Page 2 - The Islander - April '23

Page 2, The Islander

fundraiSing event from page 1
Singer Profile from page 1
Chasin A Dream Foundation provides assistance to local
memory of her beloved father, Leo Fiordilino. This Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie County families with
annual event has raised nearly $700,000 for blood children battling life threatening illnesses and disabilities.
cancer research, newer, less toxic treatments, and Founder and Executive Director Lori Griffith based the
patient support! This year’s event presenting sponsor nonprofit on the premise of “locals helping locals” and her
is The Peter DeGeorge Family Foundation and will belief in local businesses/people helping local children in
feature returning emcees, Virginia Sinicki of the need. The response to Chasin A Dream Foundation and their
KVJ show and Josh Cohen of ESPN West Palm and mission has been hugely successful and growing yearly. This
D.J. Adam Lipson. They will be auctioning off some was evidenced by the community support of their yearly
incredible items including private plane rides to the event which raised over $350,000 for the children.
Bahamas, trips to the mountains of North Carolina, an The event was chaired by founder Lori Griffith, and
all-inclusive stay in Mexico, a week stay in Barbados CBS 12 News Anchor Sam Kerrigan and featured not only
and Antigua, and more! This year will also have guest the Warbird flyby, but a huge silent auction with over 60
bachelor and Jupiter local Tyler Cameron from ABC’s fabulous items including gear donated by golfer Justin
The Bachelor. We will also be honoring two young Thomas, fishing charters, tennis packages, golf packages,
children who are battling leukemia. Tickets are on sale spa packages, jewelry, artwork, and so much more.
for a limited time at tinyurl.com/2023bachelorauction. The Live Auction brought in $84,000 with incredible items
donated by the community, including a customized golf cart
by Benji Moser, Jupiter Golf Carts, who said he is happy to
donate to such a worthy cause. “The cart is a four seater Club
Car Spartan with style and a little attitude. We installed a
booming sound system with LED lights underneath and inside
the cart. The cart is lifted and equipped with hybrid tires that
can go off road and on the street and comes with brand-new
2023 batteries, a full light kit including turn signals and a USB
port. In addition, the cart will be delivered with custom front
and back seats. The back seat has cup holders and a cooler
installed underneath the rear seat, so you can stay hydrated.”
The custom cart sold for $17,000 and after witnessing the
impact his donation had on the charity, Moser graciously
donated another cart which also sold for $17,000.
Other exciting live auction items included trips to Africa,
Costa Rica and Mexico, a formation flight in the Warbird,
Blue Heron event rental, Jaguar club tickets, hand painted
surfboards, CBS 12 news experience and an in home pasta
making experience with Pasta by Pollio.
However, the highlight of the evening is the much
anticipated fashion show featuring the children (aka
warriors) of Chasin A Dream who are battling various life
threatening illnesses and disabilities. Ten warriors strutted
the runway wearing clothes donated by local designer
Kathy Link of SheBop Beach and Salt Life. Their warriors In 2022, the Chasin A Dream Foundation provided
This year’s event invite had been practicing their runway skills and brought tears financial assistance to 67 local families totaling over $141,000.
of joy and laughter. The evening is all about celebrating Additionally they provided 95 hospital backpacks that include an
their bravery and the courage they face on a daily basis. iPad to children being hospitalized for a life threatening illness.
“They are the real stars of the night and the reason we are And, during the holidays they provided toys and gift cards to
all here. The joy on their faces is pure magic and to know 521 local children.
we are making a difference in their lives is absolutely To learn more please visit chasinadream.org and follow the
amazing,” said Board Member Alex Cotleur. journey of many warriors on their social media pages.

Valerie Maslow with emcees Virginia Sinicki and Josh
Cohen

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