On Sunday, June 14, the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) gathered on the patio of the Green Street Grille in Bensenville, IL to celebrate the annual La Fiesta de Musica. The beautiful day and spacious patio allowed us to conduct our raffle drawing comfortably and safely. Our guests enjoyed some delicious food and refreshing beverages.
This year there about a dozen people ventured out of their homes and were happy to get out for a little while for such an important cause to bring joy and hope with our music & art programs for children and young adult patients going through their cancer journey. The raffle was a huge success with all 500 tickets being sold prior to this day. AAFH raised approximately $3,200 for our music & art programs. We appreciate everyone who purchased raffle tickets and for the many small business owners who made donations for AAFH’s fundraising event such as Green Street Grille, Creative Staffing, Pacella Trucking Company, Base Salon Chicago, Kathy De’s Deli and C & C Insurance Solutions, LLC.
There were 3 prize winners: The grand prize, $1,000 in cash was won by Roxanne Polyakov, a former co-worker and close friend of Yoli. Not only was Roxanne in attendance but both her children, David and Rochelle, were also a part of AAFH’s fundraising event and have volunteered for previous events. They were so excited to win and no doubt have plans on how to spend the winnings!
The second-place prize, $500 in cash, was won by Robert Gierut also a regular supporter of Alyssa’s foundation. The third-place prize, a 55" HDTV, was won by Jo Ann Duncker who is a new supporter of Alyssa’s foundation.
A barbecue basket and gift certificate donated by Michael Munro, Green Street Grille owner, were raffled and Mary Jane (AAFH board member) won the barbecue basket and Maria won the restaurant gift certificate.
Special thanks go to Michael Munro, a former colleague of Yoli. Mike went above and beyond in his generosity making sure that all who attended ate well. We also want to thank Daniel Guerrero, AAFH Board member who coordinated the 2nd La Fiesta de Musica fundraising event and for all the board members who helped us sell tickets.
Of course, all our efforts are in fulfilling the mission of AAFH in bringing hope and joy to young people facing life-threatening illnesses by providing them with art materials and musical equipment to express their creative side. These are the activities that our Alyssa enjoyed so much, and we are grateful to carry on her spirit through the Foundation's mission.
