LI's Sarah Grace Foundation Launches 14th Holiday Extravaganza

HICKSVILLE, NY — The Sarah Grace Foundation announced its 14th annual Holiday Extravaganza.

"It’s a great way to support a child with cancer and kick start your holiday fever," Matt Weippert, founder of the foundation, stated in an email.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online. Drawings begin Nov. 1.

Anyone purchasing a ticket will be entered into a month-long raffle with prizes, including: restaurant and retail gift cards, gas gift cards, cash prizes and more.

Each ticket stays in the drawing for the entire month of November, even winning tickets. Entrants have 30 chances to win.

"What a fantastic opportunity to win some great prizes," Weippert said. "Start your holiday excitement early by visiting the website to support their extravaganza!"

Proceeds from the raffle will help the foundation provide toys and gifts for families of children with cancer.

"For many families we support, the gifts the foundation is able to provide are the only gifts the children will receive this holiday season," Weippert said. "Donors can also visit our website for a link to our annual online toy drive which makes it easy for you to donate gifts."

The Sarah Grace Foundation has been supporting children with cancer and their families since 2003, in memory of Sarah Grace Weippert. Based in Hicksville and supporting the Long Island and New York City area, the foundation has since expanded and started working with children’s hospitals in Central Florida as well.

Since the coronavirus pandemic, The Sarah Grace Foundation has continued to reimagine fundraising through virtual platforms, as well as returning to in-person events.

In July, the foundation held "An Evening of Magic" at the Milleridge Inn. The evening was a "tremendous success," Weippert said, adding that the foundation has already scheduled another event for April 4, 2025.

Additionally, the foundation has held fundraising clothing drives, Zumba events, Providence Lawn & Tree raffle and has a gift-wrapping fundraiser scheduled for December in Davenport, Florida.

In September, the foundation distributed more than 200 brand-new furry friends to children with cancer thanks to a donation from the Build-A-Bear Foundation, Weippert said.

"The bears were distributed with gold ribbon pins in recognition of childhood cancer awareness month," he said.

Thanks to a dedicated team of "Sarah’s Angels," the foundation continues to overcome
fundraising obstacles to fulfill its mission, Weippert said. The Sarah Grace Foundation is an all-volunteer organization catering to local families.

"The pediatric cancer centers we partner with depend on the services and assistance we can provide," 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 20th year the Foundation has provided these treats.

"The extreme need for these families has increased as a result of economic circumstances," Weippert said. "The Foundation remains committed to the children we have served for over 20
years and is extremely grateful for the continued support the community has provided."

For those who would like to mail a donation, it can be sent to the foundation at 17 E. Old Country Road, Unit B, PMB 202, Hicksville, NY 11801.

For additional information, the foundation may be reached at 516-433-9745.