On Friday December 2nd, David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation reached $200,000.00 in grant donations for the calendar year of 2016 for the first time in our six-year existence. This major milestone is staggering and sobering at the same time. 226 Families are the recipients of the $200,558.24 in grant assistance. Our patients in 2016 range in ages from an 18-month-old girl from Manahawkin to an 84-year-old woman from Ocean Township. Assistance is provided in the form of financial grants including: rent, mortgage, utilities, medical, transportation, groceries and most importantly HOPE in the form of compassion, generosity and love!
$200,000.00 in grant donations for our patients battling a cancer diagnosis are a blessing and lifeline but this “Generosity of Spirit” would not be possible without the support from: our completely volunteer Board of Directors present & past, our Directors of Patient Advocacy, volunteers, individual donors, business sponsors, our youth group Generation Dream & their parents, our Southern Regional High School student group and many more. Most importantly the patients & families who inspire all of us on a daily basis!
We realize the patient grant applications continue to increase at an alarming rate but we also see the passionate, growing and energized team forming alongside David’s Dream & Believe ready to support those families in their darkest of times. We Appreciate You & Thank You!
$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.
Thanks to the generosity of so many caring individuals and businesses, 700+ families battling a cancer diagnosis have been offered financial assistance, services and most importantly HOPE through David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation in the past 6 years but we need your help now more than ever! The patient grant applications continue to increase at an alarming rate while showing no signs of slowing down.
Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 and in 2015, $116 Million dollars were donated to charities across the world. This year, David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation will direct 100% of the proceeds from Giving Tuesday to local New Jersey families battling a cancer diagnosis. If you would like to designate a specific family for your donation – please write the full name of the patient/family and their address in the notes section of our Giving Tuesday Donation Transaction. Click Here: Giving Tuesday!
We have a Pancake Breakfast with Santa this Sunday December 4th at TGI Friday’s in Manahawkin between 8-11am but our next major event is not until our 5th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure on Sunday May 7th. Whether you are looking for a final write-off for 2016, want to make a donation to a specific family or want to show your support for David’s Dream & Believe: Please think about donating to David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation this Giving Tuesday on November 29th. As always, we thank you for your continued support and if you are looking to get more involved or want to learn about our Planned Giving initiative, Please contact Co-Founder David Caldarella at: david@davidsdreamandbelieve.org
Congratulations to Donna Carlson (Second Prize) and Tiffany Johnson (First Prize) on winning our 1st Annual Thanksgiving Day Mega 50/50 Cash Raffle!
Thank you to everybody that purchased a raffle ticket either individually or through a sponsorship of one of our 2016 events. Your support and generosity of spirit affords us the opportunity to offer financial assistance, services and most importantly HOPE to families battling a cancer diagnosis.
Congrats to our two winners, thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday October 11, 2016 was a very special day at The Inaugural Frank A. Cosimano Memorial Golf classic to benefit: David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation. The Cosimano and Caldarella families have a friendship that spans decades. 90 Golfers and 140 dinner guests joined us at White Beeches Golf & Country Club to honor Mr. Frank A. Cosimano while “Paying it Forward” in Mr. Cosimano’s name. The end result was an incredible $30,500.66 raised for our families battling a cancer diagnosis!
A Huge Thank You to Jason Cosimano, Kim Cosimano and Mrs. Angela Cosimano for serving as Co-Chairs for this event. Our newest Director, Jason Cosimano is a welcome addition to the DDBCF team and our families battling a cancer diagnosis will benefit greatly from Jason’s commitment to serve on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Thank you to Jason’s wife Dorothy for her support behind the scenes.
Thank you to our Golf Committee: Dr. Robert Siconolfi, Mr. Leonard Kaiser, Mr. Stephen P. Sinisi Esq., Mr. Michael Accomando, Mr. Todd Accomando, Mrs. Jaqueline Ceccarelli-Komsa, Mr. Ed Komsa, Mrs. Lauren Komsa Curtis, Mr. John Curtis and Mrs. Christina Ulmer. We could not have coordinated this event without the support, time and efforts of the Golf Committee.
Thank you to Greg Porcino from Golf Event Management. Greg and David Caldarella started to discuss the possibility of a golf event to honor Frank A. Cosimano in late 2015 before David brought the idea to Jason, Kim and Mrs. Cosimano. Greg has played a pivotal role in bringing his expertise to this first time event.
Thank you to the incredible staff at White Beeches Golf & Country Club especially: Manny Gonzalez, Jeff Cincotta, Bryan Romagnol, Anthony Addas and long-time friends of the Cosimano and Caldarella families: Lauren McGovern and Jim McGovern.
Thank you to our Emcee Extraordinaire, James Donahower. Thank you to Tony Coon from Darn Swell Media for video and Ryan Johnson from Ryan Johnson Photography for our photo’s.
Thank you to our 90 golfers and 140 dinner guests for taking time out of your busy lives to spend it with us to support our families battling a cancer diagnosis. Congratulations to Jeremy DeFilippis, Cory Higgins and Jeff Ervin for winning First Place in the scramble. We hope everybody enjoyed themselves and hope to see you next year.
We are often reminded that our volunteers are the best in the land and this day was no different. Thank you to Board of Director Dani Corso for not only sponsoring the event through her company Volatile Media Management but for volunteering with her assistant Paula Blase from 9am to 9pm. They were joined by Carmen Malatino who was the first person on site the day of the event and last to leave with Co-Founder David Caldarella at the end of the evening. Carmen played a critical role in establishing David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation 6 years ago and has a friendship with David for close to 40 years. Our volunteers devote their time on a 100% volunteer basis and we are so grateful for their support!
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
9 year old Braeden Shaffery from Manahawkin, New Jersey wanted to make a difference in the lives of local families battling a cancer diagnosis. Braeden is a member of David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation’s youth group: Generation Dream and attends McKinley Elementary School in Manahawkin. He asked his parents Patrick and Michele Shaffery if he could donate the proceeds from a yard sale made up mostly of his toys, games, books and clothes to David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation. Braeden took the initiative to ask family, friends and neighbors for donations on top of the yard sale. Braeden was very determined and set lofty goals for himself. We always preach that the smallest ripple can create a tidal wave and Braeden took this mantra to heart.
Braeden Shaffery raised a staggering $900.00 with his fundraising efforts! Braeden is a shining example that compassion, generosity of spirit and love comes in all sizes. A special thank you to Braeden’s mom and dad.
On behalf of all of us at David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation and most importantly our families battling a cancer diagnosis, Thank You Braeden Shaffery!
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!
The Law Office of William Wright presents: Survival of the Mills
Not surprisingly, the weather was absolutely horrendous for Survival of the Mills yesterday and was probably the worst weather for an event in DDBCF history including our Inaugural Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure back in 2013. Horrendous weather for a DDBCF event is “Kind of the Norm” but this event takes place entirely outside with athletes competing and volunteers in this weather for the better part of 3-8 hours. Temps never got above 55 degrees, winds were steady at 20mph with gusts hitting 30mph and steady to soaking downpours the entire day.
However, and this is a big HOWEVER, that did not stop over 100 athletes from competing and did not stop almost 30 volunteers from volunteering all day in that horrendous weather to benefit families battling a cancer diagnosis!!!
A HUGE thank you to Race Director Ross Reynolds from Trident Multisport and Southern Regional Middle School for creating, managing and directing a fantastic event in extremely difficult conditions. Thank you to Ross’s wife Marissa for her continued support and event day management. This event would not be possible without the combined support from Ross and Marissa Reynolds.
Thank you to Rebecca Posch who is a teacher at Southern Regional High School and one of the moderator’s for our David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation student group at SRHS. Rebecca volunteered all day along with approx. 25 students from our SRHS group. This was not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination so thank you very much.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor: The Law Office of William Wright. It was a family affair at Survival of the Mills for the Wright family. Bill finished first in his age group for the triathlon, his dad Dave finished second in his age group for the duathlon and Bill’s uncle Joe finished first in his age group for the duathlon. Bill and his staff at The Law Office of William Wright are the newest members of our Community Partner level of sponsorship. This level is reserved for businesses committed to the mission of David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation with combined efforts of: financial sponsorship, raising awareness and volunteerism in excess of $10,000.00.
We want to thank all the sponsors for Survival of the Mills including our financial and food sponsorships. Thank you to Donna Carlson for all her support securing food donations, transporting them to and from and setting up our race-day food and beverage. Thank you to Pete and Dawn from Swing Graphics for creating all the graphic design for the event. Thank you to Ken Sullivan from Shore Promotions for our event shirt.
A special thanks to the 100 athletes that not only endured a challenging 5-stage triathlon, 5-stage duathlon or 5K course but extremely difficult and horrendous weather conditions. The tag line for this event is: You never know how Strong you are until being Strong is the Only choice You have. Our patients and their families battling a cancer diagnosis don’t have a choice in their battle against a cancer.
THANK YOU to everybody involved in Survival of the Mills including: race director, volunteers, athletes and sponsors who woke up and decided to make a difference in the life of a family battling a cancer diagnosis.
Yoga for Women: A Cancer Recovery Workshop is a brand new 4 week partnership between Liquid Bliss Yoga and David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation. Ashley Quinn, owner of Liquid Bliss Yoga, is committed to providing the patients of David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation: support, serenity, peace and healing!
Yoga for Women: A Cancer Recovery Workshop is a 4 week program starting on Wednesday October 5th at 11am and meeting same day/time (10/5, 10/12, 10/19 & 10/26) the rest of October at Liquid Bliss Yoga in Harvey Cedars with a focus on healing. The instructor for this workshop will be our friend and breast cancer survivor Christina Stoltz. This program will explore gentle yoga, breathing and meditation.
Benefits include: Enhanced range of motion and flexibility, increased strength, stress relief, promotes lymph node flow and full body relaxation.
Please contact DDBCF Director Dani Corso: dani@davidsdreamandbelieve.org, if you would like more information or are unable to pay for the 4 week program but would really like to attend. David’s Dream & Believe will cover Workshop costs for female patients.
