Rage in the Cage – View Article & Photos

Underage in the Cage – View Article & Photos

THE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:

For the past several years, hundreds of dedicated volunteers, families and friends have come together to raise funds and awareness for Charlie’s Champions, a Foundation established by Tara and John Schmitt to honor their son, Charlie, a cancer survivor who was treated for leukemia at the Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at Winthrop-University Hospital.  Proceeds from Rage in the Cage benefit the Center’s essential therapeutic programs and services, which are provided free to patients and families.  This legendary weekend event, a highly competitive mixed doubles paddle tennis tournament, held on March 23-24 represented community spirit at its finest, and raised close to $75,000.  for the CCFK.

The Friday evening junior paddle play competition (“Underage in the Cage”) commandeered by Jennifer Schmitt and her team of pros, Garden City High volunteers, and Garden City moms added Ping Pong, Beach Tennis and Raffles to the mix to make for an exciting afternoon all around. They also introduced the “Bobby Menges Band,” whose playing captivated the young audience…truly reminiscent of an ABC Afterschool Special… Kids caring for kids!

The adult version of Rage dawned on Saturday morning with 68 teams in total, three with separate tournament draws (Championship, A and B).  Liz Jaffe of Long Island and Mark Ruppert of New Jersey defeated Garden City’s Michelle Griffith and Dan Rothschild in the Championship; Alexa Ququ and Chris Heffernan of New Jersey conquered Manhasset and Garden City’s Marie Adams and Andy Borzilleri in “A;” finally in the “B’s” Garden City’s Lisa Richardson and partner Jack Von Maur of Westchester were victorious over Port Washington’s husband and wife team, Eileen and William Neville.

A gorgeous sunset set the scene for the tent party, where 275 guests enjoyed the festivities and met guest speaker Dr. Mark E. Weinblatt, Director of the Cancer Center for Kids.  Dr. Weinblatt spoke eloquently of the Foundation’s outstanding dedication to the Center and the Schmitt family’s personal commitment to helping kids with cancer throughout Charlie’s treatment and beyond.

A live auction led by Greg Burke helped sell items donated by Jamie Pappas of _____  Air Conditioning Company, Chef Paul Magro, John Schmitt, Blueberry Brooke and the Calouri Family.

Special grand raffle prize donors included the Reddington Family, Jen and Tim Schmitt, Tara & Robert Griffith, and the Dehler Family.  Greg Bavaro of Garden City Pizza donated pies for all Underage participants, and Drew Monahan of Abbey Tent contributed the tent equipment.  Kudos went to the terrific staff at the Cherry Valley Country Club.  In the words of Andrew Lloyd Webber:  What a night! What a crowd!

Rage in the Cage 2012 Program Details

If you would like to join Charlie’s Champions and its efforts on behalf of children with cancer, visit its website at charlieschampions.com.  For more information about the Cancer Center for Kids, access www.winthrop.org/cck.

1234...151617►

Legendary Event Takes Center Stage & Benefits Kids with Cancer

For the past several years, hundreds of dedicated volunteers, families and friends have come together to raise funds and awareness for Charlie’s Champions, a Foundation established by Tara and John Schmitt to honor their son, Charlie, a cancer survivor who was treated for leukemia at the Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at Winthrop-University Hospital.  Proceeds from Rage in the Cage benefit the Center’s essential therapeutic programs and services, which are provided free to patients and families.  This legendary weekend event, a highly competitive mixed doubles paddle tennis tournament, held on March 23-24 represented community spirit at its finest, and raised close to $75,000.  for the CCFK.

The Friday evening junior paddle play competition (“Underage in the Cage”) commandeered by Jennifer Schmitt and her team of pros, Garden City High volunteers, and Garden City moms added Ping Pong, Beach Tennis and Raffles to the mix to make for an exciting afternoon all around. They also introduced the “Bobby Menges Band,” whose playing captivated the young audience…truly reminiscent of an ABC Afterschool Special… Kids caring for kids!

The adult version of Rage dawned on Saturday morning with 68 teams in total, three with separate tournament draws (Championship, A and B).  Liz Jaffe of Long Island and Mark Ruppert of New Jersey defeated Garden City’s Michelle Griffith and Dan Rothschild in the Championship; Alexa Ququ and Chris Heffernan of New Jersey conquered Manhasset and Garden City’s Marie Adams and Andy Borzilleri in “A;” finally in the “B’s” Garden City’s Lisa Richardson and partner Jack Von Maur of Westchester were victorious over Port Washington’s husband and wife team, Eileen and William Neville.

A gorgeous sunset set the scene for the tent party, where 275 guests enjoyed the festivities and met guest speaker Dr. Mark E. Weinblatt, Director of the Cancer Center for Kids.  Dr. Weinblatt spoke eloquently of the Foundation’s outstanding dedication to the Center and the Schmitt family’s personal commitment to helping kids with cancer throughout Charlie’s treatment and beyond.

A live auction led by Greg Burke helped sell items donated by Jamie Pappas of _____  Air Conditioning Company, Chef Paul Magro, John Schmitt, Blueberry Brooke and the Calouri Family.

Special grand raffle prize donors included the Reddington Family, Jen and Tim Schmitt, Tara & Robert Griffith, and the Dehler Family.  Greg Bavaro of Garden City Pizza donated pies for all Underage participants, and Drew Monahan of Abbey Tent contributed the tent equipment.  Kudos went to the terrific staff at the Cherry Valley Country Club.  In the words of Andrew Lloyd Webber:  What a night! What a crowd!

If you would like to join Charlie’s Champions and its efforts on behalf of children with cancer, visit its website at charlieschampions.com.  For more information about the Cancer Center for Kids, access www.winthrop.org/cck.

Championship Draw:  Liz Jaffe & Mark Ruppert

A Draw:  Alexa Ququ & Chris Heffernan

B Draw: Lisa Richardson &   Jack Von Maur

THE RAFFLES:

TV – The Bice Family

Paddle Board  -  Reily Family

IPAD – The Bruno Family

Beachcomber Bike – The George Family

50/50 ($5,600 Split!) – The Biggane Family

LIVE AUCTION:

Met’s Luxury Suite – Dave Cassaro

Dinner w/Chef Paul Magro – Dan Englander

Golf Trip to Old Memorial, Fla. – Bill Bice

Blueberry Brooke Girls Weekend – Angela LaManna

Dinner at RAO’S – Dan  & Julia Englander