s North Campus – with nine routes to choose from: ranging from 4 to 100 miles. Participating riders must be 16 years old or over, and raise $200 by the day of the ride.

The “Celebration of Hope” precedes the Ride for Roswell, taking place from 5-8:30 p.m. Friday, June 26, at UB North.

Ride for Roswell is heralded as “one of the nation’s largest cycling fundraising events.” For more information, visit https://rideforroswell.org/.