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 37th Annual Gala to further raise awareness and funds toward their mission. The event will be held on Saturday, November 1st, at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston. The night will feature a live and silent auction, dinner, and dancing all to raise resources to fund programs which support children battling cancer.
For four decades The Tomorrow Fund has been a lifeline for families facing the most critical moments in their child’s life. A beacon of light providing comfort, resources, and unwavering support when it’s needed most. The evening will celebrate the many milestones of the nonprofit, we ask you to be a part of the legacy, helping families navigate the unthinkable challenges.
Executive Director, Lisa Hainse, said their signature event typically draws well over 500 guests.
“This year’s Black-tie gala will help to provide nearly 1/3 of the total revenue for our annual budget,” 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 (in Providence).”
Hainse said 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 the journey. No patient ever applies for support. Programs and services such as assisting with mortgages/rents, utilities, food and other essentials, 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 support programs The Tomorrow Fund provides is Camp Dotty, a week-long summer camp for 4-7 year old oncology patients and their siblings that involves various activities and special events. Part of The Tomorrow Fund’s goal is to take 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 said. “In an effort to maintain family bonds, we offer many family activities that involve everyone.
“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 organizations largest fundraiser offering various Sponsorships 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. She noted with the continued support of prior year sponsors, and the hope of 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.”
Tickets for the Gala are now available through the organization’s website www.tomorrowfund.org. There, people can learn more about the event, including sponsorships, volunteering, donating and the 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 at lisa@tomorrowfund.org.
