LI's Olivia Hope Foundation Raises $230K Against Cancer At 2024 Evening Of Hope

GARDEN CITY, NY — The Olivia Hope Foundation raised $230K to support pediatric cancer research and patients at its fifth annual "Evening of Hope" gala held May 10 at The Garden City Hotel.

The foundation was created in memory of Olivia Hope LoRusso, who died of acute myeloid leukemia in 2017 at the age of 12.

Shelley LoRusso, Olivia's mother and co-founder of the charity, said she feels the gala, attended by more than 200 people, was the foundation's "best one yet."

Olivia Hope Foundation announced a $100K donation to Seattle Children's Hospital, which specializes in acute myeloid leukemia research. The donation was matched for another $100K, LoRusso said.

Renata Solomou, the foundation's donor relations and community outreach specialist, said Olivia Hope Foundation also announced it is building a relationship with Cohen Children’s Hospital.

LoRusso, Olivia's mother, co-founded the charity with Amy Nikolai, Linda Donato and Lauree Vasta. Olivia's sisters, Gia and Sabrina, are also integral members of the foundation. Olivia Hope Foundation dreams to cure childhood cancer while helping children who are fighting the disease.

Millie Bobby Brown, an actress known for her role of Eleven in "Stranger Things," was there to support the foundation and made a "beautiful speech" about Olivia, LoRusso said.

The evening featured food, drinks, dancing and speeches from cancer survivors.

LoRusso said her favorite part of the evening was the foundation presenting two children battling cancer with checks for $2,000 each. The children are "Olivia Hope Heroes."

One of the heroes is a 7-year-old girl, Melanie, who is battling brain cancer. LoRusso said Melanie is a sweet little girl who did not want to get off the dance floor.

"It was really cute," she said.

The gala would still be going on if it were up to Melanie, Solomou said.

The foundation had more corporate sponsorships this year, but it plans to build on that ahead of 2025, according to Solomou. The charity plans to start approaching corporate sponsors as soon as possible. She also said she and her fellow foundation board members would like to mingle with their supporters more next year.

"We want to get to know our other supporters," Solomou said. "Keep building relationships with our other supporters, because in the heat of the moment and the excitement of the celebration, you tend to forget to say hello and meet new people. Overall, I think we did a great job. I think we were able to throw a very good, fun party."