Fundraiser in memory of Laverne Barbagallo in its fifth year

By Charlotte McDevitt

There are many foundations and awareness organizations supporting cancer research, but in Norfolk, this effort takes on a personal meaning. A resident of the town, Jon Barbagallo, aids breast cancer awareness by selling t-shirts. He started the program in 2013, in memory of his mother, Laverne Barbagallo who passed away from breast cancer in 2004. The proceeds of the sales go to the Norfolk Children’s Foundation for a scholarship that helps Norfolk families pay for their children’s fees for summer camps, such as Camp Jewell. When asked how much he has raised so far, Barbagallo states, “Our total donation to the Norfolk Children’s Foundation is expected to exceed $2,500 over the past five years.”

The town is actively involved with the T-shirts, and some local businesses help out as well. The National Iron Bank, Artisans Guild and Berkshire Country Store offer the shirts for sale in their businesses before passing along the profits.

Anyone who would like to purchase a t-shirt or help out with the sales are welcome to contact the Norfolk Children’s Foundation for information by email at info@norfolkchildren.com or by phone, 860.480.4125.