FOKWC Fall Newsletter 2023 | Volume 32

Fall 2023 Newsletter | Volume 32

FAM I LI E S E NJ OY TH E

Fall Festival OVE R $350 K R AI S E D AT TH E

Fashion Show

C A R D I N A L S KI D S C A N C E R C E N T E R O FFE R S

Young Adult Support CO M M U NIT Y PARTN E R

Spotlights

O N T H E COV E R : J a r v i s t a ke s t h e m i c r o p h o n e t o t e l l a j o ke a t t h e 2 0 2 3 Fa s h i o n S h o w, w i t h S u s a n n e R o s e n b e r g , M o d e l E m c e e a n d B o a r d P r e s i d e n t .

OUR TE AM E X E C U TI V E B OA R D President Susanne Rosenberg Vice President Karen Korn Treasurer Joey Venturella Secretary Maura Garascia Emeritus* Scott Biermann

B OA R D M E M B E R S Jay Adams Kris Arneson Matt Biffignani Don Brown Jonathan Burke Katy Carson Merri Cross*

Friends of Kids with Cancer is devoted to enriching the daily lives of children undergoing treatment for, and survivors of, cancer and blood-related diseases.

Tony Godfrey Rick Henry Sharon Huber

A DV I S O RY B OA R D Dr. Robert Bergamini Dr. Gordon Gale Dr. Rob Hanson Marie Turner, MSN, RN, CPNP

Rick Lommel* Ryan Lommel Kathy Manganaro* Joe Reinberg Tom Russo Ed Schmid Margie Sedlack

H O N O R A RY B OA R D

Ben Turec*

Allen Brockman*

Jill Turec

Gene Deutsch

Susan Venincasa

Molly Henry*

Eric Vogel

Our mission is to be an advocate for these special kids

and provide them and their families with the educational, emotional and recreational support needed as a result of the long hours of chemotherapy, illness and isolation.

Dan McLaughlin Tom O’Neal

*PAST PRESIDENTS

Guy Phillips Gary Saettele

S TA FF Executive Director Brandy Bimslager Program Director Valerie Kennedy Lang, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C Program Coordinator Morgyn Johnson Clinical Program Facilitator Kelli McKee, MA, MTBC, NICU-MT Volunteer & Events Coordinator Kim Wisdom, MNA

Development Coordinator Eva Schuller, MPA Marketing & Communications Specialist Angela Hutchings Finance Manager Diane Voigt Office Administrator Jenny Amparán

314.275.7440 • friendsofkids.org 16 Sunnen Drive Suite 161 • St. Louis, MO • 63143

Friends of Kids with Cancer 1

@Friends_of_Kids

FALL

Fundraising E VENTS

ART FRO M TH E H E ART THIS EVENT RAISED OVER

$90,000

We cannot believe the generosity shown at this year’s event, helping us raise a record amount!

The 14th Annual Art from the Heart fundraiser and celebration paid honor to patient artists while raising funds to continue Art Therapy programming at our three partnering hospitals; Mercy, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

TO SUPPORT ART THERAPY.

The inspiring artwork ranged from adorable rainbows and cartoon characters to heartfelt sentiments with lyrics and poems. Every artist received a copy of the piece they created in their designated Art Therapy session for the show. We loved seeing their excitement as patrons bid on their artwork while enjoying the Arty Party Room full of fun and camaraderie just for the artists.

This event is made possible by our generous donors. The presenting sponsor, Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis, hosted the event in their beautiful dealership showroom. Thanks to our five framing partners, the artwork was expertly framed and brought a little extra something to each piece.

A special thank you to these framers: Arch Design, The Artery Custom Framing, TOC Artwork, Grafica Fine Art & Custom Framing, Dogtown Gallery & Frame Shop THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR SPONSOR & HOST

Photos donated by Amanda Sahaida’s Artistry Find her on Facebook & Instagram: @amandasahaida

FOR MORE PICTURES, VISIT FRIENDSOFKIDS.COM/ART Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

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FA S HIO N S H OW THIS EVENT RAISED OVER

$350,000.

The 29th Annual Fashion Show & Boutique was held on Thursday, November 2nd and brought in a grand total of over $350,000 to support Friends of Kids with Cancer’s programming. Patients were identified by our partnering hospitals and selected to become models in the show.

These patients and their families were treated to a special day of extravagant gifts, dress-up, make up, hair styling, and more at The Ritz-Carlton.

Each child walked the runway during both the luncheon and dinner shows, feeling confident and proud in their styled clothes, hair, and makeup, thanks to our kind partners and donors.

The kids were showered with personalized gifts, one-night stay in a luxury room at The Ritz-Carlton, and even time on the microphone as our emcee, Susanne Rosenberg, gave way for joke-telling and singing during the shows. The audience heard more than one rendition of the song “Diamonds,” by Rihanna.

In addition, Dillard’s—Galleria donated each model’s favorite outfit, so they can continue looking great even after the show.

In the audience were generous supporters, who clapped and cheered for our models and celebrity adult models.

Our special guest models included doctors, social workers, nurses, community supporters, St. Louis Cardinals players and alums Paul Goldschmidt, Tommy Edman, Andy Benes, Brad Thompson, and Andy Van Slyke, as well as St. Louis CITY SC players Michael Creek and Niko Gioacchini. St. Louis Blues announcers, John Kelly and Joey Vitale, walked the runway as well as our friends at Duo Dogs.

We raised over $350,000 from both shows through ticket sales, raffles, live and silent auctions, and other donations at the event thanks to our guests and virtual participants. The majority of this fundraising is courtesy of those who raised their paddles to donate during the Fund-a-Need portion of the show, facilitated by Adam Jokisch of Adam’s Auctions.

Guests enjoyed boutique shopping from a variety of local vendors and most did not leave empty-handed. A fun photo booth was also offered by Hart of the City Photo Booth.

Many supporters purchased VIP Rooftop Solarium tickets, which featured entertainment by the illusionist George Stanton, live music by Nikki Glenn, photo booth by Glow Booth, and tastings from Heirloom Bottling Co. There are so many people involved in making this event a success and we can’t thank them enough.

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Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR SPONSORS:

THANK YOU TO THE EVENT CO-CHAIRS Christy Hubbell Sarah Sordo McKenleigh Swailes

FOR MORE PICTURES, VISIT FRIENDSOFKIDS.COM/FASHIONSHOW

...and to all our event planning committee members!

Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

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PROG R AMS HIG HLIG HTS 28TH ANNUAL FALL FE S TIVAL AT G R ANT ’ S FARM

The Friends of Kids with Cancer Fall Festival kicked off the spooky season with over 600 guests at this private event at Grant’s Farm. Guests enjoyed a dance party, face painting, photo booth, candy and toy give-aways, big toy raffles, and visits from Star Wars characters, Disney princesses, and action heroes.

Grant’s Farm served up a great dinner, as well as park favorites, like goat feeding, carousel rides, animal viewings, haunted tram ride, a mad science show, and a scare zone.

There were no tricks in sight, but many faces were lit up under the spooky Halloween decorations as families were treated to a night of fun.

Families of all ages attended the event. Parents and even some teenagers were seen cutting a rug on the dance floor.

A special thank you to The 501st Legion Star Wars characters, Dream Time Princess Events, Hart of the City photo booth, DJ Shawn Titchenal, and Fancy Faces STL.

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Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

BACK-TO -SCHOOL AT THE MAG IC HOUSE Over 200 kids and their families ignited their imaginations inside The Magic House at this year’s Back-To-School party.

Friends brought together our families in preparation for the school year, providing families with school supplies and gift cards for their varying educational needs.

Young Friends of Kids with Cancer, our young professional volunteers, checked people in, distributed free goodies, and provided a meal and cold water on this hot summer day.

A special thank you to Rock Paper Sprinkles for the packaging of school supplies.

Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

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SUPPORTING ADOLE SCENTS & YOUNG ADULTS AT C ARDIN A L S KIDS C A NCER CEN TER A Friends of Kids with Cancer funded program that some might not know is the AYA Cardinals Young Adult Cancer Program. AYA stands for Adolescent Young Adult and refers to pediatric cancer patients who are high-school age or older. Many people we meet don’t realize that adults can be diagnosed with pediatric cancers, which leaves them in the peculiar position of being treated among children by pediatric cancer doctors, yet having the needs and capacities of an adult. Friends supports all referred pediatric cancer patients, regardless of age, through our various programs and services. “[These kids have] no concept of mortality, not expecting to get that kind of an illness and it knocks you flat.

The emotional-psychological aspect of that is devastating to patients,” said Dr. Robin Hanson, pediatric hematologist-oncologist and AYA Oncology Program Lead, often referred to as Dr. Rob. Dr. Rob compares the experience of an adolescent young adult cancer patient to the nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty. “It’s like Humpty Dumpty is

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on top of the wall, he falls off and he breaks, and you can’t put him back together,” he says. “[These AYA kids] feel broken in a way that cannot be fixed.”

He goes on to explain how the AYA program and Friends help prevent patients from feeling broken.

“What we hope to do with all the ways we support them is to lower Humpty Dumpty, pick him up and walk beside him.”

“What we hope to do with all the ways we support them is to lower Humpty Dumpty, pick him up and walk beside him. …[To] go on down the hill and keep them intact.”

He suggests that the Cardinals Young Adult Cancer Program helps lower the psychological impact of cancer during these vulnerable ages.

In Dr. Rob’s words, through support from Friends, professionals in the clinic like Laura Hanks, Education Specialist, Natasha Westrich Wood, Art Therapist,

Dr. Kurt Soell, Psychotherapist and Counselor, Anne Kosem, Life Coach, and Dr. Rob himself, “…the way [we] wrap around them and sustain them, you really can’t put words to how significant that is… I know that it’s real.

I know that it’s so important.”

Why AYA? In 2019, the formal Cardinals Young Adult Cancer Program began, meeting for a support group each and every month. Prior to this, pieces of the program were being implemented at the hospital, including a support group

Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

led by Dr. Kurt Soell and Friends cofounder, Jill Turec.

Psycho-social support like the support group is one of five pillars the Cardinals Young Adult Cancer Program addresses and one which Friends solely funds. Other pillars Friends supports are to address financial hardship and education and career support.

Cancer treatment can often be very expensive, take parents and working-age patients away from work, and require childcare for siblings.

These costs can add up and become a financial burden to families. Through Friends’ various gifts along a patient’s cancer journey, families are able to offset costs of educational, emotional, and recreational resources. These resources often come in the form of gift cards, therapies, educational tools, or comfort items that make their day a little better. Each and every gift and resource we offer to families and patients is at no cost to them. These resources are available to all three partner hospitals Cardinals Young Adult Cancer program patients often are still in school, whether that’s high school or higher learning. Some may choose to stay enrolled while some drop out.

When a patient returns to school, Dr. Rob explains it’s common for them to suddenly have a lot of challenges with resuming their educational track. With the help of Laura and Dr. Jim Russell, Neuropsychologist and Counselor, patients are assisted in successfully getting back to their school program.

If a patient is returning to work, often they need accommodation. Dr. Russell helps them assess what their abilities and challenges are and will work to advocate for them with their employer. Friends supports a life coach, Anne Kosem, often offered during the survivorship phase when, Dr. Rob explains, patients can often become “adrift”. The trajectory they planned for

their lives may suddenly no longer be available or no longer look as appealing as it did prior to diagnosis. Anne will meet with them frequently to help sort out what it is they want to do and what steps it will take to get there.

AYA Staycation

In the early days prior to the formation of the Cardinals Young Adult Cancer Program, Friends arranged for patient teen group vacations, traveling to Boston and other major cities. In 2018, Dr. Soell says they realized an overnight local outing, or “staycation,” would be more cost-effective while still reaching the goals of the trip.

Each year since, this Staycation has been planned by the Cardinals Young Adult Cancer Program team. Laura and Natasha create an itinerary full of activities to facilitate group bonding.

Traveling in the van together allows for further conversations and expression.

One of patients’ favorite parts of the AYA Staycation is spending the night at a local hotel in a “slumber party” atmosphere, playing games and talking.

Laura explains how important the AYA Staycation is to patients.

“It helps so much with the bonding among the group. We have our [support] groups every month but then to be able to leave Mercy [hospital] behind, leave most cancer talk behind, and just go have fun with people who understand what you’re going through …it just builds their friendships so much,” Laura says. “They get to know each other on a different level.”

“A lot of the teens and young adults will say one of the hardest parts of cancer is the isolation that they feel.”

“A lot of the teens and young adults will say one of the hardest parts of cancer is the isolation that they feel,” says Natasha. “They aren’t connecting with their friends who don’t understand what they’re going through. The support group is wonderful, but to [also] have the experience of Staycation where we’re doing all these fun things together is very powerful.”

Dr. Kurt Soell continues this sentiment. “[At] group, we talk about living life. For about 36 hours we get to live life,” he says. “[During AYA Staycation] they’re living life together, and there is something about it that is really powerful.”

At Friends of Kids with Cancer, our tagline is “Helping kids with cancer… be kids!” and to us, that means providing opportunities for patients to feel normal, to have experiences like many other people their age. This is why we provide big celebrations and seasonal parties – to allow for kids who may be missing out on school holiday parties, holidays at home, vacations with family, or making memories with friends. The AYA Staycation allows for teens and young adults to feel normal and supported among the people who understand them the most during this period in their lives.

“It’s not just that Friends steps in and helps. We absolutely couldn’t do this without Friends. I think the psychosocial part of it is foundational and … is the biggest aid. Friends one hundred percent is responsible for that,” said Dr. Rob. ▪

Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

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VOLUNTEER SP OTLIG HT JESSICA GALLEGOS

“It has given me the opportunity to help in a serviceable manner, that always fulfills my heart.”

How long have you been volunteering with Friends, and how did you get involved?

I’ve been volunteering with Friends since early this year. I’ve always wanted to service my community and Friends has amazed me 100% and stole my heart since day one. The first time I heard from Friends was through Instagram. I reached out to them, and the response was incredible. They made me part of the Volunteer Planning Committees and I have always felt welcomed.

What does volunteering mean to you?

Friends is an organization that has earned my respect, my admiration and mainly has given me a passion I didn’t know I had. It has given me the opportunity to help in a serviceable manner, that always fulfills my heart. Thanks to Friends, I now have a different perspective in life, and this is something I will be forever grateful for.

What is your favorite Friends activity or event?

Jessica was born and raised in Veracruz, Mexico—a tropical state where the beach was only a few blocks away from her house. She has been in St. Louis for the past 18 years and she still can’t get used to the cold. She became an auntie 6 months ago and loves this new stage in her life. It is like she is learning something new every day.

Learn more about volunteering at friendsofkids.com/volunteer

Art from the Heart is my favorite event so far. Having the opportunity to experience the talent and the energy of the artists is amazing.

Also, seeing all the support and love this event gets from the staff, volunteers, donors and guests is admirable. Plus all the dancing from the kids at the end of the event was so much fun.

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Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

We rely on you

so they can rely on us.

Make your year-end donations with the attached envelope or visit friendsofkids.org for secure online donations.

Last year, we accomplished so much with the help of supporters just like you.

Think 1,499 $66,000

Feel

Tutoring Sessions with Patients & Siblings in 2022

in Scholarships Given in 2022

2,905 798 24

Smile 650+

38 415+ 138 128

Attendees to patient family parties like Back to School, Fall Festival, & Winter Wonderland Families adopted for Christmas Winter Coats gifted Special Assistance gifts

10 37 300 1154 132

Art Therapy Sessions for Patients & Siblings in 2022

Music Therapy Sessions with Patients & Siblings in 2022

Support Group Sessions for Kids & Adults in 2022

Memory Maker gifts Smile Maker gifts Bone Marrow Transplants gifts Toy Chest Daily Radiation gifts Munchie Meals delivered to hospitals

End of Chemo/Radiation parties

Thank you for helping kids with cancer... be kids!

Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

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WAYS TO SUPPORT HOS T A TOY DRIVE WE ACCEPT TOYS ALL YEAR ROUND Join our many patient families in hosting a toy drive any time of the year. Successful toy drives are on significant dates for the host, during the summer when our stockpiles are lower, or during the holidays and the season of giving. There really is no bad time to host a toy drive.

Ask your local businesses to hold a bin, run a toy drive in lieu of birthday gifts or baby shower. Any life event can be inspiration to hold a toy drive to help fill our toy closets in area hospitals.

• Collect toys for anniversaries, graduations, baby showers, birthdays, and holiday parties • Host a toy drive at your business, church, or school

Use toy bins & flyers we provide or get creative and make your own!

Learn more about how to host a toy drive at friendsofkids.com/fundraise

G E T YOUR BUSINE SS INVOLVED ALIGN YOUR BUSINESS WITH OUR MISSION There’s nothing better than building connection to the community and the team by aligning your business with Friends’ mission and partnering with us. There are many mutually beneficial ways for your business to support Friends.

Whether with in-kind service donations or monetary contributions, sponsorships and donations can be tailored to meet the goals of the team.

The best part about partnering with Friends of Kids with Cancer is a mission everyone can get behind—helping local kids and their families live their best lives every day.

Find out more about partnering with us by contacting Brandy: brandy@friendsofkids.com, 314.275.7440.

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Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO G IVE

LE AVE A LEG AC Y OF SMILE S Carry your legacy to benefit future generations of children in St. Louis diagnosed with cancer. Bring smiles to the faces of many generations to come.

Consider remembering Friends of Kids with Cancer in your will, trust, or beneficiary designation.

Contact Brandy for more information about giving options: brandy@friendsofkids.com 314.275.7440 Visit our donations page to learn more friendsofkids.com/donate

Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

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COMMUNIT Y PARTNER S SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESSES WHO CARE

MUNGENAST LEXUS OF ST. LOUIS Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis is a locally owned and family-run dealership that provides St. Louis with new Lexus and Certified PreOwned Lexus vehicles. For the last 12 years, they have opened their large showroom encased in floor-to-ceiling windows and luxurious customer lounge to Friends of Kids with Cancer as hosts for our annual Art from the Heart® fundraiser.

Each year, this Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis collects sponsorships and donations, dedicates time to multiple planning meetings, closes their showroom for our event, and donates all overhead costs from hosting the event to our charity.

W E B S IT E : mungenastlexusofstlouis.com P H O N E : 314.266.2747 A D D R E S S : 13700 Manchester Rd. Manchester, MO 63011

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They say “Lexus makes the car.

Mungenast makes the difference.”

It’s clear that with the leadership of Ray and Diana Mungenast, owners of the business, Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis is certainly making a difference in the lives of families and children in the St. Louis pediatric cancer community.

Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

BALLYHOO WORKSHOP businesses and organizations and continue to bring enthusiasm, bright personalities, creativity, and professionalism to their projects.

Ballyhoo Workshop, a creative agency in St. Louis, has partnered with Friends of Kids with Cancer beginning in 2021 to lend their design talents to the Fashion Show & Boutique fundraiser as well as our annual report book.

The business contains passionate visual designers and creative content strategists. For the past ten years, they’ve worked with a variety of

“We love supporting and working with the team at Friends of Kids with Cancer. Central to Ballyhoo Workshop’s culture has always been a family first mentality and our team thrives on finding ways to support the families in our community in any way we can. We are so lucky to partner with this team to bring their messages to life and in championing helping kids be kids!”

W E B S IT E : ballyhooworkshop.com P H O N E : 314.645.7756 A D D R E S S : 1410 S. 18th Street, St. Louis MO 63104

ART FROM THE HEART FRAMERS Each year, these five businesses creatively and expertly frame patient artwork for our Art from the Heart® fundraiser. Through their kind partnerships, they make patient Art Therapy artwork ready to auction.

DOGTOWN GALLERY & FRAME SHOP This small frame shop in Dogtown provides custom framing for many types of projects.

P H O N E : 314.644.3409 A D D R E S S : 1206 Tamm Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139

GRAFICA FINE ART AND FRAMING This small business in Webster Groves frames beautiful fine art of all sizes and holds a gallery of fine artwork.

W E B S IT E : graficafinearts.com P H O N E : 314.961.4020 A D D R E S S : 7884 Big Bend Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63119

THE ARTERY CUSTOM FRAMING The Artery is a custom picture framing shop providing quality custom picture framing. From fine art framing to sports apparel, posters, awards and medals, The Artery can frame almost anything.

W E B S IT E : arteryframing.com

ARCH DESIGN Arch Design is a commercial interior design company that designs professional spaces like corporate offices and hospitals. They focus on art consulting, environmental branding, signage, and wayfinding services.

Arch Design generously frames our patient art pieces as a side project to support our mission.

W E B S IT E : arch-design.com P H O N E : 314.447.3300 A D D R E S S : 1188 Walters Way Ln. St. Louis,MO 63132

P H O N E : 314.991.8006 A D D R E S S : 1244 Dielman Industrial Ct, Olivette, MO 63132

TOC ARTWORK TOC Artwork is an art consulting firm in Ellisville focused on artwork planning, procurement, and production picture framing needs for commercial spaces.

W E B S IT E : tocartwork.com P H O N E : 636.386.5600 A D D R E S S : 16156 Westwoods Business Park Ellisville, MO 63021

Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

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YOUNG FRIENDS OF KIDS WITH C ANCER

YOUNG FRI EN DS R AISE OVER $76 ,0 0 0 AND THE Y ’ RE NOT DONE VOODOO IN THE LOU Voodoo in the Lou is a masquerade-themed night of entertainment at the famed Fox Theatre. With a wide spread of heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages for all to enjoy, guests were entertained by live music, burlesque shows, interactive magic performances, enticing silent auction items and raffle baskets, and much more. As the single largest Young Friends event, this night is very impactful in furthering the mission of the Young Friends Community and promotes Friends of Kids with Cancer’s mission.

This year, over $30,000 was raised at the event.

CHIP IN FOR CHARITY

This year, nearly $4,000 was raised at this low-key Topgolf event with reserved bays, lunch buffet, drinks, and good company.

RANDI PERKINS MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT In collaboration with Black Sheep Foundation, Young Friends also organized the Randi Perkins Memorial Golf Tournament. This long-standing tournament brings supporters together year after year to help raise funds for Friends of Kids with Cancer and to honor girl athletes. This year, over $37,000 was raised.

SAND VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

The new Sand Volleyball Tournament was added this year. Players put together teams, enjoyed a free tank, and got their toes in the sand one last time before fall. This inaugural tournament event brought in nearly $3,500.

UPCOMING YOUNG FRIENDS EVENTS 12 Bars of Charity Team Blue!

Saturday, December 16, 2023 Ballpark Village Together Credit Union Plaza Voodoo in the Lou Saturday, March 30, 2024 The Fabulous Fox Theatre Young Friends of Kids with Cancer & Black Sheep Foundation

Randi Perkins Memorial Golf Tournament Summer 2024 Forest Park Golf Course 15

Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

YOU NG PROFE SS I ON AL S VOLUNTEER S FROM THE YOUNG FRIENDS BOARD PRESIDENT

Hi, friends! My name is Natalie Condon, and I am the Young Friends of Kids With Cancer Board President. By day, I work in robotic surgery, and in my spare time I am lucky enough to lead an incredible group of professionals dedicated to helping kids be kids.

In my seven years on the Young Friends board, I have gotten to witness lifelong memories being made for our kids and their families through the events and activities Young Friends provides. It’s been the highlight of my life, too—there’s no organization quite like this. Come join us at our next event or happy hour to learn more!

GET INVOLVED • Attend fundraisers and networking events with other young professionals.

• Become a member. It’s free!

• Join a committee to help in the most meaningful way.

Learn more about Young Friends at friendsofkids.com/youngfriends

Young Friends of Kids with Cancer are young professionals with the joys of childhood still fresh in their hearts. Young Friends supports Friends of Kids with Cancer by throwing fundraisers, volunteering at events, and supporting patients in hospitals.

Young Friends’ mission is to provide an enthusiastic and energetic base of young professional supporters and future leaders for Friends of Kids with Cancer.

Find out more about Young Friends events at friendsofkids.com/youngfriends

Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

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HONORARY & MEMORIAL DONATIONS BOLD NAMES ARE THOSE BEING HONORED OR MEMORIALIZED.

Honorary Donations June–October 2023 Beckham Bass Janet Bass Juliana Galvao Bastos Matheus Barbosa Clivia and Bestor Bastos Mariana Braganca Heitor Cauneto The Fett Family Livia Font Henrique Freiria Thaila Hull The Lampman Family Roberta Macieira The Mitchells Clenia Correa Pinto Aline Roveri The Schwallie Family Leticia Telles

Caden Leesmann Crystal Ruth

Debbie Gage Cheryl and Dave Braun

Kathy Manganaro ESCO Technologies Corp.

Mariella Gianino Sarah Staed

Hazel Meisinger Lois Haller

Bernadette Godfrey Allison, Madeline, Maggie J, Maggie M, Claire, Monica, Erin, Jen, Rachel & Nikki Tony and Kathleen Godfrey

Jaxon Menner Barbara Menner Emma Mettlach Mary Blechle Jeff Rose Don Rose Sarah Sordo John and Cynthia Shaw Hudson Van Roekel Mark Potter Natasha Wood Allen and Ronnie Brockman Randy and Roxann Norris

Christopher Bini Jason Motte Foundation Lydia Boyer L.E. Designs

Marilyn Zucker Andrew and Deborah Schwartz

Jonathan Burke Kathy Manganaro

Memorial Donations June–October 2023

Harper Rose Corley Diane and Bob Corley

Phyllis Antosca Rosalynn Petrasek

Bryce Dal Pozzo Joseph and Shirley Dal Pozzo Janice Libbra Isabella Damico Christina Damico Susan Davis Ezra Leslie Karson Dentinger Shanahan Family Foundation Rita Freed Peter and Gisela Cohen

Dorette Goldberg Jennifer & Jonathan Deutsch & Family

Amber Hardester Amber’s Toy Drive Educators for a Better Tomorrow Karen and Gary Hardester Ellen Henry Molly and Rick Henry Kate and Pat McCoy John Henry Molly and Rick Henry Kate and Pat McCoy Charlotte Hopfinger Judy O’Connell Aaron Hubbell Steve and Linda Biederman Christopher and Christine Finney Michael and Christy Hubbell Theron and Jacqueline Peterson Nicholas Hundelt Joan Hundelt

Diego Barch Hanna Andrews Diego Barch Toy Drive

Julie Hunkins Bob and Jan Vernier

Elizabeth Barraza Bob and Peggy Nuelle

Trevor Joerling Tim and Shannon Hubert

Patricia Biffignani Matt and Julie Biffignani

Werner Kugler Peter and Gisela Cohen

Autumn Serenity Broderick Terry and Paula Loehrer

Caleb Leslie Beth and Ryan Leslie Dane Saville

Clarence Contestabile Uncle Jim, Aunt Ruth, Theresa & Gene Woods

Patrick Garner Caroline Riganti

Derek Griffitts Becky Kile

Larry Degenhart Kathleen and Tony Godfrey

Isla Hayes Jamie Stuart

Arianna Dougan Andrew and Deborah Schwartz Marilyn and Les Zucker

Katie & Chris Kew Robert Heideman

Elizabeth Ann Finnegan Paul and Sue Panus

Charlie LaBarge Jack and Mary LaBarge

Jake Franzel The Lakey Family

Anne Malecek Ed Schmid Joyce Margulis Eleanor Zimring Glenn Markway Jim and Marcia Schaper Caryn Sterling Nick McCord Kelly and Duane McCord Joy Melman Peter and Gisela Cohen

Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

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BOLD NAMES ARE THOSE BEING HONORED OR MEMORIALIZED. Gin Mize Jeannie and Tim Braun Mary Ellen Christman Hyde Mooney Molly and Rick Henry Maxine and Henry Morose Jill and Ben Turec Nelson Morose Jill and Ben Turec Tom Mulvihill The Lamartina Family Austin Murphy Patrick and Stella Corley Caleb Nehring Nehring Blood & Toy Drive

Betty Ziegemeier Timothy and Linda Beckering Victor and Joan Brown Jerry and Sharon Emge Pamela Ford James and Doris Giesmann Everett and Judith Kreder Ancle and Jean Newcomb Wayne and Lori Orf Patrick and Alice Scarry Richard and Kimberly Sommer Bill and Madelene Vehige Neal and Dianne Westhoff Michael and Donna Wilke Joyce Ziegemeier Raymond and Diane Ziegemeier Morris Zuckerman Mark Eidelman

Tom Nilsen Jean Abrahamsen Parker and Ruth Nilsen John Osborne Kevin and Janet Smith Cole Owens Laura Owens Gwen Politte Barb and Tom O’Neill Joshua Puszkar Angela Costello Mary Ann Schuette Helen Guenthel Joe & Marie Guffey Husch Blackwell James Kistner Dave and Janet Lange Mary Marx Anita and Tim Sexton Mary Simokaitis Griffin Thomas Kathy Thomas

A simple toy is such a big deal.

You fight boredom and loneliness.

You get a little mind off being sick or in pain.

We appreciate you and those who donate money and give their time to this organization.

It makes a world of difference to these precious kids and their families.

— Patient Mom

Wolf and Celia Turec Ben and Jill Turec Jaime Voigt Keith, Diane, Keith & Kevin Voigt Alan Wallach Bruce and Laurie Glazier Mary Beth Woods Sophie Morales Sharon Woehrle Todd Zick Kaye and Larry Anderson Tom and Penny Hillemeyer

Friends of Kids with Cancer | Friend to Friend Newsletter—Fall 2023 | friendsofkids.org

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NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. Postage PAID St. Louis, MO Permit No. 1197

16 Sunnen Drive, Suite 161 St. Louis, MO 63143

UP COMING E VENTS SATURDAY DECEMBER 16, 2023 Young Friends of Kids with Cancer

12 Bars of Charity Bar Crawl

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Trivia Night at Moolah Shrine Center

SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2024 Young Friends of Kids with Cancer

Voodoo in the Lou The Fabulous Fox Theatre

at Downtown St. Louis & Soulard SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024

MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024

Walk with a Friend

Golf Tournament & Auction

at Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park

at Whitmoor Country Club

Friends of Kids with Cancer

@friends_of_kids

Visit friendsofkids.org for more details on all our events.

Friends of Kids with Cancer

Friends of Kids with Cancer