The Marlboro Faculty Association, together with the Dukes Fight Together Pink team, brought the Marlboro school community and surrounding community together Oct. 1 to support local families affected by cancer.

Staff, students, families and community members gathered at Mary Jane’s Dairy Bar in Middlehope for the 11th annual Dukes Fight Together Cancer Fundraiser.

Organized by MFA leaders Kathy Keane and co-chair Monica Taddeo, the annual event kicks off the fall season with the message, “Dukes Fight Together.”

Mary Jane’s Dairy Bar owner Margaret Gallo Guarino and her staff supported the fundraiser by creating special “Pink-Tacular” sundaes, with all proceeds donated to the cause.

Several local businesses also contributed. Mike Sinon of Sinon Farms donated the ice cream mix used to make the pink sundaes, while Gordon Food Service Inc. donated the strawberries. Gallo Guarino and her staff combined the ingredients to create the special sundaes served throughout the evening.

In addition to the sundaes, Marlboro faculty and staff hosted a 50/50 raffle, sold homemade baked goods prepared by National Junior Honor Society families and offered cancer-awareness merchandise.

The community response was strong, with a line of students, families, staff and community members stretching around the building throughout the evening. Despite the wait, the event was filled with smiles, conversation and school spirit as the community came together to support families facing cancer-related illnesses.

In three hours, the Dukes Fight Together team raised more than $3,500 for the cause.

The Marlboro Faculty Association extended its gratitude to Mary Jane’s Dairy Bar, Gallo Guarino and her staff, Sinon Farms, Gordon Food Service Inc., NJHS families, Marlboro Central School District students and families, faculty and staff, and everyone who attended or made a donation.

“Dukes Fight Together” is more than a fundraiser. It is a reminder of the strength of the Marlboro community and what can happen when schools, families, local businesses and neighbors come together to support one another.

Together, they fight. Together, they support. Together, they make a difference.