Partnership Spotlight: Duryea at Dusk- A Heartfelt Thank You
Sisters, Katie and Allision Brudzinski created a nonprofit called Duryea at Dusk in 2018. They wanted to bring attention to their hometown of Duryea, mostly known for the restaurants. They created an annual 5K run/walk and a community festival featuring local vendors and businesses.
Katie and Allison formed an exceptional committee of their friends- Aimee Balchune. David Tighe, Krista Gromelski, Allison Brudzinski, Eddie Klein, and Gabrielle Poplarchick. Duryea at Dusk was a kick-off to summer event for adults, kids, and families to come back to year after year. Everything about the committee and event remained local, including donating the proceeds from the fundraiser to a local nonprofit. Due to Katie and Allision’s mother’s diagnosis with cancer, it was important for them to give back and spread awareness about the programs and services available at the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.
After their first event in 2018 raised over $11,000, it continued to evolve with coordinating t-shirts and a slogan- Setting the Sun on Cancer, more vendors and a large basket raffle. The next two years brought the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects. The committee pivoted to a virtual challenge with online 5K and walk registration and participants shared their running and walking photos on social media.
Despite the many challenges each year since 2018, the dedication and time the Duryea at Dusk committee spent on the logistics for their 5K Run/Walk and festival was incredible. Every year, they managed to provide a high-quality family fun-filled event in Duryea and also brought in many families and runners from the surrounding communities. Over $31, 700 has been raised from Duryea at Dusk to support NRCI’s programs and services.
Earlier this year, we received notice that the committee has decided to end their organization and fundraiser. Although they decided to move on, they continued to think of the Cancer Institute and donated the final remaining funds from Duryea at Dusk. NRCI staff will miss working with them and look forward to seeing what they do next. Thank you!
