A Look Back at Past Events

Eight Fun Centers Arrive at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

Recently, Lauren Fitzback of South Florida-based service club Les Diplomates and Starlight placed EIGHT Fun Center mobile entertainment units, featuring a Nintendo Wii™, DVD player and a Sharp AQUOS™ LCD TV, in Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital for its pediatric patients.

"Starlight is very grateful for Les Diplomates long-term and generous partnership," said Starlight Southeast Region Director Nancy HartGold. "For more than eight years, Les Diplomates has been supporting Starlight to help us bring fun and laughter to the seriously ill children and families we serve in South Florida."

Founded in 1986, Les Diplomates is a South Florida-based service club with a membership composed of French-speaking professionals. The club raised $14,000 to sponsor the Fun Centers at its Les Diplomates Fashion Show held in early spring.

Sherrifs for a Day

This month, the Broward Sheriff’s Office hosted a Broward Sheriff-for-a- Day Great Escape. During the event, Starlight families interacted with BSO officers and its swat and air rescue teams and came face-to-face with its helicopter, fire engine and police cars.

Many families stated that their favorite part of the event was its Communications tour. Children and their parents got to experience first hand what it is like for the 911 dispatch services that cover the area of Broward County. This division functions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

"All of the families that attended truly enjoyed this once in a lifetime experience to see what goes on behind the scenes at the Broward Sheriff's Office," said Southeat Region Director Nancy HartGold. "We are so thankful to BSO for not only supporting this Great Escape, but also Starlight's year round programs."

Later in the day, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza of Pompano Beach sponsored our lunch with meatballs, chicken wings and salad. During lunch, families were able to interact with each other and meet Quigley, the Broward County Sheriffs Office mascot. To wrap up the eventful afternoon, kids took part in a raffle and got to pick from lots of exciting BSO items to bring home.

Starlight Families 'Paint the Ice Red' with the NHL Florida Panthers

Recently, NHL team the Florida Panthers gave Starlight families and other loyal fans,the experience of a lifetime: painting lines on the ice at BankAtlantic Center.

As part of the "Paint The Ice Red" event, Starlight kids had the opportunity to take part in the ice painting process, which involved painting the rink’s red line, blue lines and goal crease. In addition, families had their photos taken and received commemorative Panthers paintbrushes.

See the news clip here!

Throughout its 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, the Florida Panthers Foundation provided Starlight families with more than 500 tickets to hockey games. This October, the Panthers and Starlight will be partnering for a very special Halloween Trick or Suite Great Escape at the BankAtlantic Center.

Students Deliver Fun on Wheels to Two South Florida Hospitals

Children undergoing treatment at Broward Health Chris Evert Children's Hospital and Broward Health Coral Springs Medical Center were recently given a reason to smile brighter and laugh a little more. Thanks to North Broward Preparatory School Student Government, both hospitals each received their own Starlight Fun Center mobile entertainment unit.

"We are so thrilled to support Starlight," said Ritchie Gallione of North Broward Preparatory School. "Throughout the year, our student government members volunteered at numerous Starlight events and worked with some amazing children. We are proud to have raised enough money to surpass our goals with the sponsorship of two Fun Centers to local hospitals. These Fun Centers will provide children with a source of fun and escape from the daily routine of hospital life. It is the idea of putting smiles on children's faces now and for years to come that has inspired us to achieve our goals."

Rolling Their Wheels to Make an Xtreme Impact

On Wed., August 3, Project: IMPACT Starlight Florida’s group of dynamic young professionals, hosted yet another successful Xtreme Karting for Kids fundraising event at Ft. Lauderdale’s own Xtreme Indoor Karting. The event collected school supplies and donations for more than 100 seriously ill children and family members in preparation for our annual Back2School Great Escape, which was held later that month. Guests enjoyed a complimentary Xtreme race, game specials, an elaborate Italian feast buffet and the opportunity to compete for a one-week stay at a resort in Orlando.

Established just over a year ago Project: IMPACT has raised nearly $10,000 to benefit our Great Escapes activities program, which gives Starlight families the opportunity to enjoy monthly outings that ease the daily stresses that accompany hospital stays and doctors’ visits.

Starlight Florida Honors Its Volunteers

Starlight Florida recently held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, where staff honored the incredible work done by the dedicated volunteers of the past year.  Two especially active individuals were named Volunteer of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year for their outstanding contributions. We are pleased to announce Ann D’Auria as the recipient of the Jane Guterman and Nancy Shaller Volunteer of the Year Award and Sheriff Al Lamberti as Philanthropist of the Year.

Ann is extremely passionate about improving the lives of seriously ill children and involves herself in so many aspects of Starlight so that she can be confident she is helping make an impact on our families. As a Starlight volunteer for the past 10 years, she understands both the importance of the programs themselves as well as the fundraising that goes into putting on those programs. Over the course of the past year, Ann has attended numerous Great Escapes events and fundraisers, served on the Starlight Florida Resource Committee, participated in the toy drive, introduced Starlight to key community business leaders, and recruited new volunteers, just to name a few. In so many ways, Ann’s dedication has made a huge impression on the Florida Office. Whether it’s dressing up as Starry and making our kids smile or selling raffle tickets to help fund our programs, Ann is a very special Starlight volunteer.

Sheriff Al Lamberti joined Starlight’s Advisory Council last summer from the get go, he and the Broward Sheriff’s Office staff have found numerous ways to not only raise funds to support our programs but also attend Great Escapes and assist our families. Sheriff Lamberti and his staff have embraced Starlight’s mission and have had a hand in our two biggest fundraisers of the year – the golf tournament and the Tea. BSO helped secure over $6,000 worth of sponsorships for the two events and served on both planning committees. These two events have raised nearly $100,000 for Starlight Florida.  The biggest gift from Sheriff Lamberti and BSO came over the holidays, when the Sheriff invited Starlight to participate in both Shop with the Sheriff and Toys for Tots. Not only did Starlight families receive over $1,200 worth of holiday presents and gift cards, but Starlight was spotlighted in WSVN channel 7’s coverage of the events. The Sheriff and his staff have attended both fundraisers and Great Escape events, and his presence on the Advisory Council has helped Starlight Florida secure other third party fundraising events.

Whether being part of a Great Escape event or a fundraiser, the generosity of both Ann D’Auria and Sheriff Al Lamberti has helped Starlight Florida put smiles on the faces of countless seriously ill children. We are honored to have their support and commitment to our programs, as well as that of all the dedicated Starlight volunteers. 

Temple Arts’ Expressions of Zen raised over $2,000 for Starlight Florida 

On Saturday, April 10, Fitness and Health Studio, Temple Arts, hosted its first Expressions of Zen fundraiser benefiting Starlight Florida as a part of their “Year of the Youth” celebration.  Temple Arts is a fitness and wellness studio that features martial arts, yoga, Pilates, dance, and spin classes as well as a full wellness department with acupuncture, Chinese medicine, nutrition, massage and chiropractic for the whole family.

“You can learn a lot from children,” says Temple Arts Co-Founder and President, Amanda Clemens-Bernabe. “Children are fully open to learning, still in awe of the world, can laugh, cry and also love unconditionally and are flexible in body and mind."

April is a month for children and Temple Arts is celebrating that expression of youth with an event that left guests feeling young, happy and healthy.  This free family event featured over a half mile of local and national vendors, games, slides, bounce houses, clowns, face painting and more for children to enjoy.  In addition, the more than 7,200 square feet of Temple Arts’ studio was open for free yoga classes, martial arts, dance and Pilates for children and adults of all ages.

Attendees also had the opportunity to enjoy massage and acupuncture treatments, as well as guest visits from the Miami Dolphins’ cheerleaders, who signed autographs and took pictures with young guests.  The day was further enhanced through demonstrations, including belly dancing and a martial arts demonstration by two-time Martial Arts Hall of Fame winner, David Shapiro.

“Starlight was honored to be the beneficiary of this wonderful day of family activities that raised more than $2,000 for seriously ill children and their families,” said Sasha Moon, Starlight Children's Foundation Community Development Office.  “It is with the support and generosity of organizations like Temple Arts that Starlight is able to continue reaching over 7400 children per month in just Florida through our programs.”

5th Annual Hats & Handbags Tea Raises Over $28,500 

Starlight Children’s Foundation is pleased to announce its annual Hats & Handbags, A Classic English Afternoon Tea, raised over $28,500 to benefit its programs for seriously ill children and their families. Presented by the Colgate-Palmolive Company, the event took place on Sunday, March 21st at the elegant Diplomat Golf Resort & Spa in Hallandale Beach. CBS4 Neighbors4Neighbors reporter Nicole Maristany served as emcee.

Having attracted a crowd of over 225 women, the Tea festivities began with a boutique sale where guests were able to pick up an array of unique custom-made accessories for their spring and summer wardrobes including handbags, jewelry, candles, and home goods. In addition to shopping, the events also featured fabulous food and scrumptious teas, plus live youth entertainment by a very talented young singer. Up and coming teen singer Joshua Grosso of American Heritage High School wowed the crowd with his vocal talents. Starlight parent Patricia Parron and her daughter Lily also shared with the audience how Starlight has touched their lives and the positive impact the programs have had while they also deal with Lily’s illness.

Event co-chairs Susan Baer and Barbara Day agreed, “Hats & Handbags has become the perfect excuse for a day of fun with girlfriends and family. All guests look forward to the opportunity to don their most fabulous hats and carry their most fantastic handbags!”

Additional sponsorship support was provided by the Baer’s Furniture, Blue Martini, AutoNation, Rick Case Automotive Group, Les Diplomates of Fort Lauderdale, the Diplomat Golf Resort & Spa, Broward Health, Floridian Community Bank, PSAV Presentation Services and Best Rental Service.

“Hats & Handbags is much more than a perfect afternoon of shopping and tea; it is about the seriously ill children and their families whose lives Starlight impacts every day.  This year’s generous sponsors, event attendees and energetic committee allow Starlight the opportunities to continue giving sick kids moments when they can focus on what they do best – being kids,” said Mary Ensor, Starlight Development Coordinator.

You Only Live Once Begins the Week in Style

On Tuesday, February 27th, U.S. Capital Advisors and Associates presented You Only Live Once, a celebration of giving back to the community that raised over $1,200 for Starlight Children's Foundation.  This reception a attracted an enthusiastic group of new and current Starlight supporters to downtown Las Olas hotspot YOLO.
Guests enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy light hors d’oeuvres while socializing around the outdoor fire on a wonderful breezy South Florida evening.  Miami Dolphins players Pat White and Patrick Turner also came to support Starlight and contributed an autographed football as a raffle prize.
U.S. Capital Advisors and Associates will also be supporting Starlight Children's Foundation’s Great Escape program by bringing local celebrities, including Miami Dolphins football players to meet with Starlight families. To recognize their generosity and dedication to helping seriously ill children Starlight honored U.S. Capital Advisors & Associates CEO and Financial Advisor Jayson Brown with a plaque commemorating their support and ongoing dedication.
“The opportunity to make a difference in the community and help sick kids experience moments when they can just focus on being kids is very rewarding for us to be involved in,” Brown said. “Starlight Children’s Foundation is truly making a big difference in these kids’ lives and we are proud to be able to support their mission.”

Wine Warehouse presents A Spanish Wine Tasting, Una Noche de Vino benefiting Starlight Florida

On Friday, January 22nd, The Wine Warehouse presented A Spanish Wine Tasting, Una Noche de Vino that raised over $1,800 for Starlight Children's Foundation’s many programs.  The wine tasting a attracted a sold out crowd of over 60 guests who enjoyed the opportunity to taste ten assorted red and white wines from Spanish vineyards and while dining on paella and arroz con pollo from local restaurant Café Seville. 
Una Noche de Vino is the first of many fundraisers for Starlight that the Wine Warehouse of Ft. Lauderdale is looking forward to hosting in coming months.  To recognize the company’s generosity and dedication to helping seriously ill children Starlight honored The Wine Warehouse with the presentation of a beautiful plaque.
“Una Noche de Vino was a wonderful opportunity for guests that were new to Starlight to learn about our mission and all of the ways they are able to become involved,” Sasha Moon, Starlight Florida Community Development Officer said. “We appreciate The Wine Warehouse’s enthusiasm for our mission and their willingness to support us in future fundraising events.”
Starlight also used the event as an opportunity to publicly thank the Broward Sheriff’s Office for their support during the 2009 holiday season. Starlight presented BSO Government Liaison Danielle DiNicola with the award, who attended on behalf of Starlight Advisory Council member and BSO Sheriff Al Lamberti. As the evening came to the end, many guests enjoyed purchasing some of their new favorite wines as well as unique Starlight souvenirs, including wine glasses hand painted by a Starlight family and beautiful Starlight wine bottle labels designed for Starlight by the Wine Warehouse.

7th Annual Greater Open Raises $67,000 to support Starlight Programs 

Presented by C. Davis Electric & Credit Restoration Consultants 

On Friday, October 30th, 2009 Starlight Florida hosted its 7th Annual Starlight Greater Open, presented by Credit Restoration Consultants and C. Davis Electric raising more than $67,000 to support 17 programs designed to educate and distract seriously ill children. 

Golfers had the opportunity to participate in prize-winning contests such as the Hole in One, Longest Drive, putting contests and the “Are You Better Than a 5th Grade Golfer?” contest sponsored by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
and Toshiba Business Solutions Florida.

The tournament was followed by a dinner reception, where awards were presented to this year’s winners. 

“We are so proud of this tournament and all of the support we receive each year to help Starlight’s programs for seriously ill children,” said Renee Weintraub, 2009 Greater Golf Open Chair. “It pleases us to host such a high quality event and keep the tournament appealing by offering new things each year, such as massages and stretching as well as on course treats.”

Starlight Florida would like to thank our volunteers and generous sponsors who made this event possible, including: ACAI Associates, Five Star Claims Adjusting, MS Cable & Wire Installations, Nova Southeastern University, JM Family, JD Backhoe, Moody Electric, SEFL Inc., All Interior Supply, Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Crowe Horwath, Gold Coast Hi-Lift, Graybar, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, JWR Construction, Gallo Herbert Lebolo, Lotspeich, Moss and Associates, Pantropic Power, Sharp Business Systems, Southern Wine & Spirits, The Cosgrove Family, and Toshiba Business Solutions.

To view some snapshots from the tournament, please click here. 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 
2:30 PM – 5:30 p.m.
Middleburg Civic Center on Palmetto
Middleburg, Florida

Participating businesses raffled off a gift basket valued at $25 and donations of new toys, monetary gifts and gift cards were collected.

Ms. Christmas Dazzle Christmas Pageant
Guests were creative and used their imaginations to design and wear colorful Christmas outfits. Ms. Christmas Dazzle and a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner were selected.

All proceeds from this event benefited Starlight Florida.

Savor the Night Begins a New Fundraising Tradition

On Thursday, August 27, The Wasie Foundation presented Savor the Night, A Wine & Cheese Reception that raised nearly $2,000 for Starlight Florida's many programs. More than 50 guests attended the sold out event and spent a beautiful South Florida evening sipping savory red and white wines provided by The Wine Warehouse of Ft. Lauderdale. Guests enjoyed complimentary hors d’oeuvres and were entertained by the musical talents of Ron Weintraub on the keyboard.

The environment of the event was very intimate, taking place in The Wasie Villa, a private villa on downtown Las Olas’ Intracoastal Waterway. Guests were impressed by ornately decorated wine glasses designed by Starlight kids and had the unique opportunity to purchase them as special souvenir reminders. Beautifully put together Starlight Great Escapesscrapbooks were on display for all guests to view during the evening and a picture slideshow featuring Great Escapes family activities in South Florida, Jacksonville, and Orlando played throughout the evening.

Savor the Night is the first fundraiser for Starlight that the Wine Warehouse of Ft. Lauderdale has supported. Starlight Children's Foundation is looking forward to a continuing relationship and hosting our next wine and cheese reception at the Wine Warehouse in January.

“Savor the Night was an intimate reception and a fundraiser made possible by The Wasie Foundation and we look forward to continuing this tradition with the generous support of Wine Warehouse at their venue,” Mary Ensor, Starlight Development Assistant said. “This was a great opportunity for new individuals to learn about Starlight, our mission, and all of the ways they are able to get involved and begin making a difference in the lives of seriously ill children.

The evening was concluded by Ensor thanking guests for their continued support and presenting a special thank you to The Wasie Foundation for their incredible support of Starlight Florida.

On Thursday, June 19, 2007 Starlight Florida supporters, friends and family came out to Pazzo’s Restaurant to pay tribute to a shining star, the late Norman Couf. Norman was a passionate and true believer in the Starlight mission. He not only dedicated his time and money to the organization, but his love for improving the quality of life for ill children was always evident. He got great joy out of watching hospitalized children play with the Fun Center mobile entertainment centers donated by Les Diplomates and he traveled across the tri-county area to participate in as many dedication ceremonies as possible. He and his wife Ileen also enjoyed assisting in the holiday toy donations and were there by Santa’s side passing out toys to children in the hospital.

Even in his passing, Norman continued to think of Starlight; in lieu of flowers, he requested contributions be made to the foundation. Norman passed away on March 20th due to leukemia. He is survived by his wife Ileen; her son Charles Schoenthal; his son Robert Couf; his brother Herb; daughters-in-law Laurèn Fitzback-Couf and Veronica Couf; grandchildren Alyce Menton, Alan, Larry and Ryan Couf; great-grandchildren Leah and Corrie Jeanne Menton, and Connor Steven Couf.

Norman was a special supporter and his presence will be greatly missed by the entire Starlight organization.

A Night under the Stars Hosted by Les Diplomates

On Saturday, February 18, 2006, more than 300 supporters packed the Grand Ballroom at the Westin Hotel & Resort in Fort Lauderdale to join Les Diplomates of Fort Lauderdale in celebrating their 20th Anniversary at "A Night under the Stars", a gala which raised over $77,000 to benefit the children served by Starlight Florida.

Club Richelieu Les Diplomates is an international service club composed of French speaking professionals.  Over the past 20 years, Les Diplomates has raised funds for many valuable causes throughout Fort Lauderdale including Women in Distress and area nursing homes.  This year, Les Diplomates collaborated with Starlight  and focused their efforts on providing Fun Center mobile entertainment units to hospitals throughout Florida.

Guests enjoyed a tremendous night of auctions, dinner and dancing to live musical entertainment by Marty Kaye, Music Maker.  During the dinner hour, Megan, a teen living with Muscular Dystrophy gave a moving speech about her positive experiences with Starlight. She explained how Starlight programs are designed to help inspire and empower kids.  "Fun Centers give kids and teens the opportunity to forget where they are and feel normal again" said Megan.  She later presented the members of Les Diplomates with our Star Award for their outstanding fundraising efforts and commitment to seriously ill children and their families.

As part of the evening's festivities, Lauren Fitzback-Couf, President of Les Diplomates, made an appeal to guests to help with fulfilling the lengthy waiting list for hospitals that need Fun Centers in South Florida including Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Broward General Medical Center and Miami Children's Hospital. This appeal quickly became a friendly competition as guests stood to make pledge after pledge; rapidly fulfilling the list and placing 18 Fun Centers throughout South Florida.

Hats and Handbags Raises $20,000 for Starlight Florida

Starlight Florida hosted its annual Hats and Handbags, A Classic English Afternoon Tea on Sunday, March 9, 2008 at the newly renovated Hyatt Pier 66 on the 17th Street Causeway in Fort Lauderdale. This event generated more than $20,000, which will be directed to sustaining and expanding Starlight’s entertainment, education and family activities that help children and their families cope with the pain, fear and isolation of serious illness.

Attracted a crowd of more than 250 women, the Tea festivities began with a boutique sale where guests picked up an array of unique custom-made accessories for their spring and summer wardrobes including handbags, jewelry, shoes, and home goods.

“It is truly the perfect way to share a spring Sunday afternoon, regardless of your age,” said Barbara Day, event co-chair.

In addition to fabulous food and scrumptious teas, this year’s event featured a speech by Nina Packer, of Nina Packer & Associates and a live piano performance by 7-year-old musical maestro, Ethan Bortnick, whose talent has made headlines throughout the last year, including a recent appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Martha Stewart Show and Good Morning America with Diane Sawyer. "One of the most incredible 6-year-olds you will ever meet…wait till you see this kid," said Tonight Show’s Jay Leno.

“The event itself was so well organized and planned and just lovely. I met many wonderful women and fell in love as I am sure everyone did with little Ethan,” said a guest at the Tea.

This event was proudly presented by the Blue Martini of Fort Lauderdale. Additional sponsorship support was provided by Baer Furniture, Hyatt Pier 66, Best Rental Service, and E-Productions.

Companies and tea lovers interested in sponsoring or participating in next year’s event should call 954-318-2178 or log onto www.starlight-florida.org.