A perfect evening of LOVE + HOPE…
As promised, the Fifth Anniversary Maggie’s Mission Angelversary Gala did not disappoint. How could it? The weather was perfect, the lighting just right, the venue spectacular, and the evening filled with the most supportive crowd of volunteers and attendees. Everyone enjoyed MM’s signature MMoTito’s Cocktails in the Courtyard and were treated to beautiful music by the Illuminate String Quartet from Luminous Sounds. It felt like we were transported back to another time and another place. We are going with a new word to describe it - Maggiecal!
There was even a surprise Red-tailed hawk release in honor of Maggie.
Thank you Cathy Stpierre of WINORR for this incredibly special opportunity! Cathy and her family are local wildlife rehabilitators who help injured wildlife on Long Island, NYC, and beyond.
Jamie Wrede spoke bravely about her diagnosis and experience with Osteosarcoma. About being treated like family by the Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering, where Maggie was also treated, and the need for more funding to find better treatment options and cures. Following Jamie’s talk was Dr. Alex Kentsis speaking about new discoveries in clinical trials that will soon be available for children diagnosed with the same type of cancer Maggie had (MRT). The clinical trial is a direct result of the funding by Maggie’s Mission. Dr. Kenstsis also spoke about his recent experience helping to evacuate children with cancer from Ukraine. The efforts were part of a grassroots pediatric cancer foundation in Ukraine, much like us, whose impact has grown.
From left to right: Jamie Wrede, Donna and the Gala Girls - Samatha Laterza, Briana DiPardo, and Joan Motherway.
David Ruiz, Dr. Alex Kentsis, and Liz Francoil from Memorial Sloan Kettering
Thank you all so much for being a part of this special event. A huge thanks to all of Maggie’s Angels and our Gala Girls who donated so much of their personal time to help make this our most successful event yet.
There were 310+ guests in attendance with so many more supporting that couldn’t make it. Sponsors enjoyed wines donated by Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits and we danced our hearts out to music by ACC DJ Productions.
Each guest got a mini s’mores for more/s’mores for cures kit, which is currently in the planning and development stage. These kits for kids will be available for purchase soon and will benefit our goal of funding more critical research! Visit the s’mores for more website to learn more and get involved. Maggie’s Mission is currently looking for Brand Ambassadors to get these kits sold in fundraisers across the country!
Our Angelversary Gala will continue to grow and help us expand our reach with more ways to give back to families and children affected by pediatric cancers. While we are still tallying the total amount raised, one thing is for sure, Maggie’s Mission went gold for pediatric cancers on Friday, June 3rd, 2022 on the Gold Coast of Long Island!
Save the date for next year on Friday, June 2nd, 2023 at the Vanderbilt Museum. We already have an exciting theme planned!
Here is a link to high resolution photos taken by Christopher Appoldt, our amazing photographer and friend. Use the password ‘gala’ to view and download photos.
We are grateful…
Thank you to Christopher Appoldt Photography, Starbright Floral, ACC DJ Productions, Luminous Sounds, Long Island Sound DJ Entertainment, LDI Connect, NY Lounge Decor, North Stream, Big Apple Props, Southern Glazers’s Wine & Spirits, Muether Baking, The Frosted Rose Bakery, Home Town Bake Shop, Triple Crown Charity Fundraising, and Love Tito’s for their donation of goods and professional services for the Gala.
We also would like to thank Lessings Hospitality for their support of our event, and for going above and beyond with services.
Special thanks to the Charles and Helen Reichert Family Foundation and the Vanderbilt Museum for hosting the Fifth Anniversary of Maggie’s Mission Angelversary Gala.
A toast to Maggie and all children and families affected by pediatric cancers. The earrings Maggie’s mom is wearing are part of The Maggie Collection. Head on over and check them out.
Cheers everyone!
Stay tuned for more exciting news from Team MM!
