The Tomorrow Fund’s
34th Annual Gala Takes on “Roaring 20s” Theme By Mark Berger The Tomorrow Fund, the only local nonprofit organization that provides daily financial and emotional support to children with cancer and to their families, will be holding its 34th Annual Gala to further raise awareness and funds toward its mission. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, November 5th, at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston. The night will feature a live and silent auction, dinner, and dancing all in an effort to raise further awareness and resources to help children battling cancer. Executive Director Lisa Abbenante said their signature event typically draws over 500 guests; however, to allow for comfortable distancing, the event will be capped at less than 500. Other activities and surprises are also planned for during the evening. This year’s theme is “A Toast To The Twenties” with GQ and the Lady providing the musical entertainment. Abbenante said, “they’ve already received inquiries regarding the event, and expects quite a few guests will be dressed in themed attire.” “We are so fortunate to have a dedicated group of people ranging from the office and medical staff to
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volunteers, all enabling families to focus on their child’s treatment,” said Abbenante, “We are a separate and independent organization, relying solely on fundraisers, grants and the generosity of the community for funding as we support every child diagnosed with Cancer who is treated at Hasbro Children’s Hospital (in Providence).” Abbenante said the financial, physical, and emotional toll cancer places on families can be monumental. Not only does the patient face challenges, but so does the family, including the responsibility to ensure their child attends each and every appointment and treatment session. This can be both exhausting and financially draining. For example, parking would cost thousands of dollars for families. Fortunately, The Tomorrow Fund provides paid parking defraying those costs, from the time of diagnosis throughout the duration of their treatment, said Abbenante. One of the emotional programs The Tomorrow Fund provides is a weeklong summer camp for patients and their siblings that involve various activities and special events. Part of The Tomorrow Fund’s goal is taking the entire family into consideration when it comes to treatment and programs, she added. “Siblings often feel not only left out, but anxious and overwhelmed by the entire process,” Abbenante said. “In an effort to maintain family bonds, we offer many family activities that involve everyone.”
