Sarah Grace Foundation Of LI Ends 20th Anniversary Year

HICKSVILLE, NY — The Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer, a Hicksville charity, is closing the books on its 20th anniversary year, which featured charitable endeavors rooted in its mission.

Since its founding in 2003 in honor of Sarah Grace Weippert, the foundation remained committed
to helping children affected by cancer and their families.

Over the summer, the foundation distributed NY Mets ballgame tickets to pediatric cancer centers; provided summer crafts; distributed more than 1,000 new books; replenished The Escape Hatch; Chemo Duck and provided 60 backpacks filled with school supplies as part of the organizations "Back To School" program, including an additional 125 20th Anniversary backpacks. The foundation distributed information and participated in Childhood Cancer Awareness Events throughout September.

As fall arrived, the foundation shipped 528 Halloween trick-or-treat goodie bags and provided fall craft projects for children at local pediatric cancer centers.

"All of this was accomplished while also fulfilling requests for grocery and gas gift cards as well as financial assistance for household expenses, patient co-pays and funeral expenses," said Matt
Weippert, executive director of the foundation, in a news release.

Matt and Marissa Weippert founded the not-for-profit in memory of their daughter, Sarah Grace, who died of acute lymphoblastic leukemia on Nov. 9, 2002. She was 12. The charity is in its 20th year.

The foundation depends on the generosity of donors and fundraising events to fulfill its mission.

The Holiday Extravaganza raffle raised $5,600 for the foundation’s holiday programs, and a Zumba fundraiser in Florida raised an additional $550, Weippert said.

The foundation is once again hosting a toy drive to brighten the holidays for children with cancer. Donations of new and unused toys can be dropped off at Ray Leventhal Clothing, at 335 S. Oyster Bay Road, Plainview.

People can also support the toy drive online. The deadline is Dec. 10.

For more information on The Sarah Grace Foundation, people may call 516-433-9745 or visit the foundation’s website. Donations or requests for information may be sent to the Foundation at 17 E. Old Country Road, Unit B, PMB 202, Hicksville, NY 11801.