Garden City , NY During the weekend of March 21st, the herculean efforts of Charlie’s Champions Foundation friends and supporters raised close to $70,000 to benefit the music therapy program and the research program at the Cancer Center. This wonderful two-day expression of community spirit featured a junior paddle play competition (“Underage in the Cage”) Friday evening, bustling with 125 young boys and girls, and an adult version of the “Rage” with 60 nationally ranked and novice mixed doubles teams competing Saturday in “A” and “B” draws respectively. Photo's and story
Sometimes it takes more than one village. To support Charlie’s Champions--a foundation created by Tara & John Schmitt in the name of their son, Charlie, who is currently a patient at Winthrop-University Hospital’s Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK)—hometown Garden City residents swelled their ranks to almost 300, drawing from Manhattan, Manhasset, and points east to elevate the Foundation’s legendary “Rage in the Cage” Paddle Tennis Tournament & Tent Party to even greater heights.
During the weekend of March 21st, the herculean efforts of Charlie’s Champions Foundation friends and supporters raised close to $70,000 to benefit the music therapy program and the research program at the Cancer Center. This wonderful two-day expression of community spirit featured a junior paddle play competition (“Underage in the Cage”) Friday evening, bustling with 125 young boys and girls, and an adult version of the “Rage” with 60 nationally ranked and novice mixed doubles teams competing Saturday in “A” and “B” draws respectively. The finals concluded at 8pm; Alex Bancila/Michelle Griffith defeated Mark Ruppert/Liz Jaffe in a well played three setter in the "A" draw, and Dan Englander/Aileen Pappas were victorious over Kevin and Eileen Dillon in the “B” draw. The event’s signature tent party was next on the program card.
CCFK music therapist Glenn Schifano and His Boy Elroy Band, accompanied by Charlie Schmitt on percussion, guest rocker Bobby Menges on guitar, and songstress/CCFK staffer Krista Cirillo provided the awesome musical accompaniment. “The music therapy program at CCFK uses the extraordinary power of music to diminish stress and relieve pain. It truly is transformative,” affirmed Schifano.
No less compelling was the highlight of the weekend event. John Schmitt took the stage, and looking out over the assembled crowd of families, players, sponsors, fans and friends, he conveyed his family’s heartfelt thanks for the magnificent outpouring of support. “We are truly humbled by your generosity,” he said. “As you can see, your contributions to Charlie’s Champions really do make a difference. Your gifts bring tangible help to the Cancer Center for Kids and to the children who are treated there each and every day. The amazing thing is this remarkable care is right here in our own backyard.“
The Cancer Center for Kids, part of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Winthrop-University Hospital, is Nassau County’s largest outpatient facility for treating children with cancer and blood disorders. You can learn about Winthrop’s Cancer Center for Kids at www.winthrop.org/cck
See more pictures of “Rage in the Cage” by accessing the Charlie’s Champions website at www.charlieschampions.com.
Charlie’s Champions is grateful to the following sponsors, donors and friends whogenerously provided their participation and support:
Gold & Silver Sponsors
Dennis & Norma Tslentis
Neal & Peggy Griffin
The Andy Foundation
National Land Tenure
The Haeffner Family
Lane Furniture - The Burke Family
The Cassaro Family
Bob Considine—Paddlepro
The Berkery Family
The Dehler Family
The Dillemeier Family
Hallen Construction - The Poole Family
IDP Consulting - The Sperry Family
Tim & Jen Schmitt
The Thornton Family
Hut Captains
Martin Dehler
Jim Healy
Pat Maloney
Food & Special Services
Abbey Rent-all
Adelphi Deli
Garden City Pizza
Duane Hayden
Walkstreet
Raffle Donors
Marty Dehler, Jr.
The Reddington Family
The Schmitt Family
Special Friends
Cancer Center for Kids Volunteers:
Nicole Almeida, Krista Cirillo,
Kerri Donohue,
Glenn Schifano & His Boy Elroy,
Linda Sweeney
Bobby Menges
Liz Menges
“Underage” Organizers
and Paddle Pro’s
Jen Schmitt
Sally McLaughlin
David Asaiwa
Alex Bancila
John Dehler
Liz Jaffe
Taylor Stanton
Sue Tarzian
“TJ the DJ”
Additional Sponsors
The LeBlanc Family
The Kramer Family
The Durand Family
The Goulard Family
The Coleman Family
The Salti Family
Dan & Megan Rothschild
Rosemary & John Walsh
Matt Kelly
The Ripp Family
Dr’s. Ruth & Anthony Randi, D.D.S.
Dr. Catherine M. Skarulis, D.M.D.
The Brosnan Family
The Castronovo Family
Paul Bader
The McMillan Family
Kathryn & Michael Rafferty
The Tiedemann Family
The D’Addario Family
The Roberti Family
The Quinn Family
The McCartney Family
