Year in Review – 2019

An Angel’s Wish Gala Dinner – Dance

Our Annual Gala is the primary fund raiser for the foundation. All fund raised at our gala supports the sarcoma research initiative at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. The Laboratory is world-renowned for its cutting-edge biological research. Since 2008, we’ve been able to donate over a quarter-of-a-million dollars. CRF proudly supports the work of Dr. Chris Vakoc. His research examines the genetic underpinnings of rhabdomyosarcoma and the search for possible drug targets. I would also like to thank the Crest Hollow Country Club and the Monti Saladino family for all their support of this beautiful evening.

Prom Dress Drive for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC)

Over the last eight years, we’ve collected thousands of dresses and accessories for a special “Prom Night” for the children and their families that are being treated at MSKCC. We are so happy to have brightened even one day, in the lives of so many. We would like to thank the Lindenhurst community, Lindenhurst Rotary, Interact Club, and the Rainbow Center, along with FedEx, who’ve delivers the dresses annually to MSKCC hospital. Please consider donating those prom dresses and gowns that you have tucked away in your closet.

Make-A-Wish

Christina was granted a wish and as a family, it was a profound experience that created memories that we still hold dear. In her honor we are proud to have provided nearly $41,000 over the last 12 years for granting wishes to children who so desperately need a little happiness in their lives. We will be donating a timeshare in Hawaii to be used for children’s wishes.

Christina Renna Memorial Scholarship Program

Christina’s passion for learning led us to establish this scholarship program. Congratulations to the 2018 winners; Sabrina Abbamonte and Zachary Schinasi, each received a $1,000 scholarship to help pursue their education. To date, we have awarded $20,000 in local scholarships.

Golf Outing

Steve Borrelli chaired our eleventh Annual Golf Outing, which was held at Stonebridge Country Club in Smithtown on June 8. This event funds many of our programs throughout the year. The success of the day was due to the hard work and the support of many local merchants and friends. We are always in need of a few more foursomes so please consider joining us.

Fishing Trip

Peter Triolo and Philip A. Renna chaired our Annual Fishing Trip which was in early August. The weather was great and even my little granddaughter Isabella had fun running around the deck and playing with the fish. This is truly a FUN-raising event, in which everyone leaves with at least a big smile and even a few leave with fish!

Awareness Month for Childhood Cancer

During the month of September, CRF created a campaign to promote awareness, and educate the public on the need for additional research funding for pediatric cancer research. Joining hundreds of others,. A special thank you to New York Auto Giant for their generous support that they run in the foundations benefit.

Blood Drive

RJ once again chaired this event on September 22. The blood drive was held at the Lindenhurst Middle School. To date, we have collected nearly 475 units of blood. Each year, about 50 people perform the vital and life-saving act of donating blood. It is a small act that can save a life. Please consider being a blood donor!

Walk-A-Thon

This very special community event took place on September 22, at the Lindenhurst Middle School. Hosted once again by Mr. Amesti (Athletic Director) and Mr. Lombardo (Varsity Football Coach) of the Lindenhurst School District, the Walk-A-Thon drew over 400 high school athletes and community residents, who walked together for the cause. This event helps support our scholarship program and other community-based programs.

Gold Ribbons and Laces

As part of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, CRF expanded its Gold Ribbon program across the Island, from Riverhead to Nassau County; placing Gold Ribbons on government buildings and schools. We were able to get both Nassau and Suffolk County to declare September as Childhood Cancer Awareness month. CRF was honored with proclamations from across the Island. Our Gold Shoelace program also covered the Island. Thousands of pairs of shoelaces that signify our ongoing battle with Childhood Cancer were given out to high school sports programs. If your school or sports program would like to be part of our shoelace program please reach out to us.

Remembrance Tree

For the second year we held a special remembrance tree lighting in Village of Lindenhurst. We posted the names of children on large gold bows who are battling cancer and honored those that we have lost.  We light the tree the week before of walk and blood drive. We thank the Village of Lindenhurst and Mayor for all of their support.

NFRI Nonprofit Funders Research Institute

Work groups were established to streamline the grant processes between institutions and funders. We have met several times in Washington DC and have had a number of conference calls and workshops. The purpose is to generate a set of guidelines to ensure smooth transactions and prevent duplication of services. CRF has been a participating member of this important task force

Fund Raising events

CRF helped organize and participated is raising funds for local children and their families that have been affected by cancer. We have worked together with Restoration a non profit restaurant

Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2)

CRF is a proud founding member of the coalition, which supports research, awareness, advocacy, and family resources for those affected by pediatric cancers. This national coalition brings hundreds of childhood cancer organizations together into a single, focused voice. CRF continues in its leadership, assisting with chairing the research branch of this organization. We attended the CAC2 Annual Summit where we reported on the success of the first pediatric cancer conference held at CSHL in the fall of 2016. We were honored by the CAC2 with a plaque for our outstanding service to
the Coalition.

Direct Support to Cancer Foundations

CRF has proudly worked with, and has given financial support to: CureSearch, Charlie Thide Foundation, Deborah Hospital, Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation, and St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Childhood Cancer Research Support

The Christina Renna Foundation Inc. is dedicated to not only raising awareness, but also raising funds to support research. These funds are raised in conjunction with a number of our events, as well as an on-going sponsorship program which seeks the support of major corporations. The Board of Directors, with the assistance of its Advisory Board, determines the best and the most suitable institution or institutions for our research dollars. The Board of Directors has chosen Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and Assistant Professor Chris Vakoc as its recipient for our research initiative. We hope to build a continuing relationship with the Laboratory to assist in their world-renowned efforts in cancer research.

Grant Writing

CRF continues its efforts in obtaining grants for the Foundation. We received two small grants to support our Prom Dress Drive program and we have hope of obtaining additional funding for our many other programs, which will aid us in providing additional services to the cancer community that we serve.