A benefit will be held Jan. 8 at Potts Doggie Shop, 2428 Cherryville Road, Northampton, for Joey Groller, a Whitehall High School sophomore who is battling acute myeloid leukemia.

Potts owner Mark Mazziotta is no stranger to fundraising. In fact, this will be the 20th time he’s run an event - having helped raise more than $300,000 for kids in need over the years - after setting up the Marie Mazziotta Cancer Foundation in honor of his sister who died from cancer, leaving six children behind.

Those who know Mazziotta also know he only runs benefits every two years, but he has chosen to make an exception in Joey’s case because two men he respects deeply - WHS head coach Jeff Jones and WHS assistant coach Corey Frantz - brought it to his attention.

Mazziotta played and coached basketball from high school through college.

“You get to know people and you form relationships that last a lifetime,” Mazziotta said.

When he was told about Joey, a basketball player, and then met him, he said he knew he had to help.

“He’s just a really great kid - never complains - and his family has extremely limited resources,” Mazziotta said.

Joey, 16, was diagnosed in July 2022 and has been undergoing intense chemotherapy treatments since. His prognosis has recently been upgraded to stable.

When he’s not playing basketball or football, Joey likes to play video games. He’d like to become a gym teacher and coach.

Numerous other efforts throughout the community have taken place to raise funds for Joey since his diagnosis. Mazziotta would like to keep the momentum going.

The benefit will run 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 8, with all proceeds and products being donated. Save the date and stop in to grab a quick lunch or an easy dinner for a good cause.