On Tuesday evening, October 4th, The Michael Magro Foundation held its Seventh Annual Evening of Tasting & Givingat the Woodlands in Woodbury. The event raised more than $ 58,000 to benefit the Foundation, which was established in loving memory of Michael Magro to help pediatric cancer patients and their families face the challenges of this daunting disease. “Whether it’s winter and gift cards are needed to bring food and warm clothing to a family, or someone needs a train ticket for the ride home after a long day of chemotherapy, the Foundation helps make life easier for every family struggling with a child’s cancer diagnosis,” said Terrie Magro, as she thanked the overflow crowd for their community spirit and generosity.
Foundation founders Terrie and Paul Magro were joined at their signature event by renowned Long Island chefs, restaurants, wineries, and bakeries as they served up a gourmet delight for the more than325 guests who enjoyed the opportunity to win a king’s ransom in raffle prizes, silent and live auction items, and sports memorabilia. Everyone was a winner with the evening’s “Wine Pull,” whereby each $20 donor pulled a cork with a number that corresponded to their own bottle of wine.
Major “Tasting” event sponsors PTG Event Services, Priority Payment Systems, Macy’s and J. DeSena & Associates, Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisory Practice lent their financial resources and corporate social responsibility to energize the evening’s outstanding success.
Floral Décor by Black Dahlia Inc., DJ provided by Charles Henry professional DJ Entertainment and culinary delicacies were provided by Cardinali Pastry Shop, Cascon Baking Company, Spiga Bakery and Sweet Karma along with Cirella’s Restaurant & Bar, Cool Fish Grille, Crossroads, Fat Fish Bistro, Ivy Cottage, Manhattan Beer Distributors, Maroni Cuisine, Matteo’s, Romano Wines, Sea Levels, Stew Leonard Wines, Vitae Restaurant & Wine Bar, West End Café, and Woodlands.
This year’s program showcased a family who spoke about their experience with project S.O.A.R. and how its positive impact has helped their daughter balance school and chemotherapy.
Cathy Shimmel, Nursing Director of Clinical Services at CCFK gave a brief overview of the program which helped all in attendance understand the program’s mission. Michael Magro Foundation underwrites the cost of this program to both the schools involved and the pediatric hospital oncology programs stretching across the Northeast.
Our second Mom spoke about the Cancer Center for Kids Referral Binder. This binder is the inspiration of a mother whose young son was diagnosed with cancer. It provides a framework to get a family started and helps them stay organized as they navigate the health care system. Both the manual and binder were available for all to look through.
Enhanced by collaborative relationships with Winthrop-University Hospital and other pediatric cancer centers, the Foundation’s innovative programs and expanded outreach have placed it at the forefront of Long Island philanthropy. For more information about the Foundation’s mission and programs, consult its website at www.michaelmagrofoundation.com
