Shamrocks Wrap-Up

Shamrocks for Hope
Shamrocks for Hope
Shamrocks for Hope

Our Directors of Patient Advocacy wanted to create an event to raise awareness and funds for David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation families affected by a cancer diagnosis during our lowest and most difficult patient funding time of the year. Shamrocks for Hope was created and Director of Patient Advocacy, Susie Buzby took on the lead role for the event. Susie had this to say: “This event is very special to me. Breeze’s Dock Bar & Grill is where I work, and where I met David for the first time. In 2015, I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, while I was pregnant. My family and I were struggling emotionally and financially from the diagnosis. My friends and family held a benefit for me at Breeze’s. David attended that day and offered the foundation’s assistance to us. We had never met before, but he heard my story and wanted to help. It was at this moment that I knew, when I was able, I wanted to help others who were going through what I was. David was such an inspiration to me. I am honored to work with DDBCF now and help put together an event that can raise money to bring support and hope to families battling cancer.”

We must start our thank you’s with our inspirational leader, Susie Buzby. She has the power to make us smile or bring us to tears at any moment and that’s a testament to her incredible heart. We want to thank her husband Brent and daughters Kaitlyn, Amelia and Autumn as well as Susie’s extended family who donated auction items, volunteered and attended Shamrocks.

We cannot thank the Breeze’s team including owner Win Allen and his incredible staff for their selfless efforts throughout the planning process and day of event festivities. The venue, food and staff were amazing! Please visit them this spring & summer – you won’t be disappointed!

We raised net proceeds of $8,371.67 at our inaugural Shamrocks for Hope on Saturday March 11th and by Monday March 13th at 6pm ALL those funds were distributed to local families affected by a cancer diagnosis. Thank You!

Our 100% volunteer Board of Directors were well represented by: Dani Corso, Kristin Panzone, Steve Crisalli and Bill Raney. Susie Buzby, Dawn Aversa, Lizzie Martinez and Jennifer Hornik from our Directors of Patient Advocacy were all present for Shamrocks.

The fantastic duo of Melanie and Tony donated their time and talents to the event and we are grateful to them for their giving spirit.

Leah Morgan donated her face-painting skills to the event where kids and adults took advantage of her amazing talents.

Our friends Rob and Janet Conforti from Party Crashers Gaming Trailer donated their gaming trailer to the event to ensure our kids were occupied throughout the day. Thank you.

Ayme Friggle from Unique Embroidery & Designs donated her talents by creating 100 Shamrock party hats and a couple of auction items.

We want to thank our Auction Donors who generously donated crafts, experiences, gift cards and merchandise to our auction.

A special thank you to Viking Yachting Center and staff for their support for this event.

Our incredible supporters old and new who came out in force for this inaugural event. Thank you so much!

See you Saturday March 10, 2018 for our 2nd Annual Shamrocks for Hope!

5th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure

Motorcycle Benefit
Motorcycle Benefit
5th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Cruisin for a Cure

Please join us on Sunday May 7th for our 5th 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. We are extremely grateful and equally excited to announce that our generous friends from Barlow Buick GMC of Manahawkin are returning this year as our Presenting Sponsors. 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. 

This is the fifth year for Cruisin for a Cure which was created in 2012 by Kathleen Ryan from Walters Homes.  In 2013, this event was renamed to honor Frank V. Panzone Jr. Frank was so giving to his 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 couple of the reasons we are so proud to call this event the Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure! Frank’s daughter’s are both living legacies to Frank, as Kristin Panzone Moritz is serving her second term on our Board of Directors and Jillian Panzone Elsasser served as a Board member through 2015.  Jillian is currently serving 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 invite you to take part in either the ride, the after party or both options. You can pre-register for the ride by completing the application below and mailing it to us or by visiting Panzone’s Pizza in Surf City. Our ride will start at Taylor Avenue Park in Beach Haven, NJ and weather permitting, the ride will cover 60 miles off the island with a return to Joe Pop’s.  In the event of inclement weather, we will modify the ride and cruise to the Lighthouse in Barnegat Light and back to Joe Pop’s.  Registration begins at 9:00am with kickstands up at 10:45am. A donation of $35.00 (individual), $60 (couple) and $15 for each additional passenger in a classic car includes: 1 rider, 1 ticket to after party and 1 commemorative pin per person. Free bagels, donuts and coffee will be served 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 12:00pm-4:00pm. A donation of $30.00 (individual), $50.00 (couple), $15 (kids 6-20) and kids 5 and under are FREE! Party includes: hot & cold buffet lunch, Live Music from Southern Regional High School’s own Wet Metal Band opening the show and our friends Ted Hammock & Jason Booth playing the tunes after that.

You can download our Registration and Sponsorship forms below. We value your support and your desire to help provide Hope to families battling a cancer diagnosis.  With your help, we can maintain the momentum of 2016 in which we helped 244 Families with $215,457.97 of financial assistance. 2011-2016: 763 Families & $621,813.06 in Patient Grants!

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

Registration Form

Sponsorship Form

Shamrocks for Hope

Shamrocks for Hope

SHAMROCKS FOR HOPE

Shamrocks for Hope
Shamrocks for Hope

So excited to announce a new event just added to our 2017 calendar called Shamrocks for Hope. The Directors of Patient Advocacy wanted to create and manage a new event in order to “Pay Forward” the kindness, generosity of spirit and HOPE to current patients that was offered to them through David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation. This event will take place on Saturday March 11th at Breeze’s Dock  Bar and Grill, in the Viking Yachting Center, in New Gretna, from 4-8pm.  The event is family friendly!

Tickets can be pre-purchased in advance through Sunday March 5th in the Shop section of our website by clicking HERE. (Jetty Printed event T-Shirt Guaranteed with pre-purchase ONLY)
A ticket will include: free buffet, 1 complimentary drink (wine or beer), 1 sponsor pint glass, 1 event t-shirt and Live Music by duo Melanie and Tony. Auction and Party Crashers Gaming Trailer!
All proceeds from ticket sales and auctions will go directly to David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation.
This event is very special to me.  Breezes is where I work, and where I met David for the first time. In 2015, I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, while I was pregnant.  My family and I were struggling emotionally and financially from the diagnosis.  My friends and family held a benefit for me at Breezes.  David attended that day and offered the foundation’s assistance to us.  We had never met before, but he heard my story and wanted to help. It was at this moment that I knew, when I was able, I wanted to help others who were going through what I was. David was such an inspiration to me.
I am honored to work with DDBCF now and help put together an event that can raise money to bring support and hope to families battling cancer.

Pancake Breakfast with Santa

Pancake Breakfast with Santa
Pancake Breakfast with Santa

PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA!

Please join David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation on Sunday December 4th between 8:00 – 11:00am at TGI Fridays Manahawkin for our final event of 2016. It’s time for our 2nd Annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa presented by our youth group Generation Dream and students from Southern Regional High School.

$10.00 includes one order of pancakes, bacon, sausage, coffee, soft drinks and pictures with Santa.

We will have Jetty printed DDBCF gear and our Southern Regional High School/DDBCF gear avilable at discounted prices for the perfect holiday gifts for family, friends and co-workers.

#ABeaconOfHope

20th Annual Striped Bass Fishing Derby Presented by: The Sea Shell Resort & Beach Club

20th Annual Striped Bass Fishing Derby
20th Annual Striped Bass Fishing Derby

20th Annual Striped Bass Fishing Derby Presented by: The Sea Shell Resort & Beach Club

The Sea Shell is currently planning its 20th Annual Striped Bass Fishing Derby. The dates are October 28th, 29th, and 30th . Last year’s event was another success, featuring some exceptional striper fishing, and a whole lot of fun for all who were here. We registered 76 boats and nearly 300 anglers, and it was very encouraging to see some really big stripers weighed in. I don’t believe we ever had such a large amount of really big fish weighed. Most importantly, we raised $19,000.00, which was split between David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation and the Marine Mammal Stranding Center

Our goals for this event are to provide yet another reason for people to frequent our island during the fall season, to provide a venue for boat fishermen, and most importantly, to provide funds for worthwhile local non-profit organizations and noteworthy community projects. To date, our Derby has generated nearly $300,000.00 for local non-profits. This year’s derby will benefit: David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation I know what you are thinking, “didn’t we donate half of last year’s money to David’s Dream and Believe”, you bet we did, and we are proud of it. We are so impressed with the work that these great people are doing right here in our community, that we feel compelled to reach out and help them again this year. I guarantee that someone you know has been helped by this wonderful organization. This is a fabulous cause, one that each and every one of us should be proud to support. I know that I am.

David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation was established by David Caldarella, founder and Stage IV cancer survivor in 2010. The Foundation has committed all of its resources to the community in the fight against cancer, and is unique in its dedication to assisting families through financial assistance for medical bills, groceries, transportation, housing costs & utilities, as well as emotional support from Founder David Caldarella himself. Since 2010, DDBCF has distributed in excess of $450,000.00 to over 600 local families through community support, annual events, donations & planned giving, all have been extremely important in their mission as a “Beacon of Hope.” In addition to making the difference of a lifetime, the Foundation has been fortunate to foster relationships with the youth community through Generation Dream & the Service Learning Program at Stockton University. David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises funds to provide financial assistance, services and HOPE to families, affected by a cancer diagnosis. We thank those of you who supported last year’s event, and urge those who are not involved to join our charitable efforts. We appreciate your belief in the benefit of our hosting such an event in this area. We further hope that you will be generous and continue your support for this fun and worthwhile fishing tournament. Remember, every single dollar donated goes directly to David’s Dream and Believe. The derby itself is self-sufficient, and pays for itself through the fishermen’s registration fees. This event will cover the entire weekend, and has generated much interest in our island and in the sponsoring businesses. I will be stopping by interested businesses with a poster for you to display in your window. Please send your donation, with the sponsor form, to my attention at the Sea Shell Resort & Beach Club. Please get involved and be generous. Thank you for your consideration.

Tom Hughes, Derby Coordinator

Harvey Kelsall, Bob Smith, Rich Conaway, Rich Ferguson, Jim Kelly, David Cowles; Derby Committee

Shave the Date presented by Swing Graphics | Movember

Movember: Shave the Date
Movember: Shave the Date

David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation joins forces with Swing Graphics for “Shave The Date.”

Far too many men ignore signs of poor health and refuse to take action. By means of spreading awareness, we are making moves and we need your help. This Movember, we are asking men of all ages to grow a mo to help raise awareness & provide HOPE for male patients battling a cancer diagnosis. If growing a mo isn’t your forte, beards & manes are eligible too. Ladies are welcome and encouraged to get involved by collecting pledges and trimming their tresses.

In recognition of this underlying problem, Swing Graphics and David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation have partnered to create “Shave The Date,” a one-time pop up barbershop at East in Surf City, New Jersey. On November 1, men & women are asked to document current hairstyles on their social media channels with #IShavedTheDate. Over the next month, they will grow out their hair while collecting pledges in support of their commitment for a No Shave November. On November 25, 2016, East will open its doors from 4-9pm to welcome participants to receive a shave or haircut from Ryan’s Barber Shop & Shave Parlor with pledges of $50 or more. If you are unable to participate in the No Shave aspect of this event, but would like to take advantage of our popup barbershop, you are invited to make a donation of $25 for a shave or cut & $35 for a combo. If you are unable to attend the popup barbershop at East but would still like to participate in the fundraising, we welcome you to get involved – simply download our pledge sheets below & visit your favorite barber to get the job done. Through David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation, all proceeds from Shave The Date will be directed to male patients battling a cancer diagnosis in need of financial assistance.

“We are currently in a men’s health crisis. Men are 25% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than women. When learning this, I had to ask myself, ‘What do I know about men’s health?’ I could barely even answer that question. I suddenly realized that awareness must be THE first step,” said Dawn Simon from Swing Graphics who has organized this event with the help of business partner Pete Sullivan.

David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises funds to provide financial assistance, services and HOPE to families affected by a cancer diagnosis. Since 2011, DDBCF has supported 650 Families battling a cancer diagnosis with over $500,000 in grant donations and is currently on pace to offer financial & emotional support to one patient/family per day.

David Caldarella says, “As a stage IV head and neck cancer survivor and Co-Founder of David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation, it’s imperative we join together to raise awareness for men’s health. 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer this year and that number is set to double in 2050 according to the National Cancer Institute. Dawn Simon & Peter Sullivan from Swing Graphics have created a Movember Fundraiser in partnership with DDBCF called, ‘Shave the Date’ to not only raise awareness for men’s health in particular with cancer but also to raise funds for local men battling a cancer diagnosis. Please join with us as ‘A Beacon of Hope’ this Movember.”

The official website for Shave the Date can be found by clicking here: Shave the Date!

To make a donation to a Shave the Date Ambassador – please click here: Pledge Now!

Shave Pledge Sheet  | Official Press Release

Shave Pledge Sheet
Shave Pledge Sheet

 

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Charity Coffee Tasting | How You Brewin?, Surf City NJ

Charity Coffee Tasting
Charity Coffee Tasting

We want to thank our friends Dan & Lori Malay at How You Brewin? in Surf City, NJ for turning National Coffee Day on Thursday September 29th into a fundraising opportunity for the families of David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation battling a cancer diagnosis. It’s creative partnerships with business owners like Dan and Lori that affords us the opportunity to offer financial assistance, services and hope to over 650 families in 5.5 years. We also want to thank Director of Patient Advocacy Susie Buzby for her help and support on this event. Board of Directors Danielle Corso and Steve Crisalli will also be in attendance.

Please stop by How You Brewin? in Surf City, NJ on Thursday September 29th between 8am-5pm. Sample a line of new coffees by making a donation of any amount to David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation and help How You Brewin? choose their 2017 coffee lineup.

David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation will be present throughout the day with giveaways, DDBCF t-shirts and sweatshirts for sale and our Mega 50/50 raffle tickets. Our Mega 50/50 drawing will take place on Thanksgiving Day with 1st Prize receiving up to $15,000.00 and 2nd Prize receiving up to $10,000.00 with only 1,000 tickets being sold at $50.00 per ticket.

Survival of the Mills presented by: The Law Office of William Wright

Survival of the Mills
Survival of the Mills

Survival of the Mills presented by: The Law Office of William Wright 

Sunday October 9th at Wells Mills County Park

Please join us for the 4th Annual Survival of the Mills on Sunday October 9, 2016 at Wells Mills County Park. Thank you to our friend Bill Wright and his staff at The Law Office of William Wright for their Presenting Sponsorship for Survival of the Mills. Our friend Ross Reynolds from Trident Multisport is the race creator/organizer/director. Thank you to Ross’s wife Marissa for all her support!

We welcome The Law Office of William Wright and Trident Multisport as the newest members to our Community Partner Sponsorship Level. Our community partner level is set at $10,000.00. This is reserved for businesses, organizations and individuals that donate, sponsor, volunteer, raise awareness and participate in the mission of David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation to offer financial assistance, services and hope to families battling a cancer diagnosis.

Register for the 5K, Triathlon or Duathlon by clicking on this link: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Waretown/SurvivaloftheMills

Our student group from Southern Regional High School will be volunteering at various locations throughout the race. We want to thank our friends Dawn and Pete at Swing Graphics for all the Graphic Design for the event and our friend Ken Sullivan at Shore Promotions for the event shirt! Please join us for a fun and challenging 5K, Triahtlon or Duathlon at Wells Mills County Park on Sunday October 9th to benefit:

David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation.

Rocktoberfest Saturday September 10, 2016

Rocktoberfest
Rocktoberfest

ROCKTOBERFEST: Saturday September 10, 2016

Our friends at the Beach Haven Moose Riders will host Rocktoberfest on Saturday September 10, 2016 from 1:00-6:00pm at the Beach Haven Moose Lodge 1575. This year’s event will benefit 3 year old Sadie Ally and the Ally Family. Sadie is bravely fighting Wilms’ Tumor cancer.

Tickets are $25.00 per person and children under 12 are FREE including Live Music, Food, Wine and Beer. Live Music by Ted Hammock, The 559, Drunken Clams and Either Way! Special Opening Ceremony by: Shamrock & Thistle Drum & Pipe Band. Food provided by: Spice Catering. 50/50 Raffle and Auction Items!

We formed a partnership with the Beach Haven Moose Riders 4 years ago at our Inaugural Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure motorcycle and classic car event. We had horrible weather that day with blowing winds, cold temperatures and sideways rain. However, the Beach Haven Moose Riders made the decision to ride no matter the conditions because they understood our patients affected by a cancer diagnosis needed their help and they were not going to let them down.

Please join us on Saturday September 10th for Sadie’s Day!!! 

4th Annual Island Gala Wrap-Up | Hope Under The Stars

Susie, Dawn, Bill, Lauren & Tina
Susie, Dawn, Bill, Lauren & Tina

THANK YOU – 4th Annual Island Gala Wrap-Up! 

We held our 4th Annual Island Gala “Hope Under the Stars” on Friday August 5th at the Sea Shell Resort & Beach Club. It was a beautiful night filled with HOPE Under the Stars!

The most critical information about David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation (DDBCF) was conveyed to the crowd by Co-Founder, David Caldarella during the opening ceremony. 634 Families battling cancer have been supported by DDBCF over the past 5.5 years. 312 families in the first 4 years of existence and 322 in the past 1.5 years. A group of friends set out to assist 1-2 patients affected by a cancer diagnosis per year. DDBCF is currently on pace to offer solely financial assistance to a patient/family every 1.46 days in 2016 and if you add in the emotional support and hope – that number rapidly drops to 1 patient/family per day! Truly an incredible milestone for the DDBCF Family and the supporters that make this “Generosity of Spirit” possible throughout the year! THANK YOU!

The highlight of the evening was hearing from Co-Founder of David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation (DDBCF); Tim Hall, Co-Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital; Dr. David Cognetti and 3 of the new Directors Patient of Advocacy for David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation: Dawn Aversa, Susie Buzby and Tina Angers. Tim spoke about the origin of DDBCF and in particular a story of Hope when his friend of 40 years David Caldarella was at his darkest point during his battle with stage IV head and neck cancer and one of his best friends Carmen Malatino created a CD of recorded voicemail’s from family, friends and Dr. David Cognetti encouraging David to Dream & Believe. Dr. Cognetti talked about his personal relationship with his patient David Caldarella and his recollection of the early stages of DDBCF all the way through today. Dawn, Susie and Tina spoke about their personal experiences with cancer as a caregiver in Dawn’s case and survivor’s in Susie and Tina’s and the positive impact DDBCF has had in their lives.

We want to start by thanking our partner and Platinum sponsors for the 4th Annual Island Gala: Informed Mortgage. Everybody in attendance heard David explain the planned giving initiative created by Informed Mortgage in collaboration with Dani Corso from Volatile Media Management and Communications Director for DDBCF. Informed Mortgage donates $25.00 per every closed loan out of their Manahawkin office to DDBCF. This partnership has resulted in planned giving donations of $27,500.00 to DDBCF from the Informed Mortgage team in Manahawkin, NJ. Please give them a call today for any of your mortgage or refi needs especially with all-time low interest rates!

Thank you to the Reynolds Family and Reynolds Garden Shop, Nursery, Floral Market and Landscaping for their continued support of DDBCF and their Gold Sponsorship of the 4th Annual Island Gala. The absolutely breathtaking “VIP” floral arrangements and stunning landscapes surrounding the “Hope Tiki Garden” were simply Amazing!

A special thank you to Tom Hughes, Jaimee Boyle and Brittany Solon from the Sea Shell Resort & Beach Club. This incredible family and their staff continue to care for this event as if it were an event for a family member and we cannot thank them enough.

The artwork and graphics for the event including flyers, posters and invites were all beautifully done by Dawn and Peter from Swing Graphics. We want to thank Typestries and Copyrite for all of our printing needs. Thank you to LeAnna Gerety from LeAnna Theresa Photography and Tony Coon from Darn Swell Media for the photography and video.

Thank you to our our auction donors who consistently support DDBCF: Ann Coen Photography, Black-eyed Susan’s, Mario’s Italian Market, Brighton Beach Surf Shop, Martinelli Family, Mario Dicesare, Beirne Family, Shore Brake Cyclery, It’s a Good Life Gift Boutique, Tierno Family, Tula the Boutique, Reynolds Family, Panzone’s Pizza & Pasta, Crisalli Family, Dawn Simon, Bunkerfish Design, The Wandering Gypsea, Project Erin, The Makers Festival, Jetty, SwellColors Glass Studio & Gallery, Oliver Anne Boutique, Living Acupuncture & Healing Arts Center, Biester Family, Jhon Jhon Institute, Simply Hair & Nails, IQ Nails, Unique Embroidery & Designs, Here’s Hough, Bay Magazine, Conforti Family, Brooke Mesanko, Artifacts & Company, Body In Mind Massage Institute, Golf Event Management Company.

Our Board of Directors and volunteers are second to none and this event puts their selfless giving for our families battling cancer on center stage. Their generosity of spirit for the families of DDBCF battling a cancer diagnosis goes far beyond, “Paying it Forward” and for that we love them!

Thank you to our guests and sponsors. You are “Vehicles of Hope” to so many!

Platinum Sponsors:
Informed Mortgage & Bill & Kirsten Jordan

Gold Sponsors:
Reynolds Landscaping, D. Finelli Construction & Southern Ocean Medical Center

Silver Sponsors:
Thomas V. Massa DMD & Associates, Paul Jr. Designs, Ocean First Bank/Ocean First Foundation & Dan & Karen Raugh

Bronze Sponsors:
Panzone’s Pizza, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Lou’s Electric, Anderson Insurance Agency, G. Anderson Agency, Walt McCollum Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, SOMC Foundation, The Van Dyk Group, Lumby Family, Bruce & Beth Fisher, Invisalign, Perry & Barbara Kaplan, Phillip & Christine Kaputa, John & Dee Vanderslice, Brandon Systems, Zelus Consulting Group & Rue Insurance.

Mark your calendars now for the 5th Annual Island Gala on Friday August 4th 2017!