Friends of Karen Gala Raises $500,000 for Sick Children

John Mitty Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Friends of Karen Gala Raises $500,000 for Sick Children

Honoree Melville’s First Data Praises the Charity for its “Remarkable Range of Support”

New York, NY - An elegant loft fragrant with roses and featuring a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline and beyond was the setting for children’s charity Friends of Karen’s recent gala benefit, “An Evening at Tribeca Rooftop,” at Manhattan’s Tribeca Rooftop. Honorees for the event were First Data, a long-time corporate partner whose commitment to the organization has raised awareness and financial gifts and Beth Leventhal, who joined the Friends of Karen Board of Directors in 1993 and served as its president for five years.

“Friends of Karen’s unwavering commitment is what makes us so proud to work with them and to contribute in as many ways as we can,” said Karen Whalen, First Data’s Senior Vice President, Human Resources in Melville, NY. “The courage of the children and their families is beyond inspiring. No other organization provides the remarkable range of support that Friends of Karen gives.”

The event raised over $500,000 to provide emotional, financial and advocacy support to families caring for a child with cancer or another life-threatening illness.

“I can’t think of another organization that achieves so much for families in crisis,” said Ms. Leventhal, an educator and philanthropist from Chappaqua, NY. “Friends of Karen is a resource like no other. I’ve never worked with a more dedicated staff and board.”

Guests also heard from the parents of two-year-old Christopher, a Friends of Karen child. “I've heard of organizations helping families in times of need, but I never imagined it would be us and I never thought anyone would go to the extent that Friends of Karen has to help our family through this rough time,” Christopher’s dad said. “Friends of Karen has played a tremendous role throughout Christopher's battle with leukemia and his recovery.”

Since 1978 Friends of Karen has helped more than 11,800 children in the New York Tri-State region. With compassion, dedication and expertise, Friends of Karen helps sustain the entire family during an overwhelmingly frightening time. To learn more about Friends of Karen, visit www.friendsofkaren.org or call 631.473.1768.

PHOTO CAPTION: Melville’s First Data Employees (L to R) Leanne Boller, Laura Diaz and Karen Whalen share a moment for the camera at Friends of Karen’s recent gala which raised more than $500,000 to help families with children diagnosed with cancer or another life-threatening illness.

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

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