The Tomorrow Fund is the only local, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, providing daily financial and emotional support to children with cancer, and to their families.
This year, the organization will be hosting their 36th annual gala to further raise awareness of this often life changing disease, and to raise funds for their mission. The event will be held on Saturday, November 2nd, at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston. The night will feature a live and silent auction, dinner, and dancing, all in an effort to raise resources to fund programs that support children battling cancer.
Executive Director Lisa Hainse said that their signature event typically draws over 500 guests. Other activities and many pleasant surprises are also planned for during the evening. This year’s theme is a “Mardi Gras Celebration,” with “GQ and the Lady,” providing the musical entertainment.
“Every year, we have many supporters that look forward to attending in themed attire,” Hainse said. “As a separate and independent organization, The Tomorrow Fund relies solely on fundraisers, grants, and the generosity of the community, for funding. The Tomorrow Fund supports every child diagnosed with cancer, who is treated at The Tomorrow Fund Clinic/Hasbro Children’s Hospital (in Providence).”
Hainse said that when a child is first diagnosed with cancer, it profoundly impacts the entire family. Not only does the patient face challenges, but so does the family and the community they live in. All of this can be overwhelming, exhausting, and financially draining.
“We are so fortunate to have many dedicated people, from the office and medical staff to volunteers, all allowing the families to focus on their child’s treatment,” she added.
While families must endure a demanding and difficult time in the lives of their children, The Tomorrow Fund exists as the safety net during their journey. Patients and their families are provided support programs and services, such as assisting with mortgages/rents, utilities, food, and other essentials, all of which aid in making day to day life more bearable. The support doesn’t stop there. “Once you are part of The Tomorrow Fund, you are always part of The Tomorrow Fund. Our programs follow the patient into survivorship and offer continued emotional support, and assistance with financial costs, associated with ‘latent effects’ due to cancer treatment,” Hainse said.
One of the emotional programs The Tomorrow Fund provides is a week-long summer camp for oncology patients and their siblings that involve various activities and special events. Part of The Tomorrow Fund’s goal is taking the entire family into consideration, when it comes to treatment and programs.
That particular detail is not lost on either Hainse or her staff.
“Siblings often feel not only left out, but anxious and overwhelmed by the entire process,” Hainse explained. “In an effort to maintain family bonds, we offer many family activities that involve everyone,” she added.
“These are brave children battling cancer,” she continued. “Not only are they fighters, but so are their families. There’s so much they all go through, both emotionally and physically. By supporting The Tomorrow Fund and this event, you will be making a difference for these patients and their families.”
The Annual Gala is the organization’s largest fundraiser offering various sponsorship levels, with accompanying benefits, such as tickets to attend the event, name recognition, and signage, during the event. Top sponsorship levels even allow for sponsorship of Tomorrow Fund Parents and Teen Patients to attend the Gala. This is all possible because of the continued support of prior year sponsors, and the hope of participation from new companies and individuals.
“We can all make a difference and support the Mission, while enjoying a wonderful night out and having fun,” Hainse said. “It is always a highlight of the evening getting to see the Tomorrow Fund Teen Patients that were able to attend because of our generous sponsors. There is nothing better than watching them dance, enjoy themselves, and just be kids. The evening is something they never forget,” said Hainse.
Tickets for the Gala will be available through the organization’s website at www.tomorrowfund.org, in early September. There, people can learn more about the event, including sponsorships, volunteering, donating, and the expansive support the organization provides to children diagnosed with cancer.
In 1985, the organization’s founder, Dr. Edwin Forman, gathered a group that included doctors, teachers, child development experts, and parents, who recognized that children with cancer and their families needed additional assistance beyond medical care, to cope with the many challenges that accompany this disease. The Tomorrow Fund is there for families every step of the way – from the day of diagnosis, throughout the entire course of treatment, into recovery, and beyond. Making this organization truly unique.
For more information about The Tomorrow Fund and/or to contribute to their Signature Event, please call Lisa Hainse at (401) 444-8811 or email her at lisa@tomorrowfund.org.
