Roaring for a Cause: The Maria Fareri Mission

How the Somers Leos turned local raffles into life-saving support for our region's children.

For the Somers Leos, leadership isn't just about organizing meetings; it’s about identifying a local need and attacking it with everything you’ve got. In 2025, that focus landed squarely on Maria Fareri Children's Hospital. After hearing countless stories of the life-saving work done in Valhalla—specifically for young cancer patients—the club knew they had to find a way to contribute to that legacy of healing.

Under the guidance of President Paige Cronin, the club’s 120 members mobilized to turn the town of Somers into a powerhouse for pediatric support. They realized that for a fundraiser to be successful with high schoolers and busy families, it had to be engaging. Their solution? A Car Raffle that gave residents a tangible way to participate in the "Young Hero" mission. By selling tickets throughout the community, the Leos didn’t just raise money; they started conversations about the critical specialized care available right in our backyard.

The initiative reached its peak during the annual Somers Lions Club Carnival. While the town enjoyed the rides and games at Firemen's Field, the Leos were on the ground, making their presence felt. Members like Tyler Fazio stepped into the lion mascot costume, braving the summer heat to take photos with kids and spread the word about the Maria Fareri mission. Meanwhile, other Leos manned the face-painting booths, turning every rainbow and superhero mask into a donation for the hospital. It was a perfect marriage of community fun and serious purpose.

The impact of these efforts goes beyond the numbers. Every dollar raised through a raffle ticket or a face-painting session supports the hospital's mission to provide world-class pediatric care, including services like their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the new Critical Care Tower slated for expansion. For the Leos, this project was a reminder that you don't need a medical degree to help save lives; you just need the "Leo Spark" and a community that stands together. By the time the final raffle ticket was drawn, the Somers Leos had proved once again that when "Young Heroes" unite, the entire community roars.

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Love what the Somers Lions are doing? Our mission is fueled by neighbors like you. Visit somerslionsclub.org to explore our legacy of service, see upcoming events, and find out how you can get involved today.