CBA Albany Brotherhood Gives Back Through Veterans Service, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Thanksgiving Food Drive

This fall, Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) Albany has demonstrated what it truly means to be a Brotherhood, bringing students, faculty, and staff together through meaningful community service initiatives focused on honoring veterans, raising breast cancer awareness, and supporting local families in need.

From volunteering at Saratoga National Cemetery to standing together for the annual Real Brothers Wear Pinkcampaign and launching an ambitious Thanksgiving Food Drive with a goal of collecting 35,000 units of food, CBA students are putting the school’s commitment to service, compassion, and leadership into action.

Each initiative reflects a shared mission: making a positive difference in the lives of others while strengthening the bonds that unite the CBA community.

Honoring Fallen Veterans Through Service at Saratoga National Cemetery

On October 19, 2026, members of CBA’s Senior Class volunteered at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, dedicating their time to honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

The students worked throughout Sections 7 and 21, helping preserve the beauty and dignity of the cemetery grounds.

Their volunteer efforts included spreading mulch in landscaping beds, cleaning veterans’ headstones, and assisting with grounds beautification.

Through this hands-on experience, the seniors demonstrated the importance of respecting those who came before them and giving back through meaningful acts of service.

The project also reinforced CBA’s commitment to developing young leaders who understand the value of gratitude, responsibility, and community involvement.

Real Brothers Wear Pink: Standing Together Against Breast Cancer

CBA continued its tradition of supporting breast cancer awareness through its annual Real Brothers Wear Pinkinitiative.

Students, faculty, and staff traded their usual school attire for pink during a special dress-down day supporting Team Camelot, the American Cancer Society, and the fight against breast cancer.

The event brought the school community together to recognize individuals battling cancer, celebrate survivors, remember loved ones lost, and show support for families affected by the disease.

But beyond wearing pink, the initiative encouraged students to reflect on what Brotherhood truly means.

Several students shared powerful messages about the importance of standing together:

“It’s important because it brings together the community for a good cause.” — Teddy Tidgewell ’27

“Because as Brothers, it’s our responsibility to stand together.” — Michael Berben ’27

“One brother falls, all brothers fall, but never alone.” — Michael Field ’27

“To raise awareness about the disease, but also coming together as a brotherhood in support of each other.” — James Trent ’29

Their words captured the spirit behind the initiative, emphasizing that no one should have to face cancer alone.

The celebration also featured student and faculty raffles, with Gus Abrams ’33 recognized as the student winner and Col. Kirk Holmes as the faculty and staff winner.

Through Real Brothers Wear Pink, CBA reminded its community that supporting one another is at the heart of Brotherhood.

CBA Launches Thanksgiving Food Drive with Goal of 35,000 Units

Building on its fall commitment to giving back, CBA officially launched its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive on November 2, 2026, setting an ambitious goal of collecting 35,000 units of food to support local families during the holiday season.

The schoolwide initiative brings together students from every grade level, encouraging friendly competition while working toward a shared mission of helping neighbors in need.

This year’s donations will benefit three local organizations:

• LaSalle School in Albany
• St. John’s/St. Ann’s Outreach Center
• Ronald McDonald House

To encourage participation, CBA has established a collection system in which regular-size food items count for 5 units, while family-size items earn 10 units toward each grade level’s goal.

From the youngest Brothers to the graduating seniors, every student has an opportunity to contribute to the campaign’s success.

The food drive demonstrates how small individual contributions can add up to a significant collective impact when an entire school community works together.

A Fall Season Defined by Service and Brotherhood

While each of these initiatives supports a different cause, they share a common purpose: encouraging students to recognize the needs of others and take meaningful action.

Whether caring for the resting places of fallen veterans, raising awareness for families impacted by breast cancer, or collecting food for those facing hardship, CBA students have demonstrated the importance of compassion, leadership, and service.

These experiences also reinforce the values that extend beyond the classroom and athletic field, teaching students that being part of a Brotherhood means supporting one another and making a difference when it matters most.

Making an Impact Beyond the Classroom

CBA Albany’s fall community service initiatives demonstrate the remarkable impact that can be made when students, faculty, staff, and families unite around a shared commitment to helping others.

From the Senior Class’s volunteer work at Saratoga National Cemetery to the inspiring messages of Real Brothers Wear Pink and the ambitious Thanksgiving Food Drive, the Brothers continue to show that service is an essential part of their school community.