'Contractors for Kids' Hosting Fundraiser at L.I. Aquarium on Friday

More than 800 supporters are expected to attend the Seventh Annual Contractors For Kids Reception, the main annual fundraiser for the largest regional charity supported by the construction, design and real estate industries.  

Unlike the traditional black tie events of previous years, this year’s reception will be themed “The Best Damn Beach Party Ever” and provide a welcome cabin fever relief for sun-starved Long Island’s and New York State’s industry heavy hitters.  In fact, tuxedos are prohibited at this year’s party.

The reception will take place at the Atlantis Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center on March 2, starting at 7 p.m. The main reception will be followed by a dance party open to the public, expected to attract in excess of 1,000 people. 

Founded by Stalco Construction and based in Islandia, NY, Contractors For Kids (CFK) financially assists families struck by serious childhood illness.  Founded in 2005, CFK has attracted enthusiastic support from over 300 local builders, architects, engineers, real estate firms, and other businesses.  To date, CFK has raised more than $2.6 million from its supporters.  

According to Stalco President and CFK Co-founder and Vice Chairman of Executive Board Alan Nahmias, the organization offers help extending beyond payment of medical bills.   “We have reimbursed travel costs related to cutting-edge treatments unavailable locally and provided aid to families unable to submit mortgage payments due to healthcare-related expenses.  We also assist parents faced with the heartbreaking task of making funeral arrangements for their children,” he said. 

The stories of families who turn to CFK for assistance vary as much as serious illnesses suffered by children.  

CFK Co-founder and Stalco Principal Kevin G. Harney described one of the recent cases: “CFK assisted a family of a ten-year-old boy suffering from neuroblastoma, a malignant brain tumor.  Local hospitals were unable to help the little patient, however, a clinic in Texas offered to perform an experimental treatment.  CFK provided funds that helped the family travel to Texas and pay for the cost of medical procedures.  The treatment reduced the size of the boy’s tumor.”

In another recent case, the organization helped a family of an infant boy also diagnosed with neuroblastoma.  While the father supported the family, the mother devoted her time to the care of the baby boy.  The father’s income eventually became insufficient to cover the mounting cost of the continuous medial care.  CFK assisted the family with payments for healthcare services. The child, currently four years old, is doing well.

CFK also assisted a single mother of a five-year old boy awaiting a heart transplant.  The mother and her child, who had already undergone three open-heart surgeries, spent many hours on a public bus commuting more than 30 miles twice a week to the Stony Brook University Medical Center for medical procedures.  CFK purchased a car for the young mother.  The following year, after the property in which the family rented an apartment had been foreclosed, CFK associates raised monies sufficient for two years of rent in a new apartment.

Additional information and reservations can be found by accessing www.contractorsforkids.com or calling 1-888-208-KIDS.

This information was provided by Wilk Marketing Communications