Tradition: Teens Help in Making of Cancer Ball

On Saturday, June 11 at Fairway Farm in Middletown, 600 guests will gather for a night of 1920’s themed dancing, dining, and auctions. One-hundred percent of the profits made the night of the ball will be donated to the American Cancer Society’s battle against cancer. 

The Junior Cancer Ball Committee is a group of seven teenagers in the area who have committed their time and effort in helping the Senior Cancer Ball Committee and the American Cancer Society  create one of the most noted charitable events in New Jersey: The Cancer Ball.

Throughout the past year, a great deal of effort has gone into the planning, organization, and assembly of the Cancer Ball and the Junior Committee has helped through each step of the process.

"The Junior Committee is a tremendous help and asset to the Cancer Ball Committee and they bring a youthful happiness to our event,” said Carolyn Miller of Rumson, a co-chair of the ball this year.

The committee of young people was formed three years ago when it was decided that the kids who had grown up watching their parents put hours of effort into the ball, and doing small jobs themselves, should form an official committee. It began with four hard-working 15- and 16-year-olds, but it eventually grew into a committee of seven teens between the ages of 14 and 18.

This year’s Junior Committee Members include: Sarah Delaney, 17, Emily Zabaleta, 17, and Tommy Miller, 15, from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School; David Rosone, 17, from Christian Brothers Academy; Jillian Rosone, 17, from Red Bank Catholic; John-Michael Cosia, 17, from the Ranney School; and, Aidan Bhattacharya, 16, from Freehold Borough High School. All have parents that have been involved with the American Cancer Society and the Cancer Ball Committee for years.

“Originally I became a part of the committee because I wanted to work with a cause that my mom was so passionate about," said last year’s Junior Committee Chair Emily Zabaleta, who is a senior at RFH. "My involvement with the committee escalated and became more personal as I grew to understand the difference I was making."

The Junior Committee is responsible for several jobs. They do behind-the-scenes work at Bussiness and Professionals meetings, help check coats and clean up. They also they aid in stuffing invitation envelopes sent to about 1,000 people, and they help fill the gift bags which are given to each attendee at the ball.

Finally, they assist in setting up the site the week before the event then volunteer the night of the ball, helping people navigate the auction and making sure guests are happy.

Their work does not go unnoticed by the Senior Cancer Ball Committee.

"We truly appreciate all of their help because we know they are busy with other things like school work and extracurricular activities, but they choose to come and help us make this event the best it can be," said Miller.