Magic of Caring Event Benefits Children with Arthritis

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. - April 6, 2013 - PRLog -- The Arthritis Foundation’s West Palm Beach Chapter and Volunteers recently held the 16th Annual Magic of Caring Event at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott.  The March 10th event was held as a benefit for children with rheumatoid arthritis and other systemic diseases and to help fund their attendance to a special camp, such as Miami’s “Camp Funrise”, for children with similar afflictions.  

The special yearly event is held with one goal, to help children with arthritic disease.  Nearly 200 ticketed attendees enjoyed a savory lunch, silent auction, bidding on raffles, guest speakers, music, and of course, the featured fashion show.  Emerson Lotzia from WPTV News Channel 5/ESPN760 was a delight as he emceed the event.  Companies from near and far participated to donate goods for auctions. Guests enjoyed great music and an ardent speech from 33-year-old Briana Hassibi of Delray Beach who lives with rheumatoid arthritis.  The luncheon concluded with the highlighted children’s fashion show.  All 26 models, ages 2-17, who took to the catwalk, have some form of arthritis.

“We raised nearly $50,000 for our Cause this year! There were nearly 200 people in attendance and everyone was so supportive in joining the fight against arthritis,” said Susie Rhodes from the Palm Beach Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.  “About $1000 will send one child to an arthritis camp for the week.  That means we are able to send quite a few children to camp this year, we are thrilled!” said Cheryl Cummings, Committee Chair of the Event.  “The kids look forward to camp all year long and really cherish a time and place where they can have fun with other children just like them,” continued Susie.

Some children who recently attended camp share their experiences:

·         I loved attending Camp Funrise because the people were super nice, and always took care of each one of us individually. The camp gave me a chance to relate to other people and to experiment a lot of activities that I would have never been able to do on my own. Camp Funrise was a place I called home.  ~Noor

·         Camp Funrise was a wonderful experience. I had a great time! I can’t wait for next year. ~Steven

·         Camp Funrise was a fun and exciting experience I will never forget! ~Peter

·         I liked Camp Funrise because I met a lot of nice people and had a lot of fun. It was great to meet other kids just like me! ~Nathan

“The best part of our year in planning is the time when the kids get to strut their stuff on the catwalk,” said Cheryl Cummings.   She continues, “…they know they are helping other kids to go to camp and truly enjoy the special day. They each have, at least for a few moments, painless and carefree smiles.”   The models, donned each in their choice outfit from H&M Department Stores, were surprised with special news at wrap of their catwalk from David Donten.  Mr. Donten, representing the C Kenneth and Laura Baxter Foundation, announced that each child would be able to keep their outfit, courtesy of C Kenneth and Laura Baxter Foundation.

This event and its positive affects would not be possible without generous support of its sponsors:  David Donten with the C Kenneth and Laura Baxter Foundation, Tire Kingdom, Florida Crystals, Genentech, Arthritis Associates of S. Fla., Dr. Elvis Grandic, Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates of Palm Beach, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dr. Cynthia Gustafson, Davinci Radiology Group, Mary Hammond, Mr. & Mrs. Howard Lester, Mr. & Mrs. Sean Miller, Dr. Faye Bender, Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Cummings and Dr. David Milbauer as well as the compassionate and dedicated event donors and service providers.  Thank you also to the Palm Beach Arthritis Foundation Advisory Board and Magic of Caring Committee.

For more information on the Arthritis Foundation please contact The Arthritis Foundation at 561.833.1133 or visit www.arthritis.org.