2020: Cyclebar – MIRACLE CLUB STUDENTS PEDAL FOR CHARLIE’S CHAMPIONS

Fifty Garden City High School students pedaled nearly 800 miles in merely one hour last Saturday at the Franklin Avenue Cyclebar to raise money for the Charlie’s Champions Foundation. This annual Miracle Club and Charlie’s Champions event raised $1,850 to support the Cancer Center for Kids at NYU Winthrop Hospital.

Under the enthusiastic direction of instructor Kylie, new and returning student cyclists competed against themselves and each other to raise money for pediatric cancer patients. For the second year in a row, senior Jamie Besendorfer was named as the fastest cyclist.

“We love partnering with Charlie’s Champions,” said sophomore club secretary Delaney Zander. “The Cyclebar event is exhausting, but so much fun.”
Cyclebar owner Lee Williams generously donated his space to ensure that all of the funds raised were donated to Charlie’s Champions. Thank you Cyclebar and Garden City High School students for all your support.

2019: Teen Project and Charlie’s Champions Foundation Inspire Community

Happy New Year!

Steven and Matthew, along with TJ, Luke and their cousin Charlie Schmitt, delivered the holiday gift card donations last month to the Cancer Center for Kids.  The boys collectively raised over $10,000.  I am attaching a spreadsheet of donations received by families who requested a donation acknowledgement letter.  Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or if I can be of any help.  Jen Schmitt and I thank you so much for your support in this campaign.

It takes a village, and this holiday season, Teen Project and Charlie’s Champions Foundation once again joined forces to raise more than $10,000 to help make dreams come true for teenage patients at NYU Winthrop Hospital’s Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) and the Hospital’s Child Life Program.

In 2014, Steven and Matthew Spirakis founded Teen Project, which has an ongoing mission to empower teens to give back and help others by participating in community service activities. “Matt and I developed this project with the help of Nicole Almeida, CCLS, Director of the Child Life Program at NYU Winthrop. While wrapping toys for the hospital’s annual swim-a-thon, we learned the hospital receives numerous toy donations during the winter holidays for the young pediatric patients, but was in great need of more age-appropriate gifts for teen patients. Matt and I thought this was a perfect opportunity for us to be able to help with the support of our friends,” explained Steven Spirakis.

The success of this holiday campaign continues to grow since teaming up with another local organization, Charlie’s Champions Foundation, three years ago. Charlie’s Champions Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness and funds to benefit pediatric cancer research and psychological healing programs at the Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at NYU Winthrop Hospital.

Just before the holidays, the Spirakis and Schmitt brothers, along with Charlie’s Champions’ Charlie Schmitt, delivered gift cards for Amazon, Michaels, Best Buy, GameStop, and Target, among others, to benefit teens within the Child Life Program both in the Main Hospital’s Hagedorn Pediatric Inpatient Unit and at the CCFK, where patients are being treated for pediatric cancer and blood disorders. A set of ‘gift card trees,’ especially crafted for the program, added a touch of magic to this heartfelt initiative.

“The success of Teen Project is a constant reminder to me that even at a young age, my peers and I can do amazing things. The work we do is nothing compared to the obstacles these teenage patients are facing and it’s the least we can do to make them feel special,” said Matt Spirakis. “We are also very grateful for everyone’s involvement and support each year. It is the power of community that makes something like this happen,” he added.

This year’s campaign included participants from the Garden City High School’s Miracle Club, Garden City Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society, St. Anne’s and St. Joseph’s Religious Education Programs along with new participants from the Garden City High School JV/V wrestling team, Albertson Soccer Team and Sacred Heart Academy.

“The Garden City Wrestling Program was extremely excited to partner with Teen Project and Charlie’s Champions on their NYU Winthrop Hospital Gift Card Campaign. We were first introduced to the initiative through wrestlers Steven and Matthew Spirakis during the prior wrestling season. Upon taking over the wrestling program this year, the coaching staff added a philanthropic initiative as our way for athletes to become leaders outside the walls of the wrestling room. Our wrestlers embraced the initiative and showed that athletes can serve as an inspiration in their respective sports as well as in the greater community. Myself, along with Coach Hepworth, Coach Foxen and the Garden City High School community are proud of their efforts!” commented GCHS Wrestling Coach, Chris Beihoff. The wrestling team made a special early delivery of gift cards to Mrs. Almeida.

“Meeting the Garden City High School wrestling team gave me the opportunity to personally reach out and thank these young athletes for their dedication to making a difference to the teens who visit the hospital and CCFK throughout the year. It truly was a special opportunity for me to meet this wonderful group and explain just how much of an impact their donations will have on our patients throughout the year. The Teen Project continues to amaze me year after year with their continued expansion and support from their community. We are so grateful for all that they continue to do for our patients!” remarked Mrs. Almeida.

Kerry Heslin, a senior at Sacred Heart Academy, was touched by the support she received from the SHA community. “It is so heartwarming to see how many people came together to spread holiday cheer for young patients. I’m so happy I was able to support the Child Life Program and Cancer Center for Kids.” Involvement and support from teens and their peers is crucial to the continued success of this program. Garden City High School student Delaney Zander has been a strong advocate for Teen Project’s Holiday Campaign. “I have been involved in Teen Project for the last four years and when I found out about the Miracle Club at Garden City High School, it grabbed my attention. The Miracle Club gave me another opportunity to volunteer for a cause that would benefit NYU Winthrop Hospital and its young patients.”

The Garden City High School Miracle Club joined forces with Charlie’s Champions Foundation four years ago and, with the help of club advisor Mrs. Fleming, they have expanded their support for the patients at the Cancer Center for Kids. T.J. Schmitt, president of the Miracle Club, and his brother Luke, a current member, have both worked with Charlie’s Champions since they were young and continue to rally their peers at the High School to bring more supporters for the teenage patients during the holidays. “It’s nice to see the joy that we bring to the patients, when we delivered the gift cards that were collected this year from Teen Project we witnessed a girl who had come for treatment pick off the tree and got to see how gift cards can bring one child so much happiness.”

“During this time of year, life can be challenging for patients and their families. Having a gift card to ‘go shopping’ is a welcome relief from the anxiety of a hospital stay. This remarkable project gives teenage patients a chance to select their own holiday gift card, and offers them an opportunity to treat themselves during birthday and other milestone celebrations throughout the year,” remarked Heather Dall’Aste, development manager at the Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at NYU Winthrop Hospital.

As the largest outpatient facility for children with cancer and blood disorders in Nassau County, NYU Winthrop’s Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) is at the forefront of treatment and research. NYU Winthrop’s Child Life Program is dedicated to helping children understand and cope with the hospital experience. For more information about the Cancer Center for Kids, and the Child Life Program at NYU Winthrop Hospital, visit www.nyuwinthrop.org

2019: Cyclebar – GCHS STUDENTS SUPPORT THE CHARLIE’S CHAMPIONS FOUNDATION

2018: “Underage in the Cage”

HERE COMES THE SUN: “Underage in the Cage” is a Beacon of Light for Kids with Cancer On Friday, March 23 rd , the efforts of the Schmitt family–along with local businesses, raffle donors and student volunteers–brought tangible support to the Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at NYU Winthrop Hospital with “Underage in the Cage.” This outstanding platform tennis event  continues to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer and enrich several therapeutic Center programs including: Child Life, Music Therapy, and Child Psychology, which offer a lot of joy, hope, and strength to the people who need it most.

The snow had finally melted and the sun was shining as 250 energetic young players, grades two through eight, took their places on the courts at Garden City’s Cherry Valley Country Club.
Thanks to a legion of sponsors and benefactors, “Underage” was a resounding success raising $30,000! Greg Bavario of Garden City Pizza contributed more than 30 pizza pies for hungry paddle participants; Mike Lutz of Lutz Landscaping donated dozens of tulips to bring a touch of spring to the event. Kudos to our generous friends who donated over 20 raffle prizes; those student volunteers from the Garden City High School Varsity Tennis team who helped some of the younger players with their paddle game; and other students from the community who registered participants, handed out t-shirts and pizza, and sold raffle tickets.

Event Sponsors who were the wind beneath our wings included: Norma and Dennis Tslentis, The Andy Foundation, The Miller Family-National Land Tenure, Sophia and Rob Brivio,
Rosemary and John Walsh, Jobeana and James Perisa, Kathryn and Michael Rafferty, Michelle and Joe Farkas, Mary Jane and David Cassaro, Pat and Herb Rauser, Pam and Joe Griffith,
Jeanine and Steve Weber, Dennis Mullins and Paula and Brendan McGovern.

Over the past several years, the Schmitt family has raised more than a million dollars to foster health and well being for kids with cancer and their families. We couldn’t have done it without our steadfast friends, neighbors, and business colleagues in the Garden City community who stand with us in our fight against this terrible disease.

Spring Flowers donated by Mike Lutz of Lutz Landscaping

Student Volunteers Leah Lodato and Ava Wutche

Kate Esposito, Courtney Bremer, May Paisley, Maddie Atteritano and Abby Perisa

Garden City High School Students Matt Savino, Tommy Reifler and T.J. Schmitt assist on the court

6th Grade Girls from the Garden City Middle School play platform tennis

2018: GCHS Students Pedal for Pediatric Patients

On a rainy Sunday, more than 50 Garden City High School Miracle Club students came out to support the second annual Charlie’s Champions Foundation Pedal for Pediatric Patients fundraiser. The event, held at the Roslyn Heights Soul Cycle, challenged the bikers’ stamina and endurance. They, and their generous sponsors, raised more than $3,500 to benefit the NYU Winthrop Hospital Cancer Center for Kids.

Juniors Amanda Cerrato, Lindsey Gambino and Rosie Sweeney were delighted to once again lend their support to pediatric cancer patients this year. “It was a tough workout,” said Cerrato, “but the spin instructor, students, and music made it truly enjoyable.”

Gambino added, “We know how lucky we are to be healthy, so supporting kids who are our age and younger makes us feel good.”

The event is one of a series of annual events that the students support to benefit the local cancer center. “The Miracle Club Dodgeball Tournament is next,” said Sweeney. “It’s on March 1st in the High School gym.” Based on the enthusiasm demonstrated by these generous students, the upcoming event should prove to be as equally successful.

2017: It Takes A Village:  Charlie’s Champions “Underage In The Cage”

Honoring a longstanding tradition of raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer, Charlie’s Champions Foundation hosted “Underage in the Cage” on March 17th at the Cherry Valley Country Club in Garden City. With a little help from our friends, over 250 kids participated in the paddle clinic and pizza party to benefit the programs and services at the Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at Winthrop-University Hospital.

“Underage in the Cage” not only proved to be a fun afternoon and a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but it also empowered the Foundation’s mission to raise money for a wonderful cause. And we couldn’t have done it without you!
In our case, it literally took a village. Thank you to our benefactors: Greg Bavario of Garden City Pizza who contributed more than 30 pizza pies for hungry paddle participants; and Paul Bernieri who donated games and entertainment through Game Truck! Special thanks to Manager, Craig Henne of Cherry Valley Club and it’s Members for hosting our event. Kudos to the legions of student volunteers and raffle donors whose generosity and hard work played a pivotal role in making “Underage” such an enormous success.

Heartfelt appreciation to our steadfast friends who sponsor us year after year. Your enduring friendship keeps our ‘champion flame’ burning! Thank you to: Norma and Dennis Tslentis, The Andy Foundation, The Miller Family-National Land Tenure, Sophia and Rob Brivio, Amy and Tim Murphy, Lynn and Brian McGinley, Kathy and Jimmy Connolly, Colleen and Brian Gunn, Christine and Michael Teidemann, Regina and Bill Peters, Rosemary and John Walsh, Jobeana and James Perisa, Jackie and Jimmy Costello, Kathleen Hay, James Vlogianitis., Julie and Dave Boliver, Michelle and Joe Farkas, Sally and Terry McLaughlin, Jane and Woody Horn, Jeanine and Steve Weber, Lucille and Peter Coleman, Barbara and Martin Dehler, Alison and Bill Metzler, Drs. Ruth and Tony Randi, and Marilyn and Drew Going.

Helping to meet the complex issues of pediatric cancer energizes Charlie’s Champions and meshes with the CCFK’s dedication to fostering hope and healing among young cancer patients and their families. The Foundation will continue to dream new dreams and inspire its community.

2017: “Teen Project”: NYU

Teen patients at NYU Winthrop Hospital once again received special holiday gifts thanks to young members of the local community. Teen Project set a staggering new record of over $15,000 in gift card donations to provide the teen patients of NYU Winthrop’s Child Life Program and Cancer Center for Kids with holiday gifts and much needed cheer. Their 2017 initiative nearly doubled in support from the previous year.

Steven and Matthew Spirakis created Teen Project in 2014. The initiative was inspired by the boys’ desire to empower local teens to give back. After learning how teen patients could benefit from gift cards as presents during hospital stays, the Spirakis brothers made it their mission to make sure that teens had a variety of gift cards to choose from as their special holiday gift.  “We learned the hospital often receives toy donations for young patients, but seldom receives appropriate gifts for teen patients.  Filling this need was a simple undertaking on our part compared to the afflictions these teen patients must cope with especially during the holidays,” said Steven Spirakis.

In an effort to expand “Teen Project”, the Spirakis brothers were joined by their close partners in this year’s initiative: T.J. and Luke Schmitt of Garden City-based Charlie’s Champions; Delaney Zander, also of Garden City, NY; and Ashley Kalb and Morgan Mandel of Dix Hills, NY. Just before the holidays, Teen Project delivered their support to NYU Winthrop Hospital, including boxes filled to the brim with assorted gift cards, and a “gift card tree” from which teens could select a gift card of their choosing.

The support from this project will not only benefit patients who are treated at NYU Winthrop’s Hagedorn Pediatric Inpatient Unit, it will also impact teen patients at the hospital’s Cancer Center for Kids, which provides care to patients battling pediatric cancer and complex blood disorders. The Child Life Department in both areas at NYU Winthrop began distributing gift cards to teen patients before the holidays, and will continue to do so throughout the year. “Teen Project has greatly impacted the holiday experience for our teenage patients for the past several years,” said Nicole Almeida, MS, CCLS, Director of the Child Life Program at NYU Winthrop. “The assortment of gift cards is incredible. The efforts of this project have made sure we have something that appeals to every teen we treat, not just for the holidays, but for birthdays and all year-round,” said Ashley Carlo, Manager of NYU Winthrop’s Cancer Center for Kids.

The Spirakis family has had a long relationship with NYU Winthrop, particularly through their efforts in planning the Hospital’s annual Swimathon, which benefits pediatric patients. “I appreciate the work of the Child Life Program, which has an important role in pediatric care for the entire family.  It is humbling to learn about the emotional journeys families face and the creation of this gift giving program presented a wonderful opportunity to show teen patients some compassion,” said Beth Spirakis. Matthew Spirakis added,  “Through this campaign I have had the opportunity to work with my peers.  What excites me the most is seeing the campaign grow each year across neighboring communities.  With each donation we receive it helps another teen enjoy the holidays a little bit more.”

For the second year in a row, The Charlie’s Champions Foundation was thrilled to partner up with the Spirakis family and support the teenagers at the cancer center. The Schmitt family established the Charlie’s Champions Foundation, in honor of Charlie Schmitt, who is a cancer survivor and was treated at the CCFK. “Teen Project was another way for Charlie’s Champions to directly support the patients. There is a real need for donations that target teenagers and their interests. We would do anything that we can do to make these teen patients forget about how they feel from treatments and make them happier during the holidays and lift their spirits,” said Jennifer Schmitt, event coordinator for the Charlie’s Champions Foundation.

Community involvement by students has been essential to the success of this initiative with participation by the Miracle Club at the Garden City High School, the National Junior Honor Society students at the Garden City Middle School, 7th and 8th grade religious education students at St. Joseph’s Church and St. Anne’s Church and students from the South Huntington and Half Hollow Hills School Districts.

“This campaign is very important to me because it allows me to help people that are my age and from my community who are going through treatments during the holidays which can be difficult when everyone is celebrating,” said Delaney Zander, student at the Garden City Middle School and St. Anne’s Religious Education Program. Similarly, Mrs. Fleming, teacher at Garden City High School and coordinator of Miracle Club, encouraged students from all grades to donate gift cards to support their peers during the holidays. “This project in particular is something that the students felt compassionate about because they themselves could not imagine not being home to celebrate the holidays with their families. Receiving a gift card brings the spirit of the holidays to these teens at the hospital” said T.J. Schmitt, Vice President of the Miracle Club.

Having family members’ lives touched by NYU Winthrop’s life saving care inspired Morgan Mandel and Ashley Kalb to join Teen Project to provide children battling illness in the hospital with a little bit of joy over the holidays.  Both girls reached out to students in the South Huntington and Half Hollow Hills School Districts to participate in this campaign. Morgan and Ashley also encouraged families to include inspirational notes to teen patients with their donation. “Watching this project grow and meet this need has given us a tremendous sense of personal fulfillment”, said Morgan. Ashley added, “We also have a great appreciation of not only what we have but what we can give to others”.

As the largest outpatient facility for children with cancer and blood disorders in Nassau County, NYU Winthrop’s Cancer Center for Kids is at the forefront of treatment and research, delivering patient and family-centered care in a comfortable, child-friendly outpatient facility. NYU Winthrop’s Child Life Program is dedicated to helping children understand and cope with the hospital experience. Certified Child Life Specialists utilize therapeutic play, arts and crafts, entertainment and other diversions to ensure that the hospital experience is as stress-free as possible for children and their families. For more information about the Child Life Program at NYU Winthrop, visit www.winthrop.org or call 1-866-WINTHROP.

Race Across America 2010 Charlie’s Champions