Poole fundraiser draws huge crowd, donations

Colin Poole as pictured last year.

A standing-room only crowd at RCS High School on Friday raised more than $8,000 for the medical related costs of a beloved young teacher battling cancer.

Approximately $8,600 was raised for foreign language teacher Colin Poole during the evening of entertainment, organizer Bonnie McNeilly said. The night included a faculty and staff versus State Police basketball game, appearances and entertainment by Capital Region radio personality Ric Mitchell from B95.5; the RCS staff "dance troupe" and the JV cheerleading squad, as well as a silent auction.

Poole was diagnosed early this school year with a rare form of cancer called Burkitt’s lymphoma and, along with his wife, is staying in New York City where he is being treated at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Fundraising continues with a chocolate bunny sale being conducted by the school's French club, as well as a donation appeal. Donations can be mailed payable to "Colin Poole Fund" to RCS Middle School; 2025 Route 9W; Ravena, NY 12143.