Wellesley Families Turn Bloody Marys into Hemophilia Hope

When your child faces a lifelong bleeding disorder, you can let fear take over or you can throw a party that helps others fighting the same battle.

Kate and Jordan Bazinsky of Wellesley chose the party. Their young son has severe hemophilia A, a rare condition where blood doesn't clot properly. Instead of staying quiet about their family's challenge, they created the Best Bloody Mary Competition to raise funds and awareness for the New England Hemophilia Association.

The fourth annual event happens Sunday, June 7 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Baramor in Newton Centre. Eight Boston area restaurants will compete for the best Bloody Mary, including Wellesley favorite Lockheart. Guests taste and judge each creation while supporting families dealing with bleeding disorders.

This isn't just a cocktail competition. The event features live music, activities for kids, a raffle, and a silent auction. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and kids attend free so families can participate together.

The Ripple Effect

The Bazinsky family transformed their personal struggle into a community gathering that educates people about hemophilia while raising real money for research and support. By making the event fun and accessible, they've built awareness around a condition many people have never heard of.

That spirit of helping others extends to Wellesley Middle School, where eighth graders are running a school supply donation drive from June 8 through June 17. They're collecting new and gently used supplies for students in Lawrence and Lowell who need them.

The young organizers understand something important: having the right tools matters for learning. "It's important that all students throughout the state feel they have the resources they need for a successful learning environment," they shared.

Both initiatives show how Wellesley residents are looking beyond their own community to create real impact for families facing challenges, whether medical or educational.