It has been an extremely busy year and we want to take this opportunity to provide a few updates regarding David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation (DD&BCF).
As an aside, this blog and all additional DD&BCF information can now be found on our newly revamped website at https://www.davidsdreamandbelieve.org/ . We want to thank Michael Schratz and his team of designers as well as Jeremy Defilippis from Jetty for all their support with the redesigned website.
Charitable Gift Contributions:
There was no question in my mind as to where we would start this final update for 2011. I’ve been very fortunate to have given a few speeches at Bristol Myers Squibb and American Cancer Society throughout this past year as well as visiting many individuals/families affected with a cancer diagnosis. I’ve recited this quote from author Kahlil Gibran each time “Kindness is the shadow of God in Man”! This was never more evident than during my battle with stage IV oropharyngeal cancer last year. It occurred again this year by the selfless giving of the many donors, sponsors, volunteers and supporters of DD&BCF. I’m humbled to announce that in our first year of existence, YOU have made it possible for DD&BCF to deliver $15,000.00 to cancer research and an additional $30,000.00 has gone directly to individual cancer patients and their families fighting this dreaded disease.
These charitable donations have reached individual patients in NJ, NY, PA, CT, FL, IL, OR, TX and Costa Rica. We have been recommended to patients by Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Patient Advocate Foundation and Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
DD&BCF Organizational Item:
We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of Meigan Kelly, Kevin Price, Carmelo Malatino, Pat Manzi and John Shamsey over the past year. We would not be where we are today as a foundation without your selfless dedication and we look forward to your continued support of DD&BCF. Today, Timothy A. Hall serves as Vice- President & Treasurer and Joan Caldarella is the secretary for the Foundation.
DD&BCF “2012 Call To Action”:
It has always been my goal to hold only one DD&BCF event per year and now with the help of Jetty and Mud City – that has become a reality. I’m asking YOU (our supporters) to get creative and hold your own fundraising activities on behalf of DD&BCF from now until our 2nd Annual DD&BCF LBI Summer Kick off BBQ June 2012 (Exact Date TBD). Please email any ideas and proposed dates for future events to info@davidsdreamandbelieve.org. I will try to attend as many of these events as possible. The Foundation will lend as much additional support as needed including our 501c3 documentation, informational flyers, t-shirts and wristbands. You can always just show up at the BBQ and make a donation! The weekend of April 28th is booked for Louisville, KY. I will be attending a “Bonfire Benefit BBQ” put on by 8th grader Ashley Hall.
DD&BCF, Jetty & Mud City Crab House:
I was asked by friend and co-owner of Jetty (Jeremy DeFilippis) for DD&BCF to be a part of the Coquina Jam in August. The Coquina Jam is an all-female surf contest that raises money for breast cancer. Jeremy and co-owner Cory Higgins wanted DD&BCF involved so the money raised could go directly to 3 local and courageous women at various stages of their battle with breast cancer. The event went off flawlessly with some incredible surfing, positive vibes all day and most importantly a wonderful turnout regarding donations. Thanks to Jetty, its sponsors and over 500+ people on the beach that day – we were able to fundraise 7 times the amount from the previous year bringing the total donations to over $8,000.00.
See you August 2012 for the 4th Annual Coquina Jam.
On or about October 1st, I was having dinner at Mud City Crab House with Jeremy, Melanie and Eric Magaziner who are co-owners of Mud City Crab House. Jetty and DD&BCF just completed a successful joint venture for the Coquina Jam and I wanted to share my thoughts on the future for DD&BCF. Melanie and Eric expressed their interest in creating an event to benefit DD&BCF because they had a dear friend battling cancer in need of financial assistance. Not to mention, Eric is a fellow survivor and I had many conversations with Eric about our shared but different battles with cancer. He and Melanie have first-hand experience with not only the physical assault on your body that takes place after a cancer diagnosis but the emotional trials that are just as formidable a foe during a cancer battle. We agreed to put on a tri-sponsored (Mud City, Jetty and DD&BCF) event at Mud City with the help of co-owners Ginna and Bob Nugent. The 1st Annual Crabbin For A Cure event took place less than 30 days later. Thanks are due to the co-owners of Mud City especially Eric/Melanie who were dealing with some unexpected and serious health issues of Eric’s right up until days/hours before the event; despite these circumstances, Eric was in the kitchen the entire night of the event. The staff, volunteers, sponsors and attendees who made this event a reality, with only 30 days’ notice, are responsible for over $17,000.00 in donations. See you November 2012 for the 2nd Annual Crabbin for a Cure.
The union of DD&BCF, Jetty and Mud City Crab House proved to be an unstoppable and positive force of energy. We cannot thank you and your staffs enough for supporting the Foundation and our mission. We look forward to “Saving Lives by Fighting Cancer Together”!
Personal Note:
Lastly, I want to personally thank the individual patients and families affected by cancer that have welcomed me into their homes and I’ve talked to on the phone over the past year. Your Courage, Hope, Love and Faith inspires me on a daily basis.
Dream and Believe,
David Christian Caldarella
President and Founder
David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation
www.davidsdreamandbelieve.org
A Note from Tim Hall:
I am amazed by what David and the supporters of DD&BCF achieved since December 2011. From the kick off gathering to the most recent Crabbin for a Cure event, the foundation has been able to make a difference in the lives of many people. With the contributions received, we have had a chance to witness Dave and DD&BCF provide Hope to people in what some might consider hopeless situations. Without Hope, giving in comes too quickly. With Hope, people are inspired and battles are won!
I feel blessed to be so close to something that is touching the hearts of people in need. We hope you will join us in maintaining the momentum that is behind DD&BCF. We will strive to be the “shadow of God in Man” as we pursue our mission, Saving Lives by Fighting Cancer Together!
