From Maddi’s Closet Group Calls
Children’s Cancer Benefit A Success
A La Mirada non-profit organization helping children battling cancer is calling its recent fundraiser a major success.
From Maddi’s Closet raised more than $37,000 at its “Reach for the Stars” dinner event at the Friendly Hills Country Club in Whittier. The annual event, which drew 155 attendees, was highlighted by the presentation of awards to distinguished medical personnel.
“We are very pleased by the generous support from so many in our community,” says Donna Homes, president of From Maddi’s Closet. “These contributions will enable us to continue our efforts to help children who are bravely battling cancer.”
From Maddi’s Closet, a nonprofit organization started nearly a decade ago after Madison Leslie Holmes lost her battle with cancer at four years of age.
Maddi’s family and friends began the organization to carry on the extraordinary spirit of generosity and compassion the young girl had shown to other children fighting cancer. Maddi frequently befriended other children undergoing treatment, giving her own toys and clothing to those in need. She even asked her family members to go and sit with other children who were more sick, frightened or lonely when they had no family members at the hospital.
Since its early days, participation in From Maddi’s Closet has grown, and the organization has broadened its efforts to support children with cancer. The group now raises funds for pediatric cancer research. The organization also offers support to ill children and their families whose special emotional and financial needs are unmet by other assistance programs. The group provides many services – from an annual toy drive to events and activities geared for patients at CHOC and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
From Maddi’s Closet also involves children in helping children. A Junior Advisory Board composed of middle school and high school students represents the organization at many public events, operates public awareness booths, hosts inpatient and outpatient projects, and assists at the annual We Can Family Camp for children with cancer.
Dr. Girish Dhall, Director of the Neuro-Oncology Program at the Children’s Center for Cancer & Blood Diseases at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, received the organization’s “Dare to Dream” award.
Barbara E. Britt, RN, MSN, senior nurse care manager at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, was the recipient of the “Spirit of Care” award.
Among those attending the event were La Mirada City Council members: Mayor Larry Mowles, Mayor Pro Tem Pauline Deal, Councilmember Steve DeRuse, Steve Jones, and Andrew Sarega. Also attending were Whittier Mayor Pro Tem Fernando Dutra and Andrea Avila, deputy for Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles was represented by George Weiss, Administrative Director, Children’s Center for Cancer & Blood Diseases. Also attending the event were Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles physicians Dr. Robert Brown, Dr. Ashley Margol, Dr. Nathan Robison, and Dr. Ana Aguilar.
A silent auction and a live auction were held during the event.
Opportunities are available throughout the year for individuals, businesses and organizations to support From Maddi’s Closet activities. The organization also accepts donations. For further information, visit frommaddiscloset.org.