By Darlene Brace
Kalee Halladay (in turquoise, third from right in photo) is the founder and president of a nonprofit organization called “The Glass Half Full”. “The Glass Half Full” organizes fundraisers for local people who are in need. It all started last year when Kalee’s best friend Alyssa’s fiancé was diagnosed with acute Leukemia. After seeing what they went through with doctor visits to Buffalo, chemotherapy, and everything involved, Kalee had an idea of how she could help her friends. Since she is involved in playing volleyball, her idea was to have a volleyball tournament that would raise funds to help her friends. The basic premise was that people would join the tournament, and registration fees would be donated toward her friend’s expenses.
This tournament took place in August 2022, and it was a successful event.
After seeing how much it helped her friends, Kalee decided she wanted to help others. Kalee said, “I really became aware that my friends weren’t the only ones that need support. I wanted to help others that are going through difficult times. There are many people in our community that are in need, that are suffering through cancer treatments or other illnesses, or job loss. This can help pay expenses or toward the of costs that the insurance doesn’t cover.”
It was then that Kalee decided to take this fund-raising event idea and turn it into an organization. Of course, she knew she couldn’t do this alone. She asked some of her friends if they would be interested in helping to create this organization. Gladly her friend Melissa Wilson agreed to become the organization’s secretary and Kelsey Thomas agreed to become the treasurer. They decided on the name ‘“The Glass Half Full”. When Kalee was asked how they came up with the name for the organization, Kalee said, “The Glass Half Full’s”’ name for the organization was based on an optimistic view of life, and that even in the driest of times, we can always refill the glass.”
Now they were all set to get it started. At this point they had no established funding to start up this organization. Kalee started by donating some of her own money to plan and organize the next event.
They also found some local companies that agreed to sponsor this worthwhile organization and raised funds at the events by having 50/50 drawings, raffles, and by selling merchandise with their logo on it.
On August 4, 2023, “The Glass Half Full” celebrated their one-year anniversary of starting their organization with a formal attire fundraising gala. This gala was held in Celoron, NY at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel from 7pm-10pm. After paying admission, you were treated with music by local DJ Steve Trapani, and received free hors d’oeuvres and desserts. There was a silent auction and a door prize of Buffalo Bill’s preseason tickets. During the event, there was acknowledgment of the beneficiaries, some of which gave testimonials of how “The Glass Half Full” has helped them. They also recognized all the sponsors that have made contributions. It was a great fundraising event that celebrated the anniversary of this outstanding new organization.
Since the first fundraiser for Alyssa’s fiancé, they have organized 5 other fundraising volleyball tournaments to help others in various need. The next fundraising volleyball tournament will be held this Friday, October 27th at Stallions in Cheektowaga and will start at 6pm. There’s a $25 entry fee to participate in the tournament, and spectators are free to attend. Kalee also said she is hoping to get more people to participate by possibly having cornhole or basketball tournaments in the future.
If you have been inspired to get involved and you own a business, you can become a sponsor. In return for your sponsorship, they offer free advertising on their T-shirts and on their social media pages and give acknowledgment at the fundraising events. You can also help by participating in the fundraising events or by donations of your time and/or money. If you want information about sponsorship or participating in future events, you can email glasshalffull716@gmail.com. You can also look on their Facebook page or call Kalee at 716-426-3082. No matter what life brings you, try to remember to always look at life as a glass half full.