1 FREE - Winthrop University Hospital

Summer 2009
Third Annual Black and White Ball Raises
More than $240,000
for Pediatric Patients
The Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at
Winthrop-University Hospital held its
Third Annual Black and White Ball on
April 25 at the Cradle of Aviation
Museum in Garden City. Close to 350
guests gathered at this highly anticipated
event to help raise over $240,000
for the CCFK’s psychosocial and
creative arts therapy programs.
The honorees for the evening were
long-time CCFK supporter Sheila Meyer
Margolis, owner of Meyer’s Chevrolet in
Queens, along with the Center’s many
pediatric cancer survivors. Meyer’s
Chevrolet donated the use of a Malibu
Hybrid car as a raffle prize, and various
current and former patients took the
stage to share their experiences with
childhood cancer and the caring staff of
the CCFK.
The gala was emceed by WCBS
radio’s Sophia Hall, a long-time sup-
12 Cornerstone
porter of the CCFK.
Linda Sweeney, practice
manager of the
CCFK, presented special
awards to Garden
City residents Tara and
John Schmitt, sponsors
of the Black & White
Ball and founders of
Charlie’s Champions
Foundation, which honors
their son, Charlie,
who is being treated for
leukemia at the CCFK;
the Pall Corporation; and Pete Sedote of
Cans for Cancer in recognition of their
support of the Cancer Center for Kids.
Mark Weinblatt, MD, Chief of
the Division of Pediatric Oncology/
Hematology and Director of the Cancer
Center for Kids, characterized the
event as a metaphor for the hope and
12th Annual Opera Night
Raises $65,000 for Child Life
Sheila Meyer Margolis of Meyer’s Chevrolet in Queens (left)
receives an award from Linda Sweeney, practice manager of
Winthrop’s Cancer Center for Kids, and Mark Weinblatt, MD, Chief
of the Division of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology at Winthrop and
Director of the Cancer Center for Kids.
inspiration the Center provides for
patients and families alike.
“The Black and White Ball brings
together members of the corporate and
philanthropic communities along with
Hospital staff, families and friends at a
wonderful event, reminding all of us
that we can fall down and get up
again,” he said. ■
On March 12, devoted supporters of Winthrop’s Child Life Program spent
an evening enjoying fine dining and incredible musical performances by
internationally renowned opera singers to raise funds
to benefit the Hospital’s Child Life Program. The 12th
Annual Night at the Opera, “Sweet Voices for Precious
Children,” raised $65,000 for the program, which is
dedicated exclusively to minimizing children’s fears and
anxiety during the hospital experience.
More than 200 guests were in attendance to enjoy
a cocktail hour and sit-down dinner at the Garden City
Hotel as the magnificent harmony of Karen Foster,
soprano; Sarah Heltzel, mezzo soprano; and Theresa
Santiago, soprano, accompanied by pianist Caren Levine, filled the room.
Warren Rosenfeld, MD, Chairman of Pediatrics at Winthrop, expressed his deep
gratitude to all those in attendance at this year’s event for their unwavering support.
“Thank you for joining me on this wonderful occasion to celebrate a vital program that benefits countless families
and impacts thousands of lives. It is an honor for me to personally thank you for all you have done to support Winthrop’s
Child Life Program,” he said.