On Sunday, Aug. 26, the kids of St. John’s Episcopal Church will be serving hot dogs and lemonade to raise funds for Carly’s Club benefiting Roswell Park’s fight for kids against cancer.

Immediately after Sunday’s church service, approximately 12:30 to 3 p.m., the grill will be providing Sahlens hot dogs ($2 each) for the second year in a row. The event, which is the brainstorm of David Newcomb II, is open to the public. Lemonade is $1.

In 1999, 8 year old Carly Collard Cottone was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. After the tumor was removed, Carly began radiation treatment at Roswell Park.

Unfortunately, this was not the first time Carly was touched by cancer. She lost both of her biological parents – Tony and Judie Cottone – to cancer during the first seven years of her life. But Carly faced her own battle with amazing courage and optimism. She had goals and dreams for the future – to go to a Backstreet Boys concert and grow up to become an interior decorator. It seemed that nothing was going to slow down this little girl who had so much living to do.

Throughout her fight, Carly was very appreciative of the support she received from her family members and friends. As a way of showing appreciation, she decided she wanted to help other kids who were also battling cancer and founded what was originally known as Carly’s Club. With the love and support of her adoptive parents, Chuck and Carole Ann Collard, Carly was able to fulfill her dream of helping other families touched by this disease.

Carly lost her hard-fought battle in 2002. But her legacy continues today through the Courage of Carly Fund, which will also serve children receiving treatment for blood disorders.

All are invited to enjoy a good hot dog and a cup of lemonade to help the cause. St. John’s is located on the corner of W. Fourth Street and Lark Street in Dunkirk.