Sheila Meyer Margolis of Meyer's Chevrolet in Queens (left) receives an award from Linda Sweeney, practice manager of Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids, and Mark Weinblatt, MD, chief of the Division of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology at Winthrop and director of the Cancer Center for Kids. On Saturday evening, April 25, The Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at Winthrop-University Hospital held its Third Annual Black and White Ball at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, New York. Close to 350 guests helped raise over $240,000 for the CCFK's psychosocial and creative arts therapy programs.

The gala, emceed by WCBS radio's Sophia Hall, a long-time CCFK supporter, featured a compelling video which traced the Center's history, highlighting its move to a beautiful new facility at 120 Mineola Boulevard.

The honorees for the evening were long-time CCFK supporter Sheila Meyer Margolis, owner of Meyer's Chevrolet in Queens, and the Center's pediatric cancer survivors. Meyer's Chevrolet donated the use of a Malibu Hybrid car as a raffle prize, and various current and former patients took the stage to talk about their experiences with childhood cancer and the caring staff of the CCFK.

Linda Sweeney, practice manager of the CCFK, acknowledged the generosity of Ball honoree Ms. Margolis, and the heroic journey of the pediatric cancer survivors who shared the stage with her. Mrs. Sweeney also presented special awards to Garden City residents Tara and John Schmitt, sponsors of the Black & White Ball and founders of Charlie's Champions Foundation, which honors their son, Charlie, who is being treated for leukemia at the CCFK; the Pall Corporation; and Pete Sedote of Cans for Cancer in recognition of their support of the Cancer Center for Kids.

Mark Weinblatt, MD, chief of the Division of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology and director of the Cancer Center for Kids, characterized the event as a metaphor for the hope and inspiration the Center provides for patients and families alike. "The Black and White Ball brings together members of the corporate and philanthropic communities along with Hospital staff, families and friends at a wonderful event, reminding all of us that we can fall down and get up again...and save the world," said Dr. Weinblatt.

The Cancer Center for Kids, a member of the prestigious national Children's Oncology Group, is part of Winthrop's Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

For more information about Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids, call 516-663-9400 or visit www.winthrop.org/cck.