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!

Registration

Sponsorship Form

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

5th Annual Cruisin Wrap-Up

5th Annual Cruisin Wrap-Up

5th Annual Cruisin Wrap-Up

We want to thank the entire Panzone Family for their friendship, service and support for David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation, this event and our mission of mission of HOPE for families affected by a cancer diagnosis throughout the year! We renamed this event in 2013 to honor Frank’s commitment to his family, community and desire to help families battling cancer. As a Foundation, we are proud to have this event in Frank’s honor and so grateful to have his family by our side. A special thanks to Kristin and Jillian for all their support behind the scenes on this event.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor for the second year in a row: Barlow Buick GMC of Manahawkin. We are blessed with positive partnerships within the business community and we are so grateful to have the Barlow Family in our corner. We increased our sponsor total from a year ago by another 13 businesses bringing this year’s total to 62 sponsors. We cannot thank you enough for supporting our mission and serving as A Beacon of Hope with DDBCF.

We want to thank our local businesses who donated their time and amazing food to our event including: Panzone’s Pizza, Sunny Rae’s Kitchen    and Manhattan Bagel of Manahawkin Our delicious cake was donated by our friends at Moester’s Bakery! A huge thank you to Danielle and staff at our host venue for the 4th year in a row, Joe Pop’s Shore Bar & Restaurant. Danielle and the staff go above and beyond every single year and did so once again this year. We are grateful that Live Music was once again provided by local musicians including Southern Regional High School students; Wet Metal Band and our hometown favorites who have played every single year of this event for 5 years: Jason Booth and Ted Hammock. Thank you to our friends from Party Crashers Gaming Trailer and Sprinkles the Clown who both donated their business and personal time.

A special shout-out to Officer Kevin Snow and Chief Robert Burnaford from the Harvey Cedars Police Dept. and all the Police Dept.’s that lined up to support our ride this year! Thank you to our motorcycle and classic car friends for your continued support of this event.

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. The entire list of thank you’s are featured in the image below from our Director Kristin Panzone.

Thank you to the men, women and families that continually support our events. Your generosity of spirit knows no boundaries and we love you for it!

Here are some of Ryan Johnson’s amazing images from our 5th Annual but click here to see more.

2017 Cruisin Wrap-Up

5th Annual Cruisin Wrap-Up

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!

 

panzones-pizza

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

2016 Major Milestones

2016 Major Milestones

2016 Major Milestones:

  1. DDBCF provided direct financial assistance to 244 families, while countless more received emotional support, services and hope.
  2. A record-breaking $215,457.97 in ​Direct ​Financial Grants​ were distributed.
  3. DDBCF established a new Directors of Patient Advocacy Board, consisting of: patients, caregivers and medical personnel.
  4. ​Two new and highly successful DDBCF fundraising events were established in 2016:
    a) The ​Inaugural Frank ​A. Cosimano Memorial ​Golf Classic presented by: Bergen Risk Managers ​and
    b) Shave the Date presented by: Swing Graphics
  5. The incredibly generous team from Informed Mortgage’s planned giving initiative set an all-time DDBCF record for Giving with an astounding $24,375.00 donated in the year 2016!
  6. DDBCF welcomed 2 returning members back to the Board of Directors; Carmen Malatino and Kelly Powers; while three new Board Members Jason Cosimano, Steve Crisalli and former Director of Patient Advocacy Bill Raney were invited to serve as well. ​Office space for the Foundation was secured at 364 North Main Street, Suite 10D in Manahawkin, NJ.
  7. ​Director of Patient Advocacy; Lauren M. Raney (7/28/1977-12/16/2016) was appointed by the Board of Directors as our Inaugural Trustee Emeritus.

2011 – 2016: 763 Families battling a cancer diagnosis have received $621,813.06 in Financial Grants! 

All of us at David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation want to thank our patients and their families for inspiring us each and every day. It was an extremely difficult end to 2016 with the passing of so many loved ones and friends of DDBCF including: Mallory, Anthony, Virginia, Melissa, Michael, Phyllis, Layard, Alice, Patricia and Lauren. Our thoughts, prayers and love remain with all of these families. In the midst of her own battle with cancer, Lauren Raney proudly served as an original member of our Directors of Patient Advocacy Board in hopes that she could offer support to other patients battling this deadly disease. What Lauren may not have realized before her passing on December 16th is that she not only offered our current patients support and hope but lifted the spirits of any and every person that was blessed to have crossed paths with her.. On December 20th 2016, the DDBCF Board of Directors unanimously voted to appoint Lauren M. Raney as our first ever Trustee Emeritus. Lauren will be forever honored for her service as a Director of Patient Advocacy while all of us trust that she will eternally watch over and guide us on this journey.

Thank you to our Executive Partners at Informed Mortgage. Informed Mortgage’s planned giving initiative has set a high standard for charitable giving thanks to the efforts of Stephen, Christopher, Michael, Informed Mortgage Staff and all their customers.

Thank you to our community partners, sponsors, auction donors and volunteers!

Thank you to the parents and kids from our youth group, Generation Dream. This motivated, talented and compassionate group of kids are determined to make a positive impact in the lives of our patients and their families.

Thank you to students from our Southern Regional High School group led by teachers Ms. Rebecca Posch and Mrs Jody McLennan.

Thank you to our community partners, Dawn and Pete from Swing Graphics and Ryan Johnson from Ryan Johnson Photography for their help with photo, images and multiple revisions to content.

A special thank you to our Board of Directors (Steve Crisalli, Dani Corso, Kristin Panzone, Bill Raney, Kelly Powers, Jason Cosimano, Tim Hall) who serve the mission of the Foundation on a 100% volunteer basis!

Please take a minute to look back on 2016 with us in the attached summary of accomplishments. Please know that if you attended one of our events, donated an auction item, sponsored an event, volunteered or made an individual donation – YOU are responsible for providing HOPE to a family diagnosed with cancer that desperately needs our help. THANK YOU! Our Mantra for 2017 is: #WeWill

David Caldarella, Stage IV cancer Survivor

2016 Major Milestones

The Inaugural Frank A. Cosimano Memorial Golf Classic Wrap-Up

White Beeches Golf & Country Club Wrap-Up
White Beeches Golf & Country Club

The Inaugural Frank A. Cosimano Memorial Golf Classic Presented by: Bergen Risk Managers, Otterstedt Insurance Agency and The Joseph C Parisi Sr. Charitable Foundation to benefit: David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation

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 all of our Sponsors starting with our Presenting Sponsors: Bergen Risk Managers, Otterstedt Insurance Agency and The Joseph C Parisi Sr. Charitable Foundation. Thank you to our Titanium Sponsors: The Guardians Family Trust, The Rehabilitation Institute of New Jersey & Dr. Robert Siconolfi, Meese Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center & Dr. Michael Meese and IGEA Brain & Spine and Dr. Ciro Randazzo. Thank you to our Gold Sponsors: Otterstedt Insurance Agency (Pompton Plains), Insurance Design Administrators, Professional Insurance Associates and Neglia Engineering Associates. Thank you to our Silver Sponsors: Keenan and Doris LLC, Robert McGuire, Paramus Medical & Sports Rehabilitation Center, Brownstone Catering, Hackensack University Medical Center, John & Sara Faliveno, Panzone’s Pizza and The Jetty Rock Foundation. Thank you to all of our Bronze and Copper Sponsors. A special thank you to our “Hole in One” partners at Cadillac of Mahwah.

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!

Golf Pictures from Ryan Johnson Photography

Thank you from all of us at David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation and the Cosimano/Caldarella Families!

See you in 2017 for the 2nd Annual Frank A. Cosimano Memorial Golf Classic

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!