Evening Of Music & Cheer Raises $30,000

Evening of Music & Cheer_1: Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) patients Bobby Menges and Charlie Schmitt, the nine-year-old boy for whom Charlie's Champions Foundation is named, rock out on their guitars during a special performance at the second annual Evening of Music & Cheer to benefit the CCFK.

Charlie's Champions Foundation kicked off the start of summer with its second annual Evening of Music and Cheer to benefit the Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at Winthrop-University Hospital. The evening, hosted at Adelphi University, included cocktails and dinner, lively entertainment, a silent auction and raffle prizes and was a tremendous success, raising $30,000 for the CCFK.

"It was a spectacular event that not only helped raise awareness for a worthy cause, but gave everyone in attendance a reason to smile," said Linda Sweeney, Practice Manager of the CCFK.

While there were many highlights of the evening - including musical performances by renowned artists Neil Cohen, Jason Eskridge and Oli Rockberger, and an entertaining comedic performance by Cathy Ladman whose talent has been showcased in films such as Charlie Wilson's War - one special aspect of the night had a profound impact on all those in attendance. After showing an uplifting professional music video that was written and recorded by patients at the CCFK under the direction of creative arts therapist Glenn Schifano, nearly ten children from the Center performed the song live for the audience. At the conclusion of their performance, the audience erupted in applause and gave the children a standing ovation.

Evening of Music & Cheer_2: Event co-host Tara Schmitt, Founder of Charlie's Champions Foundation and her son Charlie enjoy a musical performance during the second annual Evening of Music & Cheer to raise funds for Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids.

"The children put on a spectacular show that brought the house down," said Tara Schmitt. "This event provided an opportunity to showcase the creative arts therapy services at the Cancer Center for Kids."

"A special thank you to all of the committee members for making this event such a huge success," added Ms. Sweeney.

For additional information about Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids, call (516) 663-9400.