Appetite for Life gets new look

Money raised will help local restaurants

MIDDLETOWN — The 11th annual Appetite for Life is back, but the fundraiser for the Middlesex Health Cancer Center looks very different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the past, community members have been encouraged to dine at participating local restaurants on certain days in June, according to a press release. The restaurants then donate a portion of their proceeds to the cancer center. The pandemic has complicated the fundraiser, and plans have changed, the health agency said.

Throughout June, Middlesex is still encouraging diners to support participating local restaurants by ordering takeout or purchasing gift cards. However, the money will not be going to the cancer center. Instead, people will be supporting local restaurants as they navigate operating their business during the pandemic.

Middlesex Health will also hold Middlesex Got Talent, a virtual talent show that will feature performances by seven Middlesex Health employees, the release said.

A Middlesex Got Talent watch party will be held June 17 at 7 p.m. Watch the show on the Facebook page, @MiddlesexHealth, and on its website, MiddlesexHealth.org.

For those who want to financially support Middlesex Health Cancer Center, donations can be made through Middlesex Health’s secure website. Donations can be dedicated in honor of a cancer survivor, caregiver or health care hero, the release continued.

Since 2010, dozens of restaurants and thousands of people have raised $195,000 through Appetite for Life to help Middlesex Health Cancer Center patients get the treatment and support they need.

“Though we are not having a traditional Appetite for Life fundraiser this year, we are very excited that we can continue our tradition in some way,” Sarah Moore, director of development for Middlesex Health, said in a prepared statement. “Our community has given us so much over the years. Order out, buy a gift card and support your favorite restaurant and then get ready for a great show. Middlesex really does have talent.”

For a list of participating restaurants, information about Middlesex Got Talent or to donate to the cancer center online, visit MiddlesexHealth.org/appetiteforlife.

Contributed photo Proceeds from this year’s Appetite for Life, the annual benefit for the Middlesex Health Cancer Center, will go to area restaurants recently opened for business during the COVID-19 outbreak. Shown here are participants of the 2019 event, before social distancing recommendations were in place.