Push Against Cancer joins OKO, other local business for town block party, sends kids to camp

Jennifer Petrosinelli, on behalf of the Westport Fire department, sells breast cancer awareness shirts.

Photo by Charlotte Armstrong ’21

Jennifer Petrosinelli, on behalf of the Westport Fire department, sells breast cancer awareness shirts.

The first annual Push Against Cancer (PAC) Block Party raised funds for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp at the Green at National Hall on Oct. 6.

The fundraiser, which raised $2,200, pays for the costs of kids suffering from cancer to attend the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.

“This is a once in a lifetime summer camp experience for brave kids battling serious illnesses,” PAC founder Andrew Berman said.

This is a once in a lifetime summer camp experience for brave kids battling serious illnesses

— PAC founder Andrew Berman

Local businesses such as Oko, The MeatBall Shop, Bartaco, TUCK Gin and Upper Deck Fitness collaborated with organizers Berman, OKO owner Brian Lewis and PAC administrative officer Sherry Jonas.

The Westport Fire Department also joined the block party with the pink fire truck for breast cancer awareness month. Jennifer Petorsinelli, Westport Fire department administrative assistant, sold breast cancer awareness shirts to raise funds for young breast cancer survivors.

“Women diagnosed under the age of 40 can face different issues during their diagnosis and treatment,” Petrosinelli said. “Such as more aggressive cancer, financial challenges, lack of research and body image issues.”

The idea for the block party was initiated when Lewis participated in PAC’s annual push up fundraiser in June. Lewis was inspired to further support the foundation with the help of his restaurant. Berman, Lewis and Jonas planned the event in accordance with other businesses, Berman founded PAC 10 years ago, and has raised $750,000 for the camp since.

“[The organizers] are absolutely thrilled at the turn out,” Berman said, “and look forward to making this an annual event.”