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! 

Barlow Buick GMC in Manahawkin | Cruisin for a Cure

Barlow Buick GMC in Manahawkin

 

We want to thank the Barlow Family and Staff at Barlow Buick GMC in Manahawkin for stepping up this year as the First-Ever Presenting Sponsor for the 4th Annual Frank V. Panzone Jr. Memorial Cruisin for a Cure on Sunday May 1st! We appreciate their commitment to support the families of David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation battling a cancer diagnosis.

We cannot stress this enough but please support the businesses like Barlow Buick GMC in Manahawkin that make it a priority throughout the year to support our families affected by a cancer diagnosis.

Thank you to the Barlow Family and Staff at Barlow Buick GMC in Manahawkin!

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

2nd Annual Survival of the Mills Wrap-Up | David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation

Survival of the Mills
Survival of the Mills

Our 2nd Annual Survival of the Mills on Sunday October 11, 2015 brought together athletes, volunteers and sponsors for a “One of a Kind” race to benefit David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation.

We want to thank our friend & Race Director Ross Reynolds from Trident Multisport for another amazing race. Ross puts in a yeoman  effort prior to the event and the athlete’s can visibly see the attention to detail on race day. Ross knows that perspective very well being a multisport athlete himself (very good one at that) and he takes pride in creating a well-run event for fellow athletes!

Thank you to all the amazing volunteers and there were plenty of you for the 2nd Annual Survival of the Mills. A special thanks to Ross’s wife Marissa for managing registration in 36’ degree temps early on race day and managing the various aspects of the after party and awards ceremony. Thank you to Tommy Craig for working on course set-up with Ross Reynolds and overall management of race logistics. Thank you to Cathy Deely for working our race packet pickup on Saturday and road detail on race day. Thank you to DDBCF Board of Director members Kim Manzella and Dani Corso for working packet pickup, water stations, transition area and road detail. Our Board of Director members serve on a 100% volunteer basis in order to direct the largest percentage of funds back to our families battling a cancer diagnosis.

We want to acknowledge the presence of two youth groups at our 2nd Annual Survival of the Mills. The youth group for DDBCF called Generation Dream manned the water stations and swim transition area. Kai Manzella from Generation Dream even spent his birthday with us volunteering during the race. Our newest partner is our DDBCF student group from Southern Regional High School. Ms. Rebecca Posch led a contingent of 16 students helping out all day with various tasks. Awesome Job to both of these amazing youth groups! A special thank you to Mikaela McGovern for singing a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

We want to thank our sponsors who make a conscious decision to support the Foundation throughout the year understanding that their efforts have a direct impact on the lives of families affected by a cancer diagnosis. Ocean Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine, Informed Mortgage, Thomas V. Mass DMD and Associates, Volatile Media Management, Panzone’s Pizza, Swing Graphics, Barlow Buick GMC, Thompson Healthcare & Sports Medicine, Fusaro’s Pizza, Shore Promotions, LBI PBA #175, Ocean County Sheriff, Waretown First Aid Department, Walt McCollum Plumbing Heating & Cooling, The Arlington, DQ Events, Road ID, Ocean County Parks & Recreation, Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation and Wells Mills County Park.

A special thanks to our athletes who braved some “brisk” early morning temperatures but certainly understood the greater meaning behind this race and inspired us all with their efforts!

The end result of a successful race is that our patients will be the ultimate winners thanks to the efforts of so many today! Thank you from all of us at David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation and see you next year!

 “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have!”

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

Bengal Block Party | Barnegat High School | David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation

Bengal Block Party
Bengal Block Party

We are beyond excited for our Bengal Block Party at Barnegat High School on Friday May 15th! The event will take place from 4-10pm. This event has been in the making for a couple of years and we want to thank Teacher Ms. Schuler from Barnegat High School and her Interact Team for making it a reality.

Please join David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation for this Community-Wide event, supported by our friends at Jetty, featuring: Live Music (5 Bands), DJ, Light Show, Food, Vendors, Bouncy House, Games, Activities and a Walkathon!

We are thrilled to have students from Stockton University Service-Learning Program involved in our Bengal Block Party. The Stockton University Service-Learning Program is dedicated to Service with a Purpose!

We want to thank our friends at Jetty  for supporting the Bengal Block Party!

 

There is a $10.00 admission donation to enter the Bengal Block Party. Kids 10 and under are free! 

 

Bengal Block Party Team Sign-Up

Bengal Block Party Fundraising Form

Bengal Block Party Sponsorship Form

Bengal Block Party Vendor Form

Bengal Block Party Waiver Form

Bengal Block Party
Bengal Block Party

Crabbin for a Cure Wrap-Up!

Crabbin for a Cure

 

The weather outside may have been frightful but the positive vibes and energy inside Mud City Crab House on Wednesday night were electric for our 4th Annual Crabbin for a Cure to benefit David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation.

We need to start with our hosts, owners and friends of Mud City Crab House: Melanie & Eric Magaziner and Ginna, Brianna & Bob Nugent. Our friendship with this crew started almost 25 years ago and was reignited during the 2011 Jetty Coquina Jam. They have been faithful supporters of the Foundation since day one and are responsible for our second longest running event with Crabbin for a Cure. Melanie Magaziner is going on her 3rd year as Vice President of David’s Dream & Believe and we appreciate the combined efforts from Melanie and Eric. Simply put, we would not have been able to assist the amount of families we have in the past 3.5 years without their support and friendship.

The Staff at Mud City Crab House is FAMILY! There are many reasons for the long waits to eat at this local landmark since the Magaziner and Nugent families opened the doors. However, we believe the amazing staff is tied at the top of that list with the incredible food. This amazing staff has volunteered their time and donated their tips back to the Foundation every year!

Our 4th Annual Crabbin for a Cure did not have an auction this year and there was a very good reason for that. Crabbin for a Cure has been a locals event since year one. It allows for local business owners and families to join together for a relaxing dinner with amazing friends after a long and very busy summer.  We value and appreciate the continued efforts throughout the year from those same local businesses and local families that allow us to carry out the mission of the Foundation. We want our supporters to know you mean the world to us!

Crabbin for Cure was created during a lunch meeting between Melanie, Eric, David and Jeremy from Jetty. We want to thank all of our sponsors starting with our longest local sponsor Jetty. Thank you: Jackie & Bill McCabe, Ocean Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Wellness Center, Sally’s Shrimp & Seafood, Panzone’s Pizza, Reynolds Landscaping, Anderson Insurance Agency, Thomas V Massa DMD & Associates, Walt McCollum Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Price Home Group, Art Puzziferro Builder, The Ruemeli Family, Ann Coen Photography, Speakeasy Pizzeria, Tuckerton Lumber Co. and Potts Excavating!

A special thank you to Kerry Beetel and his students from Piece of the Puzzle for making and donating the yummy homemade ice cream for dessert!

See you next year!

Survival of the Mills presented by Ocean Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Wellness Center

Survival of the Mills
Survival of the Mills

It’s always difficult to come up with the words to describe a new event because you cannot just say, “You had to be there.” It feels like we’ve been saying that a lot lately with last weekend’s Sing for Hope and now today’s Survival of the Mills! We try to maintain a healthy balance of diverse events so there is something for everybody while not wearing out our welcome. We are always mindful that your support comes directly from your hard work and we NEVER take that for granted!

Survival of the Mills was created by my friend and our race director Ross Reynolds. Ross and I had a conversation about doing an event together about a year ago when I saw Ross and his wife Marissa having dinner at Mud City Crab House. 12 months of planning and hard work by Ross resulted in an amazing day for the participants. Ross worked so hard on every aspect of this event to ensure it ran smoothly, was challenging and safe for everybody, and the participants all had fun. Mission accomplished! Thank you so much Ross!

However, Ross and I both know that an event like this one does not just happen without the incredible efforts from a Team of Volunteers! Since our inception as a Foundation in 2010, we have maintained that our David’s Dream & Believe volunteers are simply the best and today only confirmed that fact. Not only do we preach to the public that we have the best volunteers but we practice what we preach. President Tim Hall volunteered all weekend helping with set-up and breakdown in between competing and placing 16th overall in the triathlon! Our secretary Kelly Powers competed in the 5K today! Our event Directors and Survival of the Mills Sponsor Kristin Panzone and Jillian Elsasser (Panzone’s Pizza) and communications Director Danielle Corso managed the cycling turnarounds! Our youth Director and Main Event Sponsor Kim Manzella (Ocean Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Wellness Center) and her family managed the water stations! Our Directors serve the Foundation on a completely volunteer basis and their efforts are extraordinary on a daily basis not just event days! Thank you!

Thank you to our youth group Generation Dream families that manned the water stations & managed some of the race logistics for us today! We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedules to support the Foundation & we love the kids who continue to “Pay it Forward!”

A special thank you to Ross’s wife Marissa for all her efforts supporting today’s event. Thank you to Tommy Craig for assisting Ross with all the race set-up and logistics.  Thank you to our sponsors for their ongoing generosity and to Fusaro’s for the incredible after-race spread which so many participants raved about.  A special thanks to our host, Wells Mill County Park and their staff, who delivered an incredible experience taking us off the beaten path of typical triathlons, duathlons, and 5k races.

Thank you to all the participants for competing today! We heard from cancer survivors participating in the event throughout the day and your courage inspires us!

The end result of a successful race is that our patients will be the ultimate winners! Thank you from all of us at David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation and see you next year!

 

 “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have!”