NORTHAMPTON — Radio personality Monte Belmonte is trading a tent for a tuxedo at this year’s annual fundraiser for the Cancer Connection.
For the past decade, WRSI’s Belmonte has bundled up and camped out on the cold Old Courthouse lawn to raise money for the Florence nonprofit that provides support to people with cancer and their families.
But this Wednesday, he will trade his winter gear for a tuxedo, as he moves the fundraiser inside at Hotel Northampton for what he has dubbed the Cancer Connection Camp-IN.
For the 11th fundraiser, Belmonte will broadcast live from the hotel ballroom from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Last year, Belmonte helped raise $100,000 for Cancer Connection, which supports cancer patients and their families. While this year’s camp-in will function a little differently, Belmonte hopes to collect a substantial amount of donations for the organization.
“I thought we could try to push really hard (last year) and go over $100,000. We did, and all that stuff came true, like a weird, freaky dream,” Belmonte said.
Belmonte will be joined this year at the hotel by local musicians and guests. The attire is formal-optional. At the end of the night, there will be a dance party. Belmonte thought it would be fun to “do something wacky and cheesy in the ballroom.”
Hotel Northampton donated 10 rooms for fundraisers who raised a least $1,500 to stay the night. The hotel recently donated five additional rooms to go to fundraisers who raise at least $500. Interested fundraisers should check with the hotel to see if any of these five rooms are still available, Belmonte said.
The Cancer Connection provides free support to around 1,100 people each year.
“People who are dealing with cancer and their families and their caregivers benefit so much from our free services,” said Cynthia Tarail, who works in community relations at the Cancer Connection. “The funds directly benefit the free services.”
The Cancer Connection has even made a display of formal wear at its thrift store, for those who are looking to dress-up for the camp-in.
“For people of any age, for people at any level of energy, just come on down,” Tarail said.
Donations will be accepted online at bit.ly/2ll8dAG
For more information, visit the camp-in event page on Facebook: bit.ly/2m5ThrI