Garden City Residents Honored for Their 'Tireless Commitment'

The Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at Winthrop-University Hospital recently hosted its seventh annual Black and White Ball. More than 350 guests helped raise more than $280,000 to benefit the Center’s unique psychosocial, creative arts therapy, and medical programs.

The gala honored Rich and Ali Volpe of Garden City whose altruistic efforts have enriched the CCFK in a myriad of ways.

Pediatric development manager Linda Sweeney said she met the Volpes through a longtime friend. She spoke about connections like this, which are so essential to the Center’s accomplishments. The Volpes’ passion for the Center and their dedication to its mission have raised visibility for their work within their community; in addition, they have brought its message of hope and healing to a broader-based New York metro region.

In applauding the Center and its services in their speech, the Volpes encouraged the gala audience to spread awareness to just one friend, colleague or acquaintance and help promote the CCFK’s mission on behalf of children with cancer.

Sweeney also thanked Tara and John Schmitt, also of Garden City - feature sponsors of the event and founders of the Charlie's Champions Foundation. She described them as shining examples of a special connection, as “grateful patients who have become grateful donors.”

The Schmitts, on behalf of their Foundation, expressed gratitude for their son's successful treatment at the CCFK and presented a $50,000 contribution in support of the Center’s psychosocial services, which had greatly benefitted their son Charlie during treatment.

Mark Weinblatt, MD, chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Winthrop and director of the CCFK, talked about the Volpes and their connection to the Center.

“Ali began her relationship with us as a volunteer, working with children in our recreation area and creating costumes for our Rock2Beat Pediatric Cancer event. Rich’s interest in our unique delivery of care inspired his philanthropy, and together they have made a tremendous impact on the success we enjoy today,” he said. Dr. Weinblatt also acknowledged the ongoing leadership of the hospital’s administration.

The Cancer Center for Kids, a member of the national Children’s Oncology Group, is Nassau County’s largest outpatient facility for treating children with cancer and blood disorders. For more information contact Linda Sweeney at 663-9400 or visit www.winthrop.org/cck to view a special video about the Center and its services.

Submitted by Winthrop-University Hospital