6th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure Wrap-Up

Cruisin
Cruisin
Image: Kristin Moritz

6th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure Wrap-Up

Our 6th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure presented by Barlow Buick GMC Manahawkin with generous support from Panzone’s Pizza to benefit David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation held this past Sunday was another tremendous success. The day is always special regardless of the weather, and this year’s event included a surprise announcement that no rain or clouds would dampen.

Earlier this year, a unanimous “secret” vote by (all but one) DDBCF Board members moved forward the decision to honor long-time DDBCF supporters Kristin Moritz, Joyce Panzone and Jillian Elsasser from Panzone’s Pizza in Surf City and Panzone’s Pizza & Pasta in Beach Haven, NJ with our 2018 Beacon of Hope Award. The decision to honor these 3 amazing women was easy but keeping it a secret from Vice President of DDBCF, Kristin Moritz and DDBCF Advisory Board Member, Jillian Elsasser was the difficult part.

On behalf of the DDBCF Board of Directors; I would like to thank our sponsors, riders, party guests, volunteers, businesses and individuals who donated food and activities for helping to make the 6th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure presented our most successful Cruisin to date. A special thanks to our host Danielle Pessolano and staff from Joe Pop’s Shore Bar & Restaurant. Thanks to the “Generosity of Spirit,” of so many, we were able to raise more than $48,000 for families battling a cancer diagnosis. The image below includes every individual and business that donated to this event in some capacity – thank you ALL. It is because of your generous support, that DDBCF has been able to help 1,053 Families with over $825,000.00 in direct patient financial aid (January 2011 – March 31, 2018). THANK YOU!

David Caldarella
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

2018 Beacon of Hope Award Recipients: Joyce Panzone, Kristin Moritz & Jillian Elsasser

2018 BEACON OF HOPE AWARD RECIPIENTS

We are thrilled to recognize Kristin Moritz, Joyce Panzone & Jillian Elsasser (pictured to the left) with the 2018 David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation’s (DDBCF) Beacon of Hope Award!

“In recognition of an outstanding individual or business instrumental in filling hearts with HOPE and shining a LIGHT in the darkness of cancer.”

Our 6th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure event held this past Sunday was another tremendous success. The day is always special regardless of the weather, and this year’s event included a surprise announcement that no rain or clouds would dampen.

Earlier this year, a unanimous “secret” vote by (all but one) DDBCF Board members moved forward the decision to honor long-time DDBCF supporters Kristin Moritz, Joyce Panzone and Jillian Elsasser from Panzone’s Pizza in Surf City and Panzone’s Pizza & Pasta in Beach Haven, NJ. The decision to honor these 3 amazing women was easy but keeping it a secret from Vice President of DDBCF, Kristin Moritz and DDBCF Advisory Board Member, Jillian Elsasser was the difficult part.

You would be hard pressed to find an event on the busy DDBCF calendar that does not include substantial support from these women, their family members and their respective businesses. Their consistent participation is unmatched and includes generous financial sponsorships, auction items, donated food, graphic design, event management and countless hours of service as a member of the DDBCF Board of Directors (Kristin) and member of the DDBCF Advisory Board (Jillian).

Beyond the highly visible event and volunteer support, what almost no one sees are the numerous meals delivered to families of DDBCF battling a cancer diagnosis or the donated catered food for holiday parties that benefit cancer patients in the middle of their treatment plans. In fact, the first ever DDBCF fundraiser which took place at the Ship Bottom Firehouse in December 2010 after the Ship Bottom Christmas Parade was catered for free by the Panzone Family and Panzone’s Pizza!

Our DDBCF Family is a blessing to so many including our patients and their families as well as all of us internally here at DDBCF and Kristin, Joyce and Jillian represent the very best of humanity. We also want to thank and extend our sincere appreciation to Kristin’s husband John, their son Johnny, Jillian’s husband Todd and their son Cole!

6th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure Wrap-Up

On behalf of the DDBCF Board of Directors; I would like to thank our sponsors, riders, party guests, volunteers, businesses and individuals who donated food and activities for helping to make the 6th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure our most successful Cruisin to date. Thanks to your “Generosity of Spirit,” we were able to raise more than $48,000 for families battling a cancer diagnosis. The image below includes every individual and business that donated to this event in some capacity – thank you ALL. It is because of your generous support, that DDBCF has been able to help 1,053 Families with over $825,000.00 in direct patient financial aid (January 2011 – March 31, 2018).

Kristin, Joyce, Jillian and their family members are living tributes to their patriarch Frank V. Panzone Jr. They celebrate and honor Frank’s life every day, and all of us at DDBCF are humbled by the fact that they have chosen to partner with us on our mission to serve as Beacons of Hope for families battling a cancer diagnosis. Congratulations ladies and THANK YOU!

David Caldarella
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Image: Kristin Moritz

DDBCF Advisory Board

We are excited to announce the formation of the David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation (DDBCF) Advisory Board. The Advisory Board comprised of 20 volunteers dedicated to achieving our Mission of Hope for patients and their families affected by a cancer diagnosis.

In 2017, DDBCF reached an all-time milestone of helping 1,004 families battling a cancer diagnosis with direct financial grants totaling $778,381.91. Beyond the significant financial grants, countless families receive hope, emotional support, and wellness services through our generous corporate and individual donors. These goals could not have been accomplished without the inspiration from our patients and support from our volunteers.

The overall purpose of our new Advisory Board is to bolster support and awareness for DDBCF’s Mission of Hope. We thank each of our Advisory Board Members for committing to serve as Beacons of Hope to our patients and their families. We are honored to introduce our Advisory Board Members and invite you to learn more about each of them by clicking the names below:

  1. Dr. Bryan Barrett: Atlanticare Urgent Care
  2. Jaimee Boyle: Sea Shell Resort & Beach Club
  3. John Brancato: JAB Inspections
  4. Chief Robert Burnaford: Harvey Cedars Police Department
  5. Erin Buterick: The Union Market & Gallery and The MakeShift Union
  6. Christopher DeMatteis: Informed Mortgage
  7. James Donahower: Jamesdonahower.com
  8. Brandon Donnegan: Student, Stockton University
  9. Jillian Elsasser: Panzone’s Pizza and Panzone’s Pizza & Pasta
  10. Jeannine Errico: The Union Market & Gallery and The MakeShift Union
  11. Matthew D. Finelli: D. Finelli Construction
  12. Deb Henderson: University Title Insurance Agency, Inc.
  13. Lou Hoguet: Landguard Title
  14. Matthew Mancini: TD Bank
  15. Lou Manganiello: Lou’s Electric
  16. Matt Matey: McCue Captains Agency
  17. Andy Muniak: Muniak & Muniak Public Accountants
  18. Lee-Anne Oros: Educational Testing Service
  19. Brittany Solon: Sea Shell Resort & Beach Club
  20. Carmen Tierno: New York American Water Company

6th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr Memorial Cruisin’ for a Cure

6th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure

Please join us on Sunday May 6th for our 6th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr Memorial Cruisin’ for a Cure. This is a motorcycle and classic car ride with a family-friendly after-party at Joe Pop’s Shore Bar & Restaurant to benefit David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation.

Click here for Sponsorship and After-Party tickets!

Click here for the Rider Registration Form!

We are extremely grateful and equally excited to announce that our generous friends from Barlow Buick GMC of Manahawkin are returning for the 3rd year as our Presenting Sponsor. We are honored when a respected business in the community like Barlow Buick GMC combines forces with us to support our families battling a cancer diagnosis. 

In 2013, this event was renamed to honor Frank V. Panzone Jr. Frank was so involved in the community throughout his life and his giving spirit shined throughout his battle with stage IV cancer. His spirit, determination and courage in the face of indomitable odds are only a few of the reasons we are so proud to call this event the Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin’ for a Cure! Frank’s daughters are both living legacies to Frank, as Kristin Panzone Moritz is serving her second term on our Board of Directors and was recently elected Vice President. Jillian Panzone Elsasser served as a Board Member through 2015 and currently sits on our brand new Advisory Board.  Jillian also serves as President of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, a position in which her father served for many years. The Panzone Family and their businesses, Panzone’s Pizza in Surf City and Panzone’s Pizza & Pasta in Beach Haven have been supporters of David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation since our first pizza party fundraiser at the Ship Bottom Fire House in December 2010.

We are also excited to announce that the Beach Haven Moose Lodge, 120 NJ-72, Manahawkin, will be the starting point for this year’s ride. The Beach Haven Moose Lodge and Beach Haven Moose Riders have been so good to us throughout the years and we look forward to our new home for the start of the Frank V. Panzone Memorial Cruisin’ for a Cure. Registration begins at 9:00am with kickstands up at 10:45am. A donation of $30 (individual), $50 (couple) and $20 for each additional passenger in a classic car. Price includes 1 rider, 1 ticket to after party and 1 commemorative pin per person. Breakfast will be served by the Beach Haven Moose Lodge for $8.

You do not need to ride a bike or own a classic car to enjoy the party, live music and games at Joe Pop’s Shore Bar & Restaurant Ship Bottom from 12:00-4:00pm. PRE-PURCHASE DEADLINE EXTENDED through Tuesday May 2nd for discounted tickets, ($20 – Adult 18 and up) and ($10 – Kids 10-17).

Party includes hot & cold buffet lunch featuring Panzone’s Pizza, SunnyRae’s Kitchen, Joe Pop’s Shore Bar & Restaurant and the award-winning Chowderfest Manahattan Clam Chowder from Lefty’s Tavern in honor of DDBCF’s selection as the 30th Anniversary Chowderfest Charity for a Cause Partner! Also, Live Music with Ted Hammock and Jason Booth, Auction, Face-Painting with Sprinkles the Clown and Party Crashers Gaming Trailer for the kids.

Wednesday, May 2nd – Day of Event: Joe Pop’s Party: $30 (Adult 18 and up), $15 (Kids 10-17) and Kids 9 and under Free!

We value your support and your desire to provide HOPE to families battling a cancer diagnosis.  With your help, we have been able to offer financial assistance to ​1,004 Families & $​778,381.91 in Patient Grants!

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Panzone’s Pizza and Panzone’s Pizza & Pasta of Long Beach Island, NJ

Panzone’s Pizza & Panzone’s Pizza & Pasta of Long Beach Island, NJ.

It’s time to recognize our friends, the Panzone family. The Panzone Family, Panzone’s Pizza in Surf City, NJ and Panzone’s Pizza & Pasta in Beach Haven, NJ have been supporters of David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation since day one. Our first DDBCF fundraiser was a pizza party in December 2010 and the Panzone Family donated all the food. Frank Panzone’s indomitable spirit during his battle with esophageal cancer, commitment to his community and dedication to the families of David’s Dream & Believe are the basis for renaming our Cruisin for a Cure to the Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure in 2013. We’re proud to have Kristin Panzone Moritz currently serving on our Board of Directors, Jillian served on the BOD for two years and continues to play an active role with the Foundation. We are so grateful to have the support of this amazing family behind us every step of the way!

 

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600 Families & Over $450,000.00 in Grant Donations!

600-Families-Web-Banner

600 Families & Over $450,000.00 in Grant Donations! 

Our first event was a party with food donated by Panzone’s Pizza at the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company in December 2010. We assisted our first patient named Molly (13 years old) who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in early 2011. Our initial goal was to provide financial assistance to 1-2 families per year who were affected by a cancer diagnosis. Our original theme was, “Saving Lives by Fighting Cancer Together.” We were able to assist 20 families in 2011 with another 50 families supported in 2012. The increased demand for support from families battling a cancer diagnosis in our local community and the New Jersey community at large skyrocketed in 2013. Our mission statement and focus was steadfast from day one – to offer financial assistance to our families. As we pursued this mission we began to see the “little engine that could” called David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation transform into a vehicle of HOPE for our patients and their families. Our renewed theme became, “A Beacon of Hope.”

The past three and a half years have resulted in an additional 530 families being offered financial assistance, services and hope! A total of 600 families & over $450,000.00 in grant donations are staggering numbers on so many levels. However, it’s our personal connection to each of our patients and their families that inspire us on a daily basis.

This monumental giving would not be possible without the support of so many and have to start with recognizing the original Board of Directors including Co-Founder Tim Hall who remains an active member of the Board and is currently serving as our Treasurer. Our Board of Directors past and present serve on a 100% volunteer basis. They all have their own families, work and other charitable commitments yet still choose to dedicate time to serve our families. Our business sponsors and individual donors have made it possible for us to offer financial assistance to 600 families and have invested themselves in our mission to help countless more. Informed Mortgage in Manahawkin is the shining example of this giving spirit as they created a planned giving initiative with guidance from our Director Dani Corso to donate $25.00 from every closed loan out of their Manahawkin office to DDBCF and our families battling cancer. This creative planned giving initiative resulted in a 2015 year-end donation of $18,000.00 to DDBCF. We have the most amazing volunteers who commit their time and energy throughout the year to support an event or activity that benefits our families battling cancer. We have our own youth group called Generation Dream created by Kim McCabe Manzella as well as student groups at Southern Regional High School and Stockton University. The 7 members of our brand new Directors of Patient Advocacy represent the 600 patients and families we have supported over the past 5+ years. All 7 members have been affected by a cancer diagnosis and have been directly impacted by David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation. They all have chosen to serve as advocates and Beacons of Hope!

I read something during my battle with stage iv head and neck cancer: “Kindness is the shadow of God in man.” Those beautiful shadows were never more present than during my battle with stage iv head and neck cancer in 2010 but they have reappeared time and time again through the mission of David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation.

We encourage you to join with our team us as A Beacon of Hope!

Sincerely,
David

4th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin Wrap-Up

 

Frank V. Panzone Jr.Our 2016 Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure presented by Barlow Buick GMC of Manahawkin Wrap-Up will be brimming with Love, Kindness and Hope. Thanks to the Major takeaway from this year’s event which was the introduction of our David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation brand new Patient Advocate Committee. Dawn Aversa, Tina Angers, Susie Buzby, Elizabeth Martinez, Patty Springstead and Lauren & Bill Raney comprise this new committee. All 7 members were in attendance and 4 of the members (Dawn, Lauren, Tina and Susie) bared their souls with first-hand accounts of how the Foundation has impacted their lives and the lives of their families. It’s hard to put extraordinary moments like this one into words because moments like the one above transcend words. We can tell you that the IMPACT from this extraordinary moment is still being felt today in the hearts of our patients, guests, sponsors, volunteers, directors and everybody in attendance at our 4th Annual FVP Memorial Cruisin for a Cure. We have known and embraced one fact about our mission behind the scenes since DDBCF was created 5 years ago and that is that our patients and their families come before anything else. Needless to say, we have found the true voice of the Foundation in our amazing PAC!

We want to thank the entire Panzone Family for their friendship, support and service since the very beginning. The event was renamed in 2013 to the Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure to honor Frank’s commitment to his community and desire to help those battling a cancer diagnosis. As a Foundation, we are proud to have this event in Frank’s honor and so grateful to have his family by our side throughout the year!

A very special thank you this year to our Presenting Sponsor: Barlow Buick GMC of Manahawkin! The Barlow Family did not hesitate for a minute when asked to be the Presenting Sponsor for this event and continually asked throughout the months and days leading up to the event, “what else can we do to support the mission of David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation?” We thank you for your commitment to support local families battling a cancer diagnosis. We had a total of 49 sponsors for this event which set a new record and all of you play a major role in serving as A Beacon of Hope for our families. Thank you!

We want to thank our local businesses who donated their time and amazing food to our event including: Panzone’s Pizza, El Swell and Shore Fire Grille. r beautiful and delicious cake was donated by Moester’s Bakery! OuWe also had ice cream from our friends at Piece of the Puzzle who do a great job at SRHS in the autism program. Thank you to our host venue and awesome staff from Joe Pop’s Shore Bar & Restaurant. We are grateful that Live Music was once again provided by: Jason Booth and Ted Hammock who always set the tone for positive vibes! This year, we had our friends from Party Crashers Gaming Trailer donate the use of their gaming trailer for the kids and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Our Board of Directors, Auction Donors, Committee Members and Volunteers are second to none. Support comes in so many different forms besides financial and each one of them plays a vital role in the support for our families battling a cancer diagnosis. A special shout-out to Officer Kevin Snow from the Harvey Cedars Police Dept. and all the Police Dept.’s that were lined up to support our ride this year!

Thank you to the men, women and families that continually support our events. Weather played a major factor in this year’s event but you never let it dampen your spirit or commitment to the Foundation. We were even able to make a small donation of non-perishable food items to our friends at the Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean. Your generosity of spirit knows no boundaries and we love you for it!

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Cruisin Party is a GO! Ride Cancelled

Event Flyer

Cruisin Party is a GO! Ride Cancelled!

Unfortunately, mother nature has other plans for the 4th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure presented by Barlow Buick GMC of Manahawkin to benefit David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation. After consulting with local and state police dept.’s, it was recommended that we cancel the ride portion of the event. However, a great party will still take place at Joe Pop’s Shore Bar & Restaurant in Ship Bottom, NJ from 12:00-4:00pm. Please join us for Live Music, Amazing Local Eats, Incredible Auction, Party Crashers Gaming Trailer for the kids and quite a few surprises. We are also asking people to bring non-perishable food items to donate to our local food pantries through our friends at the Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean.

Please join us as A Beacon of Hope for our families battling a cancer diagnosis! 

4th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure

InstagramPlease join us on Sunday May 1st for our 4th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure. This year we are extremely excited to announce that Barlow Buick GMC have agreed to be the Presenting Sponsor for this year’s event! We are honored when a respected business in the community like Barlow Buick GMC shows the trust in David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation to combine forces in order to support our families battling a cancer diagnosis. Welcome Aboard and Thank you Barlow Buick GMC!

This is the fifth year for Cruisin for a Cure which was created in 2012 by Kathleen Ryan but we renamed the event in 2013 to honor Frank V. Panzone Jr. Frank was so giving to his community throughout his life and this was on full display even as he battled stage IV cancer. His spirit, determination and courage in the face of indomitable odds are only a couple of the reasons we are so proud to call this event the Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure!

You can pre-register for the ride by completing the application below and mailing it to us or visiting Panzone’s Pizza in Surf City. We want to thank our friends at the Beach Haven Moose Lodge in Manahawkin for allowing us to start our Cruise at their location on Rt. 72 in Manahawkin due to the Bridge Construction this year. Registration begins at 9:00am and kickstands up at 10:45am. A donation of $35.00pp or $60.00 (2) includes: 1 rider, 1 ticket to after party and 1 commemorative pin. Bagels, donuts and coffee will be served at registration. Our friend Mikaela McGovern will sing the National Anthem and WRAT Radio will be LIVE at Registration.

You do not need to ride a bike or own a classic car to enjoy the party at Joe Pop’s Shore Bar in Ship Bottom from 12-4pm. A donation of $30.00pp or $50.00 per couple (Kids under 12 free) includes: hot & cold buffet lunch with food from Panzone’s Pizza, Shore Fire Grille, El Swell and Joe Pops Shore Bar & Restaurant.  Live Music featuring Ted Hammock and Jason Booth. Party Crashers Gaming Trailer will be there for the kids and our amazing Cruisin Auction!

We are surrounded by so many wonderful organizations doing incredible work in our community and we are excited to partner with two of them on this year’s Cruisin for a Cure. We are asking our supporters to bring non perishable food items to Joe Pop’s to donate to local food pantries through our friends at the Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean. Many of our patients battling a cancer diagnosis benefit from these local food pantries supported by the Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean. The second organization will be Piece of the Puzzle. Our friend and Founder Kerry Beetel has created a 501c3 nonprofit educational organization dedicated to providing meaningful structured learning experiences and employment opportunities to adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder, through collaboration with local school districts and community outreach in New Jersey. We are proud to announce that Piece of the Puzzle students will be creating home made ice cream for our party at Joe Pop’s and will be joining us to serve up the delicious home made ice cream this year! 

You can download our Auction Agreement, Registration and Sponsorship forms below. We need your support more now than ever before and the only way we can support our families battling a cancer diagnosis like we did last year for 212 families in the amount of $155K is with your HELP!

Please Like our Facebook Page and Click on our FB Event Page. Let’s Go Cruisin for a Cure!

 

Event Flyer

Auction Agreement

Registration Form

Sponsorship Form

3rd Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure | Motorcycle | Classic Car | Panzone’s Pizza | David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation | Joe Pops Shore Bar

Cruisin for a Cure

 

Please join us on Sunday May 3rd for our 3rd Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure.

This is the fourth year for Cruisin for a Cure but we renamed the event in 2013 to honor Frank V. Panzone Jr. Frank was so giving to his community throughout his life and this was on full display even as he battled stage IV cancer. His spirit, determination and courage in the face of indomitable odds are only a couple of the reasons we are so proud to call this event the Frank V. Panzone Jr Memorial Cruisin for a Cure!

You do not need to ride a bike or own a classic car to enjoy the party at Joe Pop’s Shore Bar in Ship Bottom from 12-4. We will have a hot & cold buffet lunch with food from Panzone’s Pizza, Joe Pops Shore Bar & Restaurant, Shore Fire Grille and The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House; Live Music featuring Michael Molinaro, Jason Booth and Ted Hammock. Sprinkles the Clown will be there for the kids and our amazing Cruisin Auction! We are excited to have our friends from WRAT Radio 95.9 & 107.9 back again this year at our registration from 9-11am and they will be joining us at Joe Pops this year too. You can download our Auction Agreement, Registration and Sponsorship forms below.

Please Like our Facebook page and Click on our event page for this event. Let’s Go Cruisin for a Cure!

Auction Agreement

Registration Form

Sponsorship Form