Stanwich School Students, Young Philanthropists Fund Cancer Research with Bake Sale

Greenwich sixth-graders donate proceeds to Stamford’s Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT)

Greenwich, CT – (April 8, 2014) – Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT) – the nation’s only non-profit dedicated exclusively to cell and gene therapies for cancer – has granted over $24.7 million to top oncologists and researchers internationally in the fight against cancer. And recently, the foundation received a boost from a handful of young Greenwich philanthropists.

Five sixth-grade Stanwich School students held a bake sale this past March with all proceeds going to ACGT, with another sale planned for later this spring. The girls – Celia Daigle, Winnie Marion, Grayson McIntyre, Sydney Pittignano and Elizabeth Raezer – learned about ACGT and the foundation’s mission after reading a story in the local newspaper.

The girls crafted signs, promoted the sale over morning announcements, and baked the treats – including marble cake and snicker doodles – themselves.   

The young philanthropists set up shop on Greenwich Avenue, sharing their sweets and mission with passers-by.  The $220 raised will go directly toward the cause, as ACGT commits 100-percent of donations directly toward research and treatment. Currently, ACGT is funding innovative projects at Stanford University, University of Maryland and elsewhere that offer hope to children diagnosed with brain cancer. In conjunction with an earlier bake sale, the girls have donated a total of $450 to ACGT so far.

“We’re so proud our girls have the initiative and heart to raise funds for such great causes,” said Beth Daigle, Celia’s mother. 

“We are so gratified that these young philanthropists at Stanwich School have ACGT in their hearts and minds,” said Barbara Netter, ACGT President and Co-Founder. “Celia, Winnie, Grayson, Sydney and Elizabeth inspire us all to help fund research that will save lives and change the way we treat cancer forever.”

ACGT funds leading physicians, researchers and medical facilities internationally with a clear mission: uncovering effective, innovative cancer treatments that supersede radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. ACGT has served as a major funding engine in the fight against cancer since its formation in 2001, and has provided nearly $25 million in grants to date. ACGT was created by Barbara and Edward Netter after the loss of their daughter-in-law to breast cancer. Since Edward’s passing in 2011, Barbara Netter has led the foundation as President and Co-Founder, continuing her husband’s vision.

About Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT)

Established in 2001, ACGT (www.acgtfoundation.org) is the nation’s only not-for-profit exclusively dedicated to cell and gene therapy treatments for all types of cancer. One-hundred percent of contributions go directly to research. ACGT has funded 44 grants in the U.S. and Canada since its founding in 2001 by Barbara Netter and her late husband, Edward, to conduct and accelerate critically needed innovative research for all types of cancer. ACGT’s Scientific Advisory Council is comprised of 16 of the nation’s most distinguished physicians and researchers in cell and gene therapy, who thoroughly review all grants. Since its inception, ACGT has awarded 29 grants to Young Investigators and 15 grants to Clinical Investigators, totaling $24.7 million in funding.  Barbara Netter, as President, together with other members of the Board of Directors, are fully committed to ACGT’s continued support of this research. ACGT is located at 96 Cummings Point Road, Stamford, CT 06902. 

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