(Up)Beat (Up)Date
As August arrives each year, I find myself reflecting on the whirlwind of summer and the incredible experiences we’ve shared with the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF). This summer has been filled with heartwarming moments!
We kicked things off with two exciting events—the Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament and our (Up)Beat Event featuring the Codzilla Thrill Ride. August brought even more joy, with a memorable day at Patriots Training Camp for JAF patient recipients and the celebration of Joe’s 50-Yard Dash Birthday Bash.
At these birthday events, Joe shared his heartfelt gratitude for reaching this milestone—especially remembering the doubts he faced 18 summers ago about even seeing his 32nd birthday.
Every day, our team is driven by the commitment to support families facing cancer. Joe’s journey reminds us of the uncertain moments during treatment and of how much the encouragement of medical teams, loved ones, and supporters like you truly matters. We are deeply grateful for the resources and community that helped us through the toughest times, and we strive to pass that same support along to others.
As we turn the page to September, I want to wish all students and teachers a wonderful start to the new school year! September is also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. To our pediatric families: you are always in our hearts. Here’s to love, support, and positivity as we continue this journey together.
With gratitude,
Jen Andruzzi
President & CEO
VIP Access for Patients: Patriots Style
This month, JAF was honored to host eight New England cancer patients and their families at Patriots Training Camp, thanks to the incredible generosity of the New England Patriots Foundation. From the VIP tent, families had front-row seats to all the action on the field.
This (Up)Beat Event marked the first time we had at least one patient recipient from each New England state in attendance.
After practice, rising NFL stars like Drake Maye, Will Campbell, and a host of other Patriots players stopped by to meet our attendees and sign autographs. Friends from Joe’s NFL days, including Julian Edelman and current Head Coach Mike Vrabel, also came to meet the JAF recipients.
It was a fun, football-filled day that offered families a joyful reprieve from the challenges of treatment—and one that will be remembered for years to come.
Honoring Our Youngest Cancer Warriors
September is a time when applications to JAF have surged, as families face the dual expenses of cancer treatment and the start of a new school year. It’s also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize and remember the youngest patients and raise awareness of the unique struggles they and their families endure.
Since its inception, JAF has supported 490 pediatric patients, granting more than $555,000 in financial relief through three programs – Financial Assistance, Food Security, and Extraordinary Needs. The average age of a pediatric recipient is just 10 years old—a reminder of how young these children are when faced with life-changing diagnoses.
With your continued generosity, we can ensure that more children and families receive the help they need when they need it most.
Tickets Now On Sale! See you at Gillette!
This year’s event brings the energy of a late-night talk show and the edge of live sketch comedy to the stage at Gillette Stadium—blending laughter, surprise, and purpose in support of New England cancer patients and their families.
What to Expect:
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Comfortable, audience-style seating (no ballroom tables here)
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A vibrant cocktail hour with hearty apps to kick things off
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Powerful stories from the patients we serve
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Surprise guests and live entertainment
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Celebration of our 2025 Game Changers
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A bold new spotlight on JAF’s mission
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Attire: “night on the town – fun, sophisticated, and vibrant”
New this year! JAF now offers a Young Professional ticket with reduced pricing. These tickets offer unique gallery seating with other Young Professionals aged 21-30 year old. Limited tickets are available and cannot be combined/seated with general admission tickets.
Sponsorships are still available (some with VIP experiences!).
Gala questions? Please reach out to Michelle Mason at michelle@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Back by Popular Demand! We’re thrilled to share that three fan favorites are returning to keep the night unforgettable! Our dynamic master of ceremonies Doug Meehan, co-anchor of WCVB-5’s Eye-Opener, will be ‘on the desk’, Jacqueline Towers-Perkins, our high-energy auctioneer, will ignite the bidding, and WEEI’s Nick “Fitzy” Stevens will keep everyone laughing and the audience on their toes! These familiar faces bring the spark that makes our event shine—and we can’t wait to welcome them back!
Celebrating the Man Behind Our Mission
We celebrated Joe’s 50th birthday in style with a month-long series of events featuring some of his favorite things: great food, good beer, and giving back!
The fun kicked off with Wicked Smaht Trivia: New England Sports Edition at Narragansett Brewery. Thanks to our friends at Narragansett and McCaughey Standard Trivia, guests tested their sports knowledge, enjoyed delicious bites, and sampled craft-brewed favorites.
Next, we gathered at Evviva Trattoria Wrentham in the Joe Andruzzi Foundation Dining Room for a traditional Porchetta Dinner. Chef Joe Bartucca curated a memorable meal, capped off with a birthday cake from Hometown Bakery.
It was a month full of laughter, community, and celebration. Thank you to everyone who joined us to make Joe’s 50th unforgettable. Happy Birthday, Joe!
Send Joe A Special Birthday Message!
We’re down to the wire on Joe’s 50th Birthday Celebration—and there’s still time to join in! With a goal of raising $25,000 through individual donations, every gift made by end of day on Sunday, August 31, brings us closer to ensuring patients can keep food on the table, lights on at home, and hope alive during treatment. All gifts, regardless of amount are eligible for dollar-for-dollar match (up to $50,000) made possible by an anonymous donor. DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
Joe has always been the heart of our mission, inspiring us to believe in what can be done. Now, in these final days, you can help carry that spirit forward by making your gift today and ensuring we finish strong— just like Joe would.
Team JAF Hits the Streets in Falmouth
On August 17, Team JAF proudly joined the 53rd ASICS Falmouth Road Race, with 49 runners tackling the iconic 7-mile course, and one dedicated runner completing the At Home Edition right in their own neighborhood. Together, our athletes raised an incredible $77,000 to support JAF’s mission!
We were thrilled to cheer them on at our official Falmouth Road Race Cheer Zone, powered by Red Bull, and celebrate their hard work, determination, and heart.
Congratulations, Team JAF – you inspire us all!
Average Joe’s Golf Classic: Playing Spots Are On Sale Now!
Foursome and individual player pots are filling up but we are still looking for some more golfers wanting to have a great ‘last round of the season’! Join us for the inaugural Average Joe’s Golf Classic on October 27 at Segregansett Country Club, one of Massachusetts’ oldest and most time-honored courses.
Gather your favorite foursome, league buddies, or sign up as a single player or twosome! Everyone will enjoy golf, enjoy a buffet dinner, raffles, and a short program.
Would your company like to help sponsor this event? We have some great opportunities. Contact Gillian O’Brien at gillian@joeandruzzifoundation.org to become a sponsor.
From Boats to Bibs: Blessing of the Fleet Runners for JAF
At the end of July, a passionate group of friends who met at Trilogy Gym in Rhode Island, led by cancer survivor Ben Russo, laced up their sneakers and took on the Blessing of the Fleet Road Race in Narragansett, RI. This group of exceptional individuals made this effort even more special by choosing to cross the finish line with a greater purpose, by raising funds to support cancer patients and their families through the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) Bring Your Own Bib (BYOB) Program.
Through their hard work and community support, the Trilogy Gym Team raised more than $3,000, which will provide direct financial assistance for patients and their families.
Inspired by their story? Want to get involved with your own BYOB team? If you, or someone you know, is planning to run in an upcoming road race, consider joining the JAF BYOB Program. It’s an incredible way to transform your miles into meaningful impact by fundraising for families in need. For more information on how to get involved, reach out to Hunter Andruzzi at hunter@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Champions Circle Spotlight: Personal Best Karate
Champions Circle brings together companies committed to helping neighbors, colleagues, and friends when they need it most.
This month, we are proud to spotlight Personal Best Karate, celebrating 34 years of empowering kids with confidence and respect. Personal Best also empowers adults, offering classes for people of all ages, experience levels, and learning styles.
“Personal Best Karate’s environment is enjoyable, challenging, and builds confidence through earned achievement,” said owner Chris Rappapold. “Students develop lifelong friendships, improve their self-discipline, focus, and desire to excel—and they carry these improvements into their everyday lives.”
Through martial arts, students not only build physical fitness and self-defense skills, but also develop lasting self-confidence.
Beyond the dojo, Personal Best is a valued JAF partner. Each year, they play an important role in our Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Baskets, generously donating turkeys and “all the fixings” to ensure meals are delivered to cancer patients and their families.
At JAF, we believe in doing business with businesses that do good—and Personal Best Karate embodies that spirit.
For more information on Champions Circle, contact Barbara Foley at barbara@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
JAF’s 18th Annual Gala at Gillette Stadium – Late Night with The Joe Andruzzi Foundation
Wednesday, October 8
Sponsorships now on sale!
NEW – JAF’s Average Joe’s Golf Classic
Monday, October 27 – Segregansett Country Club
Registration open now!