Aug

A Night of Hope Under the Stars Gala

by The Mother Teresa Cancer Awareness Fund

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Thank you for your order, we look forward to seeing you on March 27, 2020 for the Night of Hope Under the Stars Gala. To learn more about how you can participate by being a Sponsor, making a Donation or as a Volunteer, please contact: Terra Maddalone-Ristau Executive Director, The Mother Teresa Cancer Awareness Fund Terra@mtcaf.org The Mother Teresa Cancer Awareness Fund is a 501c3 organization.

Event description

" A Night of Hope Under the Stars" Gala hosted by Dr. Benita Zahn and Special Guest Auctioneer, LeGrande Serras.

About this event

The Mother Teresa Cancer Awareness Fund Presents:

"A Night of Hope Under the Stars" Gala

This charity event will raise funds for those with cancer in the Capital District of N.Y. with their out of pocket expenses related to their treatment.

Together We Can Make a Difference.

Ticket Information

VIP Admission Includes:

All activities of the evening
Open Bar during the event
A VIP ONLY Raffle

General Admission Includes:

All activities of the evening
Cash Bar

( To order tickets by Paypal, please contact Terra@mtcaf.org)

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Appetizer Station Menu Selections

Buttered Sweet Pea Parmesan Arancini

Buttered Goat Cheese Fritters with Orange Scented Honey

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Short Rib Spoons with Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

Shrimp Cocktail Shooters with Fresh Lemon Wedge

Balsamic Chicken with Asparagus and Tomatoes

Kobe Meatballs with Coney Island Hard Root Beer Glaze

Hickory Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork

Cold Antipasto Station Filled with a Selection of Cold Italian Meats, Sharp Imported Cheeses, Olive Oil tossed with Artichoke Hearts, Fresh Mozzarella and Grilled Asparagus

Yukon Gold Mashed Potato Bar with All the Fixins’

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Make it a Weekend in Saratoga by staying overnight at Longfellows Hotel *

(Limited/Reserve Early)

(Cocktail or Formal Party Attire, 18+ event)

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Event Program

There will be many Surprises throughout the evening as Benita Zahn, DPS, co-anchor of NewsChannel 13 Live at 4 and Live at 6 leads you through an "Evening of Hope Under the Stars."

Featuring a Live Auction with LeGrande Serras

Get your Dancing Shoes Ready and Dance All Night Long with Music by Award winning DJ Nick of Maddalone Entertainment

Bourbon Tasting with Top Shelf Wine and Spirits

Silly Snaps Mirror Wall Photo Booth

Scavenger Hunt with Prize Drawing

Spin to Win

Hearty Appetizer Stations

We Do Fondue Chocolate Fountain

A Mystery Gift Room & Wine Pull

Silent Auction

Selfie "Wall of Happiness"

Plus, an Exciting Demo and Performance by S'Daga Sun Tribe!

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Our Story

The Mother Teresa Cancer Awareness Fund was founded in 2017 (by Capital District residents, Terra Maddalone-Ristau and her parents of 14 children, Joyce and Hank Maddalone) when funds were donated via GoFundMe for Joyce to assist her with expenses related to her cancer treatment.

(Joyce was diagnosed in 2012 with an extremely rare cancer called Strombal Tumor of the Sex Cord, which is form of uterine and ovarian cancer, in addition to melanoma).

It was a difficult thing for Joyce and Hank to accept help from others as they were used to giving and not being on the receiving end.

After much discussion, it was agreed upon that Joyce would utilize some of the funds for her out of pocket expenses and the rest would be donated to others in the community who were facing hardship due to their treatment.

Over the past two years, a small team of volunteers have given of their time to work on fundraisers to assist in helping those with cancer in the Capital District, NY with the out of pocket expenses related to their treatment.

As cancer patients are under stressors that are difficult for others to imagine, MTCAF strives to make the process as simple as possible.

If a cancer patient lives in the Capital District of N.Y. and is in need of assistance for their out of pocket expenses, they simply complete a one page application and submit along with diagnosis from their doctor. A check is written out directly to the patient.

There are no restrictions on how they may use the funds as we know from first hand experience (as well as it has been shared by some of the recipients that the needs are many; from co-pays, medications, groceries, transportation to treatment, home care, child care, rent and mortgage payments (the list is endless).

In addition to monetary assistance, MTCAF also sends gift cards to the patients and their families during the holidays to assist in some small way of alleviating more of the anxiety that occurs when looking to have a holiday dinner or gift for their child.

It is so much more than the money, it is about sharing with those in our very own community who need us at such a difficult time in their lives that we are here for them, that they are not alone and that we as a community do care.

As Mother Teresa said, "We can not all do great things but we can all do small things with great love."

This is the philosophy that Joyce and Hank Maddalone raised their family with; Faith, Family and Community. That we are put in this earth to reach out to others and be a light when there is darkness.

Joyce continues her battle with cancer while Hank lost his fight to liver cancer in the Spring of 2019.

Yet, the Spirit of Giving continues through MTCAF as it was confirmed the morning of Hank's passing when three patients sent in applications for assistance.

Terra knew that was her father's way of saying, "Carry on the legacy of helping others."

To learn more about how you can be apart of the MTCAF team or to make a contribution, contact us at www.mtcaf.org

A Night of Hope Under the Stars Gala image

Meet Your Host for the Evening

Benita Zahn, DPS, co-anchors NewsChannel 13 Live at 4 with Jerry Gretzinger and Live at 6 with Jim Kambrich. She is also the health reporter, covering issues including wellness, treatment breakthroughs, aging, nutrition and the latest health care trends. She also produces and hosts Health Beat, a digital health interview program that posts every Monday and Thursday on wnyt.com. You can read her weekly column for the 'Live Smart' page in the Times Union.

Benita is a 2019 New York Emmy Award winner. Other awards include the 2015 Resourceful Woman Award (Troy YWCA), 2014 Arthur Kapner Spirit of the Chamber Award (Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber), named one of the 100 Women of the Century (Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber), nine-time Emmy nominee, NYS Broadcasters award recipient, Gold Medal and Bronze Medal - New York Festival's International Television, Distinguished Communicator Award/ American Women in Radio and Television, Women Against MS honoree, the NYS Health Education Week Award, media awards from the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association, 2014.

Benita has also covered numerous national political conventions, the inauguration of President Barack Obama, the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the Unabomber trial.

Benita is Honorary Chair for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Run. She is also on the boards of Kelly's Cause, Building on Love which supports Ronald McDonald House and Park Playhouse.

Benita is an avid runner and triathlete. She's also active in local theater. She is a member of Actors Equity Association. Her theater credits include performances at Capital Rep, Fort Salem Theater, Park Playhouse, Albany Civic Theater, Schenectady Civic Theater and Schenectady Light Opera.

Benita earned her Doctorate in Professional Studies/Bioethics in 2014 from Albany Medical College/Alden March Bioethics Institute where she also earned a Masters in Bioethics.

A LIVE Auction with LeGrande Serras!

Meet our Celebrity Auctioneer

LeGrande Serras third-generation restaurant owner, opened Reel Seafood Co.® in 1983. His family’s humble beginnings instilled in him the importance of giving back, and for four decades LeGrande has worked tirelessly to support Capital Region’s thriving arts community and countless human services organizations whose work empowers the disenfranchised.

Employing his special gift for communication- and some shameless prodding-LeGrande has raised over $27 million as an auctioneer at more than 2200 charity auctions and organizations in the Albany Area.

Since selling The Reel Seafood Co.® , in 2013, LeGrande has expanded his philanthropic efforts. In additions to his many auctioneering gigs, he speaks to the community and professional groups about the critical role that independent businesses play in building a sustainable community.

Your Lead Entertainer for the Evening

DJ Nick of Maddalone Entertainment

Nick has been in the wedding industry as a DJ for over a decade and has been a DJ at over 1,000 events since he started his career in 2006. Not only is Nick a Saratoga Springs, NY DJ but he’s also a fun, energetic, interactive Master of Ceremonies as well!

What does this mean? It means he doesn’t just stand behind his booth spinning tunes for you. He is always gauging your guest’s interests to make sure he’s mixing the right music. It means he’s on the mic getting everyone excited and keeping that dance floor packed! You will even find him out there dancing with you! He is truly one of kind.

Nick began his career at the young age of 17 years old with a passion for music and making people laugh. Little did he know that this part time job in high school on weekends would launch a complete career for him.

Nick is truly passionate about what he does and his role in your special day. Nick is most remembered for his upbeat, contagious personality and enthusiasm he brings to every event to help make your reception or party one for the books! He offers day of reception coordination to help make sure your party runs smoothly and all your vendors are happily in sync with one another. Nothing is more important to him than your happiness on your special day!