Siblings Day, April 10, 2024
Each year on April 10th, National Siblings Day, we celebrate the very special bond of support, friendship and love shared between siblings. Sibling bonds are often life-long relationships. Whether they grow old and gray together or are sadly separated by illness or death, they are tied together by something difficult to explain. They are knitted together; entwined by love and…
From our Executive Director
What Makes Friends of Karen Special? I am often asked what distinguishes Friends of Karen from other organizations that support critically ill children. This question usually follows: Is Friends of Karen like Make-A-Wish or Ronald McDonald House? While they are both great organizations with important missions, and Friends of Karen children and families utilize them, they do not offer the breadth and depth of services we do.
A MOTHER’S STORY:Finding Angels on Earth
Shameka is the mother of three: 14-year-old twins Ava and Amber, and their older brother Malachi, age 15. In 2023 Amber was diagnosed at 13 with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a disorder in which the heart’s main pumping chamber is enlarged. Shameka shares how Friends of Karen has been there for her family. “Amber came to me complaining of chest pains which…
Chi Omega Tag Sale
Westchester Chi Omega Alumnae Association hosted their 30th Annual Tag Sale. Gwen Salmo, Friends of Karen’s Special Events Coordinator, and her Chi Omega sorority sisters organized the tag sale for the 30th year!
J&B Body Works Car Show
J&B Body Works and Spectrum Painting Corporation organized a car show in Armonk, NY to benefit Friends of Karen. More than 100 cars showed up at the car show and everyone who participated was very generous. Over $73,000 was raised to help Friends of Karen’s children and their families.
2nd Annual Muscoot Cup Fundraiser
Joseph Kaiser organized a tennis fundraiser to benefit Friends of Karen for the second year in a row. The event took place at Chestnut Ridge Tennis Club in Mount Kisco, NY, and the top player took home the Muscoot Cup.
Mamma Rosa Italian Dinner Party Fundraiser
A former Friends of Karen family – Filomena, Fortunato and their son, Joseph Multari – organized their 10th Annual Italian Dinner Party for more than 80 guests. The event was held at Mamma Rosa Ristorante in Somers, which the Multaris own with their partner Rigo Giron. The Multari family has raised close to $100,000 over the years for Friends of…
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