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BOCA RATON, Fla. – With support from individuals and the
corporate
community, this year’s annual gala for the American
Cancer Society-South
Palm Beach Unit raised more than $90,000 to benefit
R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out
to Cancer Kids) programs that help children with cancer
and their families.
Attracting nearly 250 guests, the elegant black-tie
event was held recently at Royal Palm Yacht & Country
Club in Boca Raton.
Co-chairs Karen Asher, owner of Karen Lynne Gallery, and
Jamie Telchin, president of development for LXR Luxury
Resorts & Hotels, stood at the
entrance and personally welcomed guests to the
Italian-themed gala, which
was a celebration of “love” for cancer survivors, adults
and children who fight the disease every day, and those
who have lost the battle.
“The event demonstrated ‘love” in its most basic form:
giving to others,” Asher said. “Everyone knows someone
who has had cancer or who has been personally touched by
it. It is all around us and affects so many lives.”
During the evening, two young local survivors, Brianna
Curry and Joseph “Jo Jo” Matuella, shared the power of
their week at R.O.C.K. Camp, a place where they no
longer felt alone or different. “They were able to be in
the company of others like themselves and take part in
fun activities,” Asher explained.
Poignant speeches by two mothers whose children have
suffered from cancer, Dawn Curry and Suzanne Matuella,
also tugged on the heart strings of guests.
“A portion of the monies raised – more than $20,000 –
have been allocated specifically for R.O.C.K Camp,”
Telchin noted. “The remaining proceeds will support
R.O.C.K Families Weekend, R.O.C.K. College Scholarships,
and go to work locally and in cancer research centers
across the country.”
Local CBS 12 television anchor Liz Quirantes served as
master of ceremonies, as guests dined, took to the dance
floor prodded by the sounds of Bob Puccetti
and Danielle Fleischer from Taste Entertainment, as well
as vocalist Lou Galterio. Silent and live auctions were
other ingredients that contributed to a memorable and
successful event.
Gala Sponsors were the Kazma Family Foundation, U.S.
Installation Group, Inc., and Vista BMW of Pompano
Beach. Table Sponsors included the Boca
Radiology Group, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Wells
Fargo, One Thousand Ocean, Luxuria, the Ampolsky Family,
Stuart Benson, Mr. and Mrs. Irving
Gutlin, and Karen Lynne Asher.. Simply The Best magazine
was the media sponsor.
Asher and Telchin expressed their appreciation to the
generous supporters and to their Amore Gala Committee of
volunteers. Committee members included
Maxine Adler, Tania Agran, Doreen Alrod, Gail Ampolsky,
Howard Collier,
Terry Fedele, Sheila Gabel, Dorian Hayes, Cindy Heiser,
Ann Helman, Brenda Hilsberg, Shari Jacobson, Marla
Johnson, Adam and Lori Kula, Michelle Larkin, Dan
Menscher, Judy Tiber Morris, Rona Petie, Roby Weimann
Palchik,
Pamela Roulan, Stephen Siegal, Vicki Soble, Elissa
Spiro, Mary Beth Tate,
and Dr. Juliette The.
The American Cancer Society is the nation’s premier,
community-based,
volunteer health organization dedicated to eliminating
cancer by preventing it, saving lives and diminishing
suffering through research, education, advocacy
and service.
For further information, visit
www.cancer.org
or call (561) 394-7751.
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