Local Student Raises Big Money for CCF
March 2008 - Eight grader, Schaefer Ochstein of Dallas, Texas celebrated his bar mitzfa on October 6, 2007. This young man proved he had a big heart by donated a portion of the gifts he recieved from his bar mitzfa to CCF totaling an amazing $650!
Schaefer is in the 8th grade at Shelton Middle School and very involved in a variety of charities and his school. Schaefer has been a long time supporter of CCF with his family and his mother, Ann Ochstein is a past chair of the CCF luncheon and fashion show. We thank you for this wonderful donation that will go towards finding the cure to childhood cancers!
Shelton Middle Schoolers Join Together To Raise Funds For CCF
March 2008 - Children’s Cancer Fund is pleased to accept a wonderful donation from Shelton Middle School . Eight Grade Student Council Representatives, Schaefer Ochstein and Warren Noble, presented their Student Council with yet another genius plan to raise even more money for CCF. With the support of their principle and teacher Lu Ann Dolly, the Student Council invited students to pay $5 which would allow them to wear their favorite jersey and tennis shoes to school instead of the mandatory uniform shirt.
This creative idea resulted in raising $700.00 for the Children’s Cancer Fund! What a great accomplishment! This proves that big things happen when people pull together! Great job Shelton Middle School !
A birthday is celebrated by raising funds for childhood cancer
March 2008 - Kaila Margolis celebrated her 7th birthday on March 10th in a special way. She invited eighteen of her closest friends together to celebrate. While most children look forward to presents and cake, Kaila asked her guests to make donations to the Children's Cancer Fund in hopes of finding the cure. Kaila raised almost $400 on this special day! The Children's Cancer Fund is honored to be chosen as the recipient of this special gift. Happy Birthday Kaila and thank you for the wonderful donation!
“Party with a Purpose” Nets Big Donation
Lone Star Parrot Head Club
Following various fundraising activities at their annual Christmas Party held on December 8th, the Lone Star Parrot Head Club has donated $1,500 to Children’s Cancer Fund.
The fundraising activities for the evening included a huge silent auction with items donated from dozens of local and national companies, and is a result of several months of hard work from their members.
The Lone Star Parrot Head Club is an organization whose purpose is to bring together like minded folk infused with the tropical spirit of Jimmy Buffett, his music and his writings, Party with a Purpose! Our slogan is Texas Heart-Caribbean Soul.
February 2008 - CCF recieves a check for $351.31 donation from Grace Lutheran Church located in Carrollton, Texas. Fellowship 7th and 8th grade Sunday school members collected funds on Super Bowl Sunday and voted their hard work would go to help children with cancer. The Children's Cancer Fund thanks Gary Adgate and all the young men and women who helped make this happen. Their hard work is leading us one step closer to finding the cure! Great job to you all!
Jersey Day At Shelton Middle School Raises
Big Money
Children’s Cancer Fund is pleased to accept a wonderful donation from Shelton Middle School . Eight Grade Student Council Representatives, Schaefer Ochstein and Warren Noble, presented their Student Council with a brilliant plan to raise money for CCF. With the support of their principle and teacher Lu Ann Dolly, the Student Council invited students to pay $5 which would allow them to wear their favorite jersey to school instead of the mandatory uniform shirt.
This genius idea resulted in raising $620.90 for the Children’s Cancer Fund! What a great accomplishment! This proves that big things happen when people pull together! Great job Shelton Middle School !
CCF Awards Two Pediatric Cancer Research Grants
April 15, 2007 - Children’s Cancer Fund is pleased to announce the funding of two research grants to UT Southwestern Medical Center. A $75,000 grant was awarded to Rene L. Galindo, M.D., Ph.D, for his investigation of a molecular mechanism in the Rhabdomyosarcoma family of musculoskeletal tumors. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a highly malignant form of pediatric cancer, subsets of which can have very poor outcomes.
A $50,000 grant was awarded to Tamra Slone, M.D., for her study of the impact of insulin resistance on morbidity and mortality for children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
CCF Receives Donation from Flooring Services Inc.
On December 15, 2006, Children's Cancer Fund happily recieved a check for $42,916 from Flooring Services, Ltd. Over 300 employees participated in the drive to raise money for local children's charities and CCF was one of three organizations to recieve this donation from the business' generous employees. Children's Cancer Fund would like to thank Flooring Services, Ltd for their donation and support in our mission!
CCF Gives Big to UT Southwestern Medical Center
Children's Cancer Fund ended the year strong by presenting a $250,000 check to UTSW Medical Center on December 12, 2006, which is a portion of a $1 million pledge that will be matched dollar-for-dollar by an anonymous donor in order to fund the establishment of the Comprehensive Center at UT Southwestern. Taylor Stone presented the check to Dr. George Buchanan and Dr. Kern Wildenthal during the Annual Board of Directors Holiday Party hosted by Taylor and Jennifer Stone. The Children's Cancer Fund is proud to be a part of this innovative research center.
Pounds For Pennies
October was remarkable month for the students at Cornerstone Christian Academy in Melissa. Coordinated by teacher Mary Hartnett, over one hundred and twenty children participated in a Pounds for Pennies fundraiser that raised an astonishing $517.00 for the Children’s Cancer Fund. This month-long fundraiser was a part of the school’s community outreach program, in which the students participate in different projects each month throughout the school year.
Each grade, Kindergarten through Ninth grade, competed against one another to bring in the most pennies. These dedicated students searched for loose change at home and asked their neighbors and friends in an effort to be the winning class which would earn a picnic during lunch at the park with ice cream and cookies.
The fourth grade class won the challenge, bringing in over 80 pounds of pennies! The first grade class came in a close second with just 1.5 oz of pennies per student less. The teachers were so moved by the student’s success that both classes received the ice cream and cookie picnic.
Throughout their competition, these children were also praying for the patients at Children’s Medical Center to get better. Mary Hartnett said, “God has blessed all of the families and children of CCA tremendously by providing us this school. Our goal is to extend our blessings to our community through our monthly community outreach program. These projects belong to the children and it is thrilling to see the impact their team effort can make. Because of their ownership of the project and because they pray for those they are helping throughout the month, the projects make a lasting impression and the children are deeply touched. The projects are especially meaningful to our students when they help other children in our community, such as the Children’s Cancer Fund. We are honored to be a part of your work.”
The students constucted motivational cards for all the children currently undergoing treatment at The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's Medical Center Dallas. Click here to see some of the faces that lit up when viewing the cards made by the Cornerstone students.
Local Media Strike it Big for Charity
Everyone a winner at 300 Dallas First Annual Charity Bowl
ADDISON, TX – September 22, 2006 – Eight teams comprising Dallas media representatives and their charities of choice bowled in a spirited competition at the First Annual 300 Dallas Charity Bowl on September 21, 2006 , at 300 Dallas , 3805 Belt Line Road in Addison .
Every team received a $300 cash prize and bowling-pin trophy, but the big winner was CBS Radio Baseball 1080 who bowled a team score of 519 points, resulting in the Grand Champion prize of $3,000 for their charity – Boy Scouts of America.
Other competing teams included:
· "KLUV's Greatest Bowlers” were supporting Children's Cancer Fund and came decked out with matching tee-shirts, balloons and banners and won “Most Team Spirit”!
· The aptly named Addison & The North Dallas Corridor Guide “Strikers” who teamed with Water Tower Theatre and won for “Most Strikes” with 11 for the team
· Meeting Planners International and Feral Friends won “Highest Score Print Outlet”
· Modern Luxury Dallas and DIFFA-Dallas won for “Most Gutter Balls”
· KLIF Radio “Pinheads” and We’ve Got Your Back won “Lowest Team Score”
· KZPS Radio “Bo & Jim Gutter Ballers” and Animal Rescure of Texas won for “Second Highest Score Radio Outlet”
· WFAA-TV “Spirit of Texas” and Santa's Helpers won for “Highest Score TV Outlet”
“Being the First Annual 300 Dallas Charity Bowl, we were so pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm from all the participants, who seemed to have a good time while supporting worthwhile non-profits,” said Michael Anderson, AMF Manager, Public Relations & Internet Marketing. “We look forward to our event becoming an annual competition and creating awareness for the many charitable causes benefiting the Dallas Metroplex.”
Responding to a local need for an upscale entertainment venue, 300 Dallas boasts a newly renovated facility equipped and flat-screen televisions, a state of the art sound system plus a selection of more than 70,000 videos, leather lounge and lane-side seating, billiards, midnight golf, a game arcade and a world-class sports bar. Club300, the only private party space with bowling lanes in the Metroplex, can be reserved for meetings or events. A full catering menu and two meeting rooms are also available.
300 Dallas is located at 3805 Beltline Road , Addison , TX , 75001 (phone: 972-620-7700). For more information, visit www.300Dallas.com.
Thank you KLUV for the support and bowling for our cause! Great job to you all!
Shelton Middle School Shows Support!
A great ending to a great school year! While some people have their mind on preparing for summer vacation, the students at Shleton Middle Shcool had bigger plans. Representatives and seventh graders, Schaefer Ochstein and Warren Noble, presented their Student Council with the plan to raise money for Children's Cancer Fund. And, Boy did they!
With the support of their principle and their teacher Lu Ann Dolly, the Student Council invited students to pay $5 which would allow them to wear their favorite jersey to school instead of the mandatory uniform shirt. This simple idea resulted in raising almost $900 for Children's Cancer Fund which will help to fund scientific research and programs to find a cure for childhood cancer. "We will make a lot more next year because we are going to include a jeans day," says organizer Schaefer Ochstein.
We look forward to it and commend the efforts of Shelton Middle School on this donation. These students prove that big things happen when people come together. Great job to you all!
Chance of a Lifetime for One Calendar Artist
Kolton Smith, 2006 Calendar Artist, was invited to throw out the first pitch at the Texas Ranger's Baseball game. Kolton was invited by CCF sponsor and dear friend, Allen Pope from UPS.
Roger Gives The Kids a Suite Deal!
Thursday, September 1, 2005, Roger Staubach opened his heart to the children being treated for cancer at Children's Medical Center Dallas. He graciously donated his suite at Texas Stadium to Children's Cancer Fund for the final 2005 Pre-Season Cowboys game for the kids to enjoy. Five children and their families were able to enjoy the game in the luxurious suite and share in the excitement. The children included Kolton Smith, 10, Chad Cole, 13, Jeremy Ruffins 17, Dameon Beechem, 13, and Austin Williams, 13.
The kids were also greeted by a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader to sign autographs and visit with the kids. The excitement was overwhelming with all the Cowboy spirit in the room. Finally, a visit from the Dallas Desperados topped off the night. They also gave autographs and visited with the kids.
The fabulous night ended in a win for the Cowboys, 27-20! It was sure to be a memorable night for all the kids and their families. Special thanks to Shelley Shwiff, Cristy Ecton, and Rhonda Hole for bringing this event together!
Lyrics for Life a Huge Success!
Lyrics for Life recently traveled Southwest for the first Texas event on August 20, 2005 benefiting the Children's Cancer Fund. Hosted by the Evered family, the event took place at Sambuca Restaurant in Addison. We were joined by special guests Roger Staubach and Diane Johnston. The evening was full of great food, wonderful music and a special show of support in the Dallas community.
Three-time participant Matt Harrington said, "Each event has taken on a different personality - the venue was very cool, a great atmosphere for the evening.
As guests arrived, they were greeted with smiles and a chorus of "Welcome to Lyrics for Life" as our special CCF children handed our programs and checked guests in. During cocktail hour, they enjoyed hors devours and an open bar as Chase Mackintosh sang and played the classics on a baby Grand.
At seven o'clock, guests were shown to their tables where they were served a decadent three course dinner. As desert began, Dallas' own Stoney LaRue kicked off the music portion of the evening. His set was followed by the songs and stories of favorite Shawn Mullins. The evening reached a highlight as Ken, Andrew, Ryan, and Jett of Sister Hazel took the stage. Their performances had guests clapping, singing along, and feeling good.
Just before the end of the evening, Ken Block shared a few words with the audience. He spoke of the evening's purpose. That while we all enjoyed great food, music, laughter, and fun, it was important to remember the cause that brought us all together. With that, he introduced a video featuring the photos of children who have been helped with funds raised by Lyrics for Life over the past five years. There was hardly a dry eye in the house.
A special thanks to Michael Sloane, coordinator of Lyrics for Life. Also thank you to Candy Battle Imagesensations for the photography, the Kuelbs family, the Weir family, and the Debase family for their participation and volunteering their time to make the event a success.
Click here to to see pictures of this exciting night!
The gift of giving!
The Children's Cancer Fund salutes Ethan Funkhouser, who won the G.I. Joe Real American Heroes Award for performing outstanding acts of selflessness, bravery, and willingness to give.
Ethan is undergoing treatment for Leukemia at Children's Medical Center Dallas and won the award for his compassion toward a fellow classmate who is also undergoing chemotherapy.
Ethan is a Children's Cancer Fund 2003 Calendar Artists and participated in the "Beyond the Rainbow" Luncheon and Fashion Show. He is in the 4th grade at Plano Jackson Elementary School. Ethan and his family have decided their donation will go to the CCF, which supports cancer research and treatment programs at Children's and UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
Congratulations from all of us at the Children's Cancer Fund!
Fort Worth boy benefits from research aided by cancer fund.
(excerpt from CenterTimes September/October 2002 by Barbara Bedrick)
Two months shy of his 6th birthday, Sam Helsley of Fort Worth savors stepping up to bat. Playing T-ball may be a rite of passage for most boys his age, but for Sam, who's had more than his share of oppontnets, it's a hard-won victory.
When Sam was 23 months old, he was diagnosed with an advanced-stage childhood cancer - neuroblastoma - that originates in the sympathetic nervous system. Sam's pediatrician had discovered a grapefruit-sized tumor in the boy's abdommen, which was removed surgically.
Dr. Victor Aquino, assistant professor of pediatrics at UT Southwestern, performed the first tandem stem-cell transplant for neuroblastoma in North Texas on Sam. Pediatric clinical trials, like the one in which Sam participated, have often been supported with seed, core or supplemental funding by the Children's Cancer Fund, a private Dallas foundation, and other organizations.
