Monday, October 12, 2009

'Moises' Mardi Gras Against Cancer'

Kingston Mayor James Sottile announced on Monday that in the city, every second Tuesday of October will officially be known as, “Moises’ Mardi Gras Against Cancer Day.”

The late Moises Perez Jr. died Thursday afternoon at Benedictine Hospital after a long struggle with cancer.

“Moises Perez was a great man whose undeniable respect and contributions to this city stands second only to the strength he showed during his long battle with cancer. Now he will never be forgotten,” Sottile said in a prepared statement.

Keegan Ales will hold a Fat Tuesday-style event at 5 p.m. today in remembrance of Moises.

“The Moises' Mardi Gras Against Cancer” will begin 5 p.m. at Keegan Ales at 20 St. James Street, Kingston and boast a pig roast, live zydeco with Prof. Louie and the Cromatix, as well as Fat Tuesday-style clothing, beads and a parade starting around 9 p.m. from Keegan Ales to Snapper McGee’s on North Front Street, where an official toast will take place at 10 p.m.

Keegan Ales already raised more than $800 at its anniversary party on Oct. 3 to help Mr. Perez. Said Keegan, “This was Moises’ last wish and we want it to be honored. Our plan is to party in the name of Moises while donating all proceeds to the Rosemary Gruner Fund [a division of the Benedictine Health Foundation]. Now with the Mayor’s blessing, we will be able to continue celebrating the life of our dear friend, while continuing to raise money for a great cause.”

The Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Fund provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families in Ulster County. More information about the fund and how to donate can be found at www.bikeforcancer.org. More information about “Moises’ Mardi Gras Against Cancer” can be found at www.keeganales.com.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Moises was my roommate, but this event was not organized by yours truly, but by Tom Keegan, whom I also know.

UPDATE: More than $1,200 was raised for the Rosemary Gruner Fund.