LI's Sarah Grace Foundation Launches 12th Holiday Extravaganza

HICKSVILLE, NY — Despite many challenges this year and a decline in fundraising results, The Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer, Inc. has continued its mission in support of children and their families during cancer treatment.

The organization continues to reimagine fundraising through virtual platforms as well as looking ahead for the return of in-person events. “Many people are still uncomfortable in large gatherings,” Foundation President Matthew Weippert said. “Events such as our annual Night of Laughter drew large crowds, and it is difficult to commit to a venue as we typically did when there isn’t a realistic expectation of attendees.”

The foundation is once again embarking on its annual Holiday Extravaganza Raffle. “This is the 12th year we’ve held our holiday raffle,” Weippert said. “It’s a great way to support a child with cancer and kick start your holiday fever.”

Tickets are just $25 and can be purchased online at https://thesarahgracefoundation.org/. Anyone purchasing a ticket will be entered into a month-long raffle with great prizes, including Visa gift cards, restaurant and retail gift cards, gas gift cards and other prizes. Best of all, each ticket stays in the drawing for the entire month of November, even if you’ve already won. Proceeds from the raffle will help the foundation provide fulfill holiday programs as well as books, toys and games for the children.

While many larger national organizations and charities support research and maintain their own overhead, The Sarah Grace Foundation is an all-volunteer organization catering to local families here on Long Island.

“The pediatric cancer centers we partner with depend on the services and assistance we can provide,” Foundation President Matthew Weippert said. Core programs include “The Escape Hatch,” “Bead Program,” “Sarah Grace’s Book Angels” and “Gabe’s Chemo Duck,” as well as financial aid for meals, transportation, household expenses and funeral expenses. The foundation is currently preparing to deliver approximately 600 Trick-or-Treat goodie bags to the pediatric cancer centers it serves. This is the 18th year it has provided these treats.

“The extreme need for these families has not diminished, but has instead increased as a result of economic circumstances,” Weippert said. “The foundation remains committed to the children we have served for almost 20 years and is extremely grateful for the continued support the community has provided.”

If you would like to purchase a Holiday Extravaganza ticket, or donate online, please visit the Foundation’s website. If you would like to mail a donation, it can be sent to the foundation at 17 East Old Country Road, Unit B, PMB 202, Hicksville, NY, 11801. For additional information the foundation may be reached at (516) 433-9745.