On March 21, Massapequa High School will be hosting the beached theme charity event “Catch a Wave,” featuring many talented musicians and artwork created by Massapequa’s Art Department. All proceeds will benefit pediatric cancer patients at Winthrop University Hospital. I spoke with senior Ryan Schulte and junior Brandan Lawrence, two students running the event, to discuss what the event is, what one can expect, and how this event will help the lives of pediatric cancer patients.
Q: What will this event consist of?
RS: “This event consists of multiple parts. Firs t, the main hallway will be decorated to resemble the Jones Beach boardwalk. The Art Department created many great designs and decorations to assist in making this look the best it could. Massapequa clubs that wish to participate will have a table to act as a stand to sell beach themed items, such as sunglasses, hot dogs, and so on. At seven o’clock, people will file in to the ‘main beach’ in the gym, which will be decorated fully to look like Jones Beach. The audience is encouraged to bring a beach blanket to add to the beach atmosphere and enjoy the many covers of songs performed live by Massapequa students.”
Q: What kinds of music could one expect to hear?
RS “There will be a mixture of pop/rock music from a variety of people, some in bands, while others perform individually. There will be a variety of songs played such as ‘Lucky’ by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, ‘Royals’ by Lorde, and ‘Juicebox’ by The Strokes.”
BL: “I am part of the house band and a duet act. Just two of the many acts you will see that day. There will also be plenty of filler music between acts to keep the audience entertained throughout the night.”
RS: “Ninety-five percent of the acts are completely live. Around thirty something people tried out and only eleven made it; we have the ‘crème de la crème’ playing that evening. After a brief intermission, there will be a five act finale you won’t want to miss.”
Q: Where will the money from this event go?
A: “The money from this event will be donated to help pediatric cancer patients at Winthrop University Hospital. There are three ways in which money is collected to be donated. The three dollar admission that everyone in the audience pays goes directly to the hospital. In addition, when people buy their ticket, they pick one of six postcards, each with a picture drawn by a Massapequa student and a poem written by a Massapequa student, to be sent to a pediatric patient. Half of the money made from the table sales and raffle sales will be given to the hospital, while the other half will be given to the Massapequa clubs who helped out. This money will be put towards medical treatment as well as mental well-being. Psychiatrists will help the children cope with their illness, and toys will be bought with this money as well. Medicine is great, but if the children aren’t happy, it is hard for them to ever become healthy.”
Q: Do you in any sort of way have any personal connection to pediatric cancer or Winthrop Hospital’s work, etc.?
RS: “Natalie Gramegna, two seniors, and I went to the pediatric cancer wing two years ago to read a storybook for the children. The music therapist told us that the children made a music video, and it was great. One of the girls in the video was this girl named Sadie, who was happily singing and looked great, even though she was diagnosed with pediatric cancer. She was an inspiration, and we decided to create an event similar to ‘Catch a Wave’ to help these children be happy through a very tough time.”
BL: “I never personally met Sadie, but I was introduced to this event by Natalie and Ryan in Mr. Hempel’s English class when they came in to teach us how to write poetry. I fell in love with this event and took a leading role to help be the biggest event yet.”
So now that you know what “Catch a Wave” is, come down March 21 to see all that this event has to offer and help cancer patients, like Sadie. Any extra brightness that we can add to their days that will make the biggest difference to their lives.