5K, Night Of Magic: Sarah Grace Foundation Of Hicksville Announces Events

HICKSVILLE, NY — The Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer, Inc. ended 2024 strong and announced multiple events to continue its mission in 2025.

The Weipperts founded the charity in 2003 following the death of their daughter, Sarah, to cancer.

This spring, the foundation is set to once again host its Hugs for Sarah Virtual 5K. Participants can run, walk or bike to complete the 5K by May 31. They can do it alone or with others, said Matthew Weippert, co-founder of The Sarah Grace Foundation, and Sarah's father.

Registration takes place online only and closes May 3. Race bibs will be emailed following registration. All participants receive a Hugs For Sarah medal, which will be shipped in June.

The registration fee is $40 and there is a $5 discount for those who sign up by April 1 by using code EARLYREG. People may sign up here. Photos can be shared on social media with the tag #HugsForSarah5K.

The second annual Evening of Magic is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, April 4 at the Milleridge Inn in Jericho. People may join magician and mentalist Gary Ferrar for a performance full of unexpected moments and unique effects. The hilarious performance will include audience interaction.

Tickets are $125 and include dinner, beer, wine, soda, coffee, dessert and the show. There will also be raffles and a 50/50 drawing. Advance ticket purchase is required online.

"Every year, more than 4,000 children die from cancer," Weippert said. "Roughly 46 children are diagnosed every day — and 1 in 5 of them will not survive. We are all too familiar with their struggle, and we continue to do all we can to improve their quality of life. This is the Sarah Grace Foundation's largest fundraising event of the year. Sarah was a fan of magic shows, and during her illness, always displayed an infectious smile and encouraged laughter around her. What better way to raise funds crucial to the children we serve while honoring Sarah’s memory."

The 2024 year-end Holiday Extravaganza raffle and multiple toy drives allowed the Sarah Grace Foundation to distribute holiday financial aid and toys to more than 400 children, Weippert said.

Also during the holiday season, students from the Queens College Department of Drama, Theatre and Dance, and the Parsons School of Design, made pajamas, nightgowns and flannel shirts benefitting the Sarah Grace Foundation and the children with cancer it serves.

December also saw the Foundation receiving an additional grant of $5,000 from Nassau Bar
Foundation – WE CARE to support the Chemo Duck program.

January concluded with a clothing drive in partnership with the Hicksville High School J-Birds robotics team. The foundation collected clothing, shoes, handbags, winter accessories, towels, household linens stuffed animals and more.

For more information on The Sarah Grace Foundation, people may call 516-433-9745 or visit the foundation’s website. Donations or requests for information may be sent to the Foundation at 17 E. Old Country Road, Unit B,PMB 202, Hicksville, NY 11801.