We did it! The numbers are in and we are thrilled to announce we raised more than $700,000 Monday night – that’s $200,000 more than last year!
Each year we’ve exceeded our fundraising record at the New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer Gala, and we’re happy to report our sixth annual benefit was more successful than ever.
The funds we raise during our gala are truly critical; they allow us to help more cancer patients and families every year, all year long. We’re so grateful to our sponsors, and our generous friends and supporters for making this all possible.
It was wonderful to be back at Gillette Stadium for this year’s gala – a stadium that holds such a special place in Joe’s heart. A big thank you to the Kraft family and the Patriots for supporting us again this year!
And speaking of the Pats… we were psyched that so many current players and former teammates turned out to support our foundation. It truly was a star-studded gala, with Julian Edelman, Chandler Jones, Devin McCourty, Rob Ninkovich, Nate Solder and many others in the house. We really appreciate their time and generosity.
We were lucky to have Scott Zolak, a retired Patriot and current host on 98.5 The Sports Hub, back again as our fantastic emcee. And pro auctioneer Paul Zekos did a great job amping up the crowd for our live auction. Thanks to the many friends who donated tickets and packages, our auction was both profitable and fun.
And I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house when our friend Darla Holloway kicked off the night with a beautiful rendition of God Bless America.
We were also really honored to have JAF patient family member Shannon McLaughlin, who joined us on stage to share her late mother Noreen’s personal story with our audience, explaining how our foundation’s assistance has impacted her family. It’s so important – for all of us – to hear these stories, and understand what our patients and families deal with.
Longtime JAF supporter and Board Chairperson Jane Melchionda, of Credit Unions Kids at Heart, also spoke and presented a generous $70,000 donation to our Foundation. We’re so grateful for the ongoing support of the credit union, which once again stepped up as our VIP Sponsor.
We’d also like to recognize Mega Star sponsors Millennium and the Kraft Group/Patriots; Star Sponsors Bob’s Discount Furniture, Cross Insurance Agency, CVS Caremark, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, East Commerce Solutions Inc., J. Calanan Associates, Randstad, SportsMoney and The Home Depot, among many others!
We could not pull off this event – or do our work every day – without you. We really can’t express how much we appreciate your commitment to our cause.
And that goes for all of you: our many friends, supporters, family members, donors, volunteers, Team JAF runners and sponsors… THANK YOU.
We’re looking forward to another year of (Up)Beat laughter, love and helping families battling cancer. We’re so glad you’ve got our back.
– Joe and Jen Andruzzi