A Breath for Alessandra Charity Leads 3rd Annual Golf Outing & Banquet

A Breath for Alessandra (ABFA), a New Jersey-based charity dedicated to supporting individuals living with disabilities and health concerns, such as asthma, hosted its 3rd Annual Golf Outing & Banquet, “Golf For Good,” on May 10, 2024, at Heron Glen Golf Course and Restaurant in Ringoes, NJ. The fundraising event supported individuals with asthma and other health conditions, marking a significant milestone in the organization's ongoing efforts to positively impact the lives of those in need.

The event featured a full day of activities, allowing participants to choose between playing golf, attending the banquet, or enjoying both. Golf enthusiasts relished the challenging course at Heron Glen, which had unlimited range balls before the round. Attendees also received swag bags and boxed lunches. The banquet included a delectable dinner, Tricky Tray Baskets, live and silent auctions, and a 50/50 raffle. The event also showcased paintings by Anne Marie Del Principe, Co-Founder of ABFA, and stained glass pieces crafted by G. Aceti, adding an artistic flair to the festivities.

"We often think of Alessandra and that terrible day," said Mike Zedalis, Director of Co-Operations at ABFA. "The ABFA golf outing, in Alessandra's memory, provides us with some solace since the donations raised support asthma research and benefit children and young adults coping with disabilities and suffering severe hardships."

ABFA’s officers, Kevin Gilbert and Jim and Trudie Boland played a crucial role in the success of the golf event. Their dedication and hard work behind the scenes ensured that the outing ran smoothly and achieved its fundraising goals. ABFA extended a big thank you to its volunteers: Natalie Diakun, Eric Shore, Beemal Vasani, Stacey Gilbert, and Sirley Garcia, who all added their own specialty to this year’s success.

The impact of ABFA extends far beyond this annual event. The charity provides two types of monetary assistance: financial aid and academic aid. These programs are designed to provide resources to those who may not otherwise have access to them, regardless of their circumstances.

In the past two years, ABFA has awarded scholarships and financial aid to nine deserving recipients: Amelia Gerlock, Daniel Rusiecki, Emilie Gomez, Jacob Grandall, Jessica Alonso, Kaavya Selvakumar, Lauren DiGiovanni, Milana Borodkin, and Victoria Tabano. These scholarships and financial aid have helped these individuals pursue their educational goals and financial needs despite the challenges they face.

“Emilie Gomez, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and asthma, attends Our House Day Facility, and due to budget cuts, parents were asked to pay for recreational activities, such as yoga, karate, cooking classes, etc.,” said Diane Gomez, mother of Emilie Gomez. “The expense was a struggle for me, and the ABFA Charity Scholarship enabled Emilie to participate in socially and emotionally enriching activities, involve herself in her community, and be a productive and independent member of society. I am so appreciative and grateful that this opportunity was afforded to us and hope that it can help others.”

The event also highlighted ABFA's collaboration with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Kenny Mendez, President and CEO; Jenna Riemenschneider, VP of Advocacy and Policy; and Elisa Zizza, Director of Development, all attended the golf outing. Together, these organizations are working to lobby for an important legislative bill known as Alessandra's Law. Sponsored by New Jersey Assemblyman Erik Peterson, this proposed law aims to enhance safety at public gatherings by requiring the presence of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

Under Alessandra's Law, venues hosting gatherings of fewer than 1,000 people would be required to notify patrons of the option to hire EMTs. For events with more than 1,000 attendees, the law would mandate the presence of EMTs throughout the event. In line with this commitment to safety, EMTs were present throughout the ABFA golf outing and banquet, ready to provide emergency medical care if needed.

The success of the 3rd Annual Golf Outing & Banquet was made possible by the generous support of numerous sponsors and donors. ABFA extends its heartfelt gratitude to its Gold Package Sponsors: Finario, Green Tree Foodservices, LLC, Hunterdon Ceramic Tile Co., and The Zedalis Family. Their significant contributions played a crucial role in the event's success.

ABFA also acknowledges the support of several notable donors, including Google, Longwood Gardens, New York Football Giants, New York Jets, New York Red Bulls, Wawa, Herr’s Foods Fererro, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Their contributions demonstrate the wide-reaching impact of ABFA's mission and the diverse support it has garnered.

The funds raised from this event will be instrumental in furthering ABFA's goals. As ABFA looks to the future, the organization remains committed to its core mission of supporting individuals living with asthma and other health conditions. The success of this event not only provides sufficient financial support but also raises awareness about the ongoing need for research, assistance, and advocacy in this area.

About A Breath for Alessandra (ABFA)

A Breath for Alessandra (ABFA) is a New Jersey-based charity founded in memory of Alessandra Del Principe. Its mission is to support individuals living with disabilities and health concerns, such as asthma, by raising awareness and providing vital assistance to those in need. Through its annual Golf Outing & Banquet, scholarship and financial aid awards, as well as other initiatives, ABFA strives to make a positive impact on the lives of those facing health challenges, honoring Alessandra's memory by creating a legacy of hope and support.

For more information about ABFA, its mission, and how you can get involved, please visit www.abfacharity.org or contact ABFA at abfacharity@gmail.com.