Night of Laughter, Charity Hockey Game
Among Events Held
April was a busy month for the Hicksville-based Sarah Grace Foundation For Children With Cancer with two major fundraising events held on Long Island.
After losing their 12-year-old daughter Sarah Grace to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in 2002, Matt and Marissa Weippert set out to keep her memory alive while helping other children and their families facing the financial and emotional challenges and hardships brought upon by childhood cancer.
To do so, the non-profit, volunteer-run organization relies on donations and money raised through garage sales, custom Christopher Radko Heart and Angel collector pieces and special fundraising events such as its annual Night of Laughter, which took place this year on April 8.
Held at the Milleridge Cottage, the 8th Annual Night of Laughter featured a sit-down dinner and three hours of standup comedy. MC Rick Morgan delivered laughs to 160 people in attendance and set the stage for comedians Stevie GB and Sherry Davey, juggler Peter Sasso and ventriloquist Vince Dantona and his puppet George.
Attendees also had an opportunity to partake in raffles for 60 different gift baskets featuring everything from restaurant and spa gift certificates and major league baseball tickets to autographed sports memorabilia, museum passes and winery tours. Additionally, four grand prize raffles and a 50/50 were also held.
The 50/50 prizes totaled $1,100. Everyone went home happy with their winnings, especially the grand prize winners of Disneyworld park tickets, Great Wolf Lodge vacation package, Fox Hollow Inn Suite Surrender Package and a $250 TD Bank Visa Gift Card.
According to Matt Weippert, this year’s Night of Laughter raised $9,200 in support of the Foundation and children with cancer. “We have been blessed that our network of family and friends has continued to grow and attract additional supporters and volunteers that recognize the importance of making the difference in the life of a child with cancer,” said Weippert.
One of these people is Kevin Barattini. In 2010, Barattini, owner of the entertainment company Barattini Productions, lost his friend Frank Rizzo in a car accident. A few months later he met the Weipperts while donating his services at the Foundation’s 2010 Christmas party. Inspired by their story, Barattini decided to organize a fundraiser that would benefit both the Frank Rizzo Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Sarah Grace Foundation.
A hockey fan and captain of the Kings Park/Commack Alumni Hockey Team, Barattini organized a charity hockey game and on April 10, some 1,200 people gathered at the Superior Ice Rink in Kings Park as the team took on former New York Islanders Clark Gillies, Bob Nystrom, Benoit Hogue, and others, including former New York Jet Boomer Esiason.
According to Weippert the turnout was phenomenal and a wonderful way to honor Sarah and Frank. “One look at the crowd and I am proud of what everyone, Kevin especially, put together. It was amazing,” said Weippert, who also recognized the efforts of Sal Ferro, president of Alure Home Improvement. “Sal was also instrumental in bringing people to the table for this event. We are so grateful to everyone involved who recognized both these causes and reached out to make a difference.”
He continued, “What a tribute to two young people who lost their lives too soon and who touched so many people. Their stories encourage others to give of themselves and support others in need.”
The charity hockey game, which ended 16-6 in favor of the all-stars, featured a ceremonial puck drop in memory of both Sarah Grace and Frank Rizzo as well as performances by American Idol finalist Joe Murena and Kings Park High School student Alysson Gannon. Players also signed and auctioned off the jerseys they wore for the game and, in all, the event raised over $11,000, which will be spilt between the Foundation and the Frank Rizzo Memorial Scholarship Fund.
According to Weippert the money raised at both fundraisers will be of great benefit in supporting the Foundation’s programs and mission of helping children with cancer. “We are extremely grateful to everyone who continues to support our Foundation and honor Sarah’s memory,” he said, adding, “The economy continues to be a struggle for all of us, especially families of children suffering from cancer. We are appreciative for all those who supported our annual ‘Night of Laughter’ and the ‘Alumni Hockey Game.’ We live in a wonderful world and life is too short. I wish more people realized that and appreciated every day and all that they have.”
For more information on The Sarah Grace Foundation For Children With Cancer, Inc., call 433-9745 or visit www.TheSarah Grace Foundation.org. Donations or requests for information may be sent to the foundation at 217 Plainview Road, Hicksville, NY 11801.
