CVE Cancer Benefit Sets South Florida Record

The generosity of CVE residents, clubs and activity groups was on full display January 29 as the annual American Cancer fundraiser raised an extraordinary $19,122, the highest total of any single American Cancer Society event in South Florida.

In the December issue of The Reporter, organizers encouraged residents to “Raise the Roof – and the Total.” The community answered that call in a big way, surpassing last year’s total of $12,389 by an impressive $6,733.

More than 300 residents and guests filled the Party Room for an evening of music, dancing and heartfelt support. Les Complices, featuring Ginette Lauson and Laurent Labrecque, entertained the crowd with live music and singing in French, Spanish and English, keeping ballroom and line dancers on their feet. During breaks, DJs Raymond Labrecque and Rejeanne Thifault continued the festivities, while Liliane Fontaine led enthusiastic line dancers. Katia (Kathy Shorr) captivated attendees with a vibrant belly dance performance.

Behind the scenes, months of preparation by dedicated volunteers made the evening possible. Linda and Jules Hochberg, Nancy Greenfield, Pina Ronca and Zabeeda Mohamed, along with many others, worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. Nancy Greenfield once again transformed the Party Room with beautiful decorations centered around the theme “Hope Joy & Love.”

A significant share of the event’s success can be credited to Pina Ronca’s remarkable dedication. She sold 95 tickets, donated 30 raffle baskets, organized a 50/50 game of chance, sold homemade cookies and contributed bottles of wine. Her husband, Fred, set up the coffee bar. Zabeeda Mohamed also played a vital role, selling 175 tickets and helping coordinate the event. Kathy Sydlo organized the silent auction, which featured a beautiful handmade quilt by Roseann Huddleston.

The evening was documented by professional dancing photographer Jacques Pelletier, with additional photos and videos provided by Inna Ziberman and Lillian Defina Manto. Special thanks were extended to office staff members AnnaMarie King, Kaitlin Carnevale and Haley Comerford for their clerical and moral support. Ryan Dipentima, Tyler Lowe and Andy Hackett assisted with arrangements, and the Encompass custodial staff helped with setup.

Event coordinators Linda and Jules Hochberg expressed their deep appreciation to the entire CVE community for its compassion, participation and unwavering support in the fight against cancer.

Big Thanks to CVE Clubs and Members

The fundraiser’s record-breaking total was strengthened by the creativity and generosity of CVE recreation clubs and their members. Susan Giordano organized a special 50/50 Bingo game of chance from October through January, inspiring Bingo players to raise an impressive $4,250 for the American Cancer Society, up from $1,500 last year.

Larry Cohen presented a $1,005 check from his December Crafts Fair. He also teamed up with Sheila Pascar to raise $1,300 through the PuttPutt Mini Golf Club, $300 from the Corn Hole Challenge and $160 from Stick Ball. Sheila shared the story of her husband’s battle with stage 4 cancer, which motivated her to give back in every way she could.

Dora Edelstein of the Canadian Club contributed $700 in appreciation for Linda Hochberg’s beginner line dance instruction for club members.