by Christopher W. Hunt-
Capped by an evening that brought together nearly 200 attendees with a heartfelt outpouring of donations that exceeded its fundraising goal by a wide margin (in excess of $400,000 net), Patient AirLift Services - founded this past May - ends its first year with an event that positions the non-profit squarely among the leaders in its field. “It was a rousing success,” commented Joe Howley, President and Chairman of PALS. “The fundraiser went well beyond our wildest expectations; we could not be more thrilled.”
The November 19th event, which was held at The Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich, included an open buffet, hors d'oeuvres and two open bars held in the club’s main dining and living rooms and portico. A silent auction, emceed by the very entertaining Patrick O’Rourke, included dozens of donated items ranging from professional baseball tickets and wine to Tiffany and sterling silver necklaces, and even an original Peter Max watercolor.
But the highlights of the night were on the stage: following Mr. Howley’s presentation on PALS’ past, current and future initiatives, which also included a short video on the organization’s scope and reach, the audience heard compelling presentations from two individuals whose lives have been touched by challenges and tragedy but who were immensely helped and supported by PALS.
The first speech was by 14-year old Taylor Walpole who has been flown by PALS on several occasions. Taylor, who suffers from congenital adrenal hyperplasia, requires life-sustaining treatment in New York’s Long Island, several hundred miles from her home in upstate New York. Taylor, poised and polished and in a confident voice, lauded the PALS program and team and thanked them for lessening the stress on hers and her mother, Lisa’s life and easing the burden of her disease.
The second speech was delivered by Nicole DeGennero, whose husband Peter was flown a total of 17 times by PALS this year from Bangor, Maine to Logan Airport in Boston. Peter, who had a very rare form of leukemia, was being treated at Dana Farber Hospital in Boston. In an emotional tone that held the attention of everyone present, Nicole discussed her husband’s long ordeal; from the day they learned of his illness to the scope of treatments he had to endure through his passing on August 4th. Nicole thanked PALS for making their difficult journey together so much easier and extending the quality of his life and hers by making the trips bearable for them. She also said how grateful she was to PALS for granting one of Peter’s final wishes: a compassion flight to New Jersey from Maine, arranged for and executed by PALS, so Peter could visit a final time with his grandfather. “Lisa and Peter’s situations are why these fundraisers are so critical,” said Mr. Howley. “The enormous support we received allows us to continue our objective to help as many people in need of medical care reach the treatment they require.”
According to Mr. Howley, the organization already has three major fundraisers planned for 2011, including The Corsairs Wings and Wheels over Connecticut in May; a horse show in September and a golf outing; date and location to be determined.
Please direct all media inquiries and opportunities to:
Chris Hunt, Corporate Communications
chris.hunt@palservices.org
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