Cherry Hill East's Coffee House Raises Funds for Cancer Research

When Cherry Hill East students take to the stage in their eighth annual Coffee House fundraiser Saturday night, they’ll be doing so with a beloved staff member in mind.

This year’s show—themed as “Come Together”—is dedicated Charlie “Moose” Musumeci, the school’s testing coordinator, longtime softball coach and sometimes theater and film performer and director, who’s been battling an aggressive form of adrenal cancer for more than a year.

That connection makes this year’s show that much more personal for the performers, who will do everything from comedy to dramatic musical acts, said East vocal director Laurie Lausi.

"It allows our students to take the stage for a cause to better their community," she said. "This particular coffee house is special…'Moose' truly embodies school spirit here at East, and has contributed so much to many areas, including sports, theater, music, and general school spirit."

Proceeds from the show, which is being held in East’s cafeteria from 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 19, will go to Millie Schembechler Fund for Adrenal Cancer Research.

Tickets to the event are $5, and donations via check are also accepted, payable to CHHSE Coffee House c/o Laurie Lausi, Cherry Hill HS East, 1750 Kresson Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003.

The evening also includes a bake sale; anyone who would like to donate baked goods toward the bake sale may do so and drop them off at the East communication desk during school hours on Friday, Jan. 18, or to the East cafeteria on Saturday, Jan. 19, between 1 and 3 p.m. Baked goods should be labeled if they contain nuts, and be bagged to sell for $1.

Any questions about the event can be directed to Lausi at Llausi@chclc.org or 856-424-2222 ext. 2047.