Monroe Pediatrics’ sixth annual Pie in the Face fund raiser is Sept. 8

Monroe Pediatrics pediatricians will again be covered in mounds of whipped cream, all for a good cause, when the sixth annual Pie in the Face fundraiser to support pediatric cancer research takes place on Sunday, Sept. 8, starting at 1 p.m. at the practice’s offices on Gilbert Street in Monroe.

The practice’s pediatricians are offering up their faces to anyone wanting to smash a plate full of whipped cream onto them to support the need to raise additional money nationwide for pediatric cancer research.

Pies are $5 each to fling and organizers hope to raise more than $5,000.

It’s possible. Last year, in just a little over two hours, organizers raised $7,000 with 100 percent of those funds benefiting research through The Truth 365/Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation.

The Truth 365’s goal is to educate people about the need for additional pediatric cancer research funding and to mobilize millions of people through Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other social networking sites.

Research dollars earmarked to pediatric cancer research are extremely small. Currently, only 4 percent is allotted by the National Cancer Institute for pediatric research. The Truth 365 also says only one new medicine has been developed for children in the last 20 years.

“We are committed to doing our part to help fund pediatric cancer research and if having whipped cream smushed on our faces - and wherever else it lands - helps to raise some money and contributes to this effort, then all of us are totally ‘ in,’” said Dr. Jamee Goldstein, who oversees the event on behalf of the practice. “Unfortunately, each year our community, and ones just like us all over the country, loses children to these horrible diseases. Fling a pie in our faces for whatever reason works for you: To give thanks for the healthy children in your life, in honor or in memory of someone, or to get even with us for all those critically important immunizations we give you.”

As of Aug. 24, the following businesses and organizations are participating: Apple Auto Body, Bellvale Farms Creamery, The Best Little Hairhouse, The Empire Diner, DJ Sal, Hudson Valley Renegades, Kelly's Party Rentals, Loyal Tire & Automotive, the Ice Mother & Sons and Mavis Discount Tire.

“Empire Diner is sponsoring all the whipped cream,” said Goldstein. “We are getting eight cases and we want to see it all go.”

Also contributing to the event are: the New York Knicks, the New York Jets, the New York Red Bulls, the Northern Wolf Barbershop, Palaia Winery, Rob's Kitchen Caravan, ShopRite – Monroe, Soho Salon and Stop & Shop – Monroe.

Additional businesses and organizations are: Terpsichore the Dancerschool, Tin Tin Chinese Restaurant, United Martial Arts Center (UMAC), Villa Positano and Wally's Ice Cream Parlor II.

“Each year, our event is such a success due in large part to the generous donations of our community,” added Goldstein.

To learn, including how to be part of the effort, contact Monroe Pediatrics at 782-8616.