Kids Need More, Long Island’s premier nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children, families, and young adults coping with cancer and life threatening illnesses, hosted the 4th Annual Mitchell Kraeling Memorial Gala on Jan. 31 at The Coral House in Baldwin.
This year’s gala raised $75, 000 and honored Joseph Hoehn of Farmingdale, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 12 after a battle with congenital heart disease. New York State Assemblywoman Judy Boyd Griffith joined as a featured guest speaker.
“This Gala is always such a magical night filled with love, support, and most importantly, fun,” said Kids Need More President Melissa Firmes. “At Kids Need More we believe that children diagnosed with serious illness need more than to survive, they deserve to thrive. We are committed to providing them opportunities with their families to enjoy life, to have fun and create happy memories.”
This year’s gala featured dinner, dancing, raffles and prizes, as well as the exceptional children and teen Gala Ambassadors. This year’s Ambassadors include children coping with serious illness and trauma, whether they have lost a family member or endured it themselves. These special individuals represent hope for the kids and families coping with life’s biggest obstacles. Each Ambassador has taken on the task of personally fundraising for the event.
All proceeds from the gala will support the Kids Need More mission to enhance the lives of children, families and young adults coping with cancer and life-threatening illness.