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Children’s cancer
crusader and Be A Star Foundation president, Julie
Healey opened up the doors of her magnificent ocean
front mansion to her guests on the 5th of
December, 2009 to experience the magic of a winter
wonderland fantasy while at the same time raising
well over $500 000.00 for the family’s foundation.
The gala was hosted
under white tents that flowed from the house and was
decked in beautiful silver and crystal décor.
Guests enjoyed a sumptuous buffet while enjoying the
music of a pianist/vocalist, guitarist, and
saxophonist. This year’s gala also included the
Atlantico Rum Bar, who served their signature
cocktails, and The Capital Grille served their
infamous Stoli Doli cocktails.
T is for Table
donated and outfitted the $25 000 V.V.I.S. (Very,
Very Important Star) table, with exquisite table
settings and décor for 10 guests, which were then
given to the generous sponsor. The evening included
a silent auction featuring luxury items which
provided many hours of enthusiastic bidding and
guests also had an opportunity to win a diamond
donated by Raymond Lee Jewelers, by purchasing Star
ornaments handmade by the children of the Benjamin
School
The annual gala,
which is now in its sixth year was created by the
Healey family, who after experiencing the
devastating illness of their young daughter Daisy to
leukemia, and witnessing the effect it had on the
families of children with cancer, decided to give
back to the community by helping support children
and their families cope with impact of diagnosis,
treatment and recovery from cancer. The family
turned their annual holiday party for friends and
family into a successful fundraiser.
Julie Healey
explains, “I know we are in an economic downturn but
cancer in children does not go away. It is an
ongoing heartache for families and it is especially
in these tough times that families need help more
than ever in dealing with day to day living
expenses.”
Understanding that in
these times the gala may not have the support of
previous years, Julie found a personal way of
boosting the foundation’s bottom line.
With her daughter
Daisy as an inspiration, Julie at 45 years of age
and with no running experience behind her, embarked
on a grueling training program, 5 days a week to
complete her mission of running in the New York
marathon last month. Not only did this admirable
feat raise an astonishing $156 000 but she completed
her first marathon in a respectable 04:48:07.
While The Be a
Star Foundation continues to benefit from various
fundraisers throughout the year, including a fashion
show and luncheon hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue Palm
Beach Gardens and the
Tico Torres Golf
Classic, they also continue to have the reassuring
support of Grand Benefactors, U.S. Trust, Bank of
America Private Wealth Management & Cabinet
Liquidators.
Since the first event
held in 2004, Julie and her committee have
continued to successfully host extravagant, fun
affairs and have raised well over
$3 million to date. Funds are given to P.O.S.T.
(Pediatric Oncology Support Team), a unique program
designed to help children and their families deal
with the emotional and financial impact of diagnosis
and treatment of cancer, and the Nicklaus Children’s
Healthcare Foundation, who provides support for the
diagnosis, treatment and prevention of childhood
diseases and disorders.
Be A Star Committee members include :
Alain Sears, Angela Maher, Denise Verri, Jane
Letsche, Jeanne Holland, Jennifer Miller, Julie
Healey, Kristen Gaeta, Lauree Simmons, Lisa Sabourin,
Lori Schacter, Lorraine Mari, Marcy Ferruggia, Mary
Ellen Pate, Meg Weinberger, Nan O’Leary, Patty
Olsson, Patty Russell, Sandra Schultz, and Valerie
Riceputo.
Major Event Sponsors:
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U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private
Wealth Management
·
Cabinet Liquidators
·
Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach Gardens
·
Brio Tuscan Grille
·
Tico Torres Children’s Foundation
·
Tire Kingdom
·
Lighthouse Partners
·
Tiffany & Co.
·
Florida Power & Light
·
Schumacher Automotive
·
Palm Beach Illustrated
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