Foundation Raises $150,000 For Fight Against Cancer

2008-09-12 / Community

Dr. Katherine Thornton, MD - Assistant Professor of Oncology at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University Record temperatures did not deter a record number of golfers, tennis participants and dinner guests from taking part in the ninth annual Michael J. Tenaglia Golf and Tennis Classic, which was held on June 9, 2008. Over 300 total attendees enjoyed the day long festivities which took place at the Cherry Valley and Garden City Country Clubs in Garden City, New York. The Classic is an annual fundraiser for The Miracle Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports and improves the lives of cancer patients and their families.

Since its inception in 1999, The Miracle Foundation has granted over two million dollars towards cancer research initiatives, cancer treatment and recovery programs. The annual Michael J. Tenaglia Golf and Tennis Classic, named for the foundation's co-founder, has been the cornerstone of the organization's fundraising efforts.

"We are very grateful for the steadfast support we have received from friends, family and this wonderful community as we join together in the fight against cancer," said Foundation co-founder Patti Tenaglia.

Katherine Thornton, MD - Assistant Professor of Oncology at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University & Kate Debold, Director, The Miracle Foundation The day included golf and tennis tournaments, a silent auction, raffle prizes and a "reverse raffle," where the last man standing was the winner of an all-expense paid trip for four to Wisconsin's Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, two famed golf courses in the U.S. Over $150,000 was raised to assist in the Foundation's efforts which have had impact locally and globally.

Dr. Katherine Thornton of Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center addressed the attendees with an update on the Phase I clinical trial The Miracle Foundation is supporting through Dr. Bert Vogelstein. The Miracle Foundation presented its Michael J. Tenaglia Philanthropic Award to Thomas F. Eggers, who recently retired as C.E.O. and President of Dreyfus Corporation, for his sustaining support of the Foundation since its inception. In addition, Garden City residents Peter and Bobby Menges received the Foundation's Michael J. Tenaglia Leadership Award for their work in developing "Back in the Game," an innovative physical therapy and strength-training program for pediatric cancer patients.

The Tenaglia Family (Jacquelyn, Patti, Caroline, Joe and Krista) Corporate sponsors for this year's Golf and Tennis Classic included: UBS; Morgan Stanley; KORG USA; Astoria Federal Savings; AvalonBay Communities, Inc.; BNY/Mellon Wealth Management; Citigroup Private Bank; D.F. King & Co.; Dreyfus Corporation; Mercy Medical Center; Sovereign Bank; Coach Realtors of Garden City; and Wells Fargo.

The Miracle Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization, is dedicated to improving the lives of those diagnosed with cancer and to finding a cure for the disease. Integral to its mission are improving patient care, increasing cancer awareness and funding worthy scientific research. Its efforts focus on raising funds to support the work of individuals and organizations who can help achieve those goals.

Bobby Menges, recipients of The Michael J. Tenaglia Leadership Award