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Los Angeles Every1CARES Fundraiser a Great Success!

by Jami Abell Patterson, Event Chair & CARES Board Member

Our event began with a wonderful boutique which included over 20 vendors who were selling everything from fine jewelry to children’s pajamas.  Additionally, we received donations of over 175 items for our silent auction!  We exceeded all of our greatest expectations, with such items as a trip to Hawaii with airfare, signed celebrity memorabilia, beauty and fitness packages, tickets to a taping of ABC’s “According to Jim” and a private screening at a Hollywood Studio!

As lunch was served, the guests viewed the premiere screening of the CARES video.  The response to the video was overwhelming, leaving many luncheon attendees in tears and with a far better understanding of why we were all gathered together for these few hours.  Following the video presentation, we were honored to have Dr. Mitchell Geffner speak about the virtues of CARES.  He told a heartwarming story about a newborn diagnosed with CAH, yet sent home without treatment.  The parents contacted Kelly, who in turn contacted Dr. Geffner.  With the proper treatment, this infant is now happy, healthy, and attended the event with her parents!

Senator Dede Alpert was presented with the CARES Foundation’s first “Caring Angel” award for everything she has done in California to expand Newborn Screening.  Following this presentation, Senator Alpert participated in one of the highlights of our luncheon by drawing the winning raffle ticket for the Rolex watch, kindly donated by Rolex with the assistance of one our members, Gregory Kraff.  By pre-selling tickets with the invitations as well as selling raffle tickets at the event, we raised close to $8,000 from the raffle alone.

I am proud to say that over $100,000 was raised from our event, and all funds received will go towards CAH research, education and support. The success of the event is credited to so many – those that assisted in working at the event; those that attended; those that could not attend, but expressed their generosity and support of CARES by buying space in our Tribute Journal or by sending in a donation.  When I first began this journey, I was hoping to raise $20,000 in profit and was praying for the minimum guarantee of 200 guests.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be such a success.

I am grateful to the love and support of Kelly Leight who never doubted my ability to pull this one off.  I need to acknowledge and express my sincere thanks to my wonderful Co-Chairs:  Jody Furie, Gloria Gurvitz, Shirley Lipstone, Marie Mandel and Jill Spiwak.  None of these mothers have a child with CAH, but are merely good, loyal friends who believed that this cause is worthwhile and from the very beginning, were there when I asked for help.  They, along with our hard-working committee members, made the success of this event possible. Thank you all so much!

Of course, I need to thank my husband Patrick, my parents Barbara and David L. Abell, who are double Caring Angels and proud sponsors of the CARES Foundation and the luncheon, and my children, Danielle, Sarah, Michael, Ariel and Shane.  They are the fuel that keeps me going and the reason for   everything.

Eric, Elizabeth & baby Maddie Hashibe with Kelly

Alyssa Ackenheil speaks

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