“Heroes Among Us” Gala: An Evening of Celebration and Support
For immediate release
Leslie Bellissimo
Regional Director
Long Island-Metro NYC
631-473-1768 ext. 904
lesliebellissimo@friendsofkaren.org
Friends of Karen to Host “Heroes Among Us” Gala:
An Evening of Celebration and Support
New York, NY – Friends of Karen, an organization dedicated to providing critical support to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, is thrilled to announce their “Heroes Among Us” Gala, is set to take place on November 8, 2024. This inspiring evening promises to be a heartfelt celebration of resilience and hope, raising vital funds to continue its mission of support. CNN anchor John Berman will grace the event as host, guiding the festivities as we honor the extraordinary strength of the children and families served by Friends of Karen. The gala will pay tribute to several remarkable individuals and organizations that embody the spirit of service and dedication.
This year’s Sheila Petersen Award (named for our founder) will be presented to Jim Witt, Co-founder of the Hope for Youth Foundation and legendary meteorologist. The prestigious Champion Award will be given to exemplary honorees Maria Karalis, Assurance Market Managing Principal at BDO USA, PC, and Susan Eisner, Senior Vice President of Legal at PRG. Additionally, Friends of Karen will celebrate longtime supporter and Gala Chair Steve Tenedios, Founder and CEO of Fresh & Co and Kyma Restaurant Group.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Guastavino’s in New York City, the evening will include an exquisite array of cocktails, dinner, and a live program spotlighting the honorees and the families served by the organization.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in an exciting auction, featuring unique experiences, luxury items, and one-of-a-kind prizes.
Friends of Karen believes that no family should face the challenges of a child’s life-threatening illness alone. As the only organization in the New York Tri-State area providing comprehensive, no-cost support to families navigating the complexities of childhood illness, Friends of Karen walks alongside families from diagnosis through treatment, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they need.
With ongoing donations and corporate support, Friends of Karen is able to tailor its services to meet the individual needs of each family, making a tangible difference in their lives. Celebrate 46 years of unwavering commitment to bringing help, hope, and support to over 18,000 children and their families.
For more information about Friends of Karen and to purchase tickets for the Gala, please visit www.friendsofkaren.org. For inquiries regarding the “Heroes Among Us” Gala, please contact Leslie Bellissimo at 631-473-1768 ext. 904 or via email at lesliebellissimo@friendsofkaren.org.
About Friends of Karen
Friends of Karen began in 1978 when family friends came to the aid of a family whose 16-year-old daughter, Karen, was terminally ill. A fund-raising campaign for medical and other costs enabled Karen to spend her precious last days at home surrounded by loving family and friends. Since then, Friends of Karen has helped more than 18,500 children in the tri-state region, from birth to age 21, who have been diagnosed with cancer or another life-threatening illness, and their siblings. Support includes emotional assistance to help parents and other family members cope with the confusion and turmoil created by a health crisis, financial assistance for medical expenses, including insurance co-payments and premiums, living expenses such as food, rent and utilities, and advocacy and assistance with issues concerning treatment, insurance and education. Friends of Karen works to ensure that families are able to maintain a sense of balance and stability even in the midst of a health crisis. The need for their services continues every day.