Philadelphia, PA - On Friday March 15th the HEADstrong Foundation hosted the 3rd Annual Lime Light Gala, a magical and inspirational tribute to founder Nicholas "HEAD" Colleluori. Over 400 guests attended this year's event, which helped raise over $160,000, supporting Nick's House™ and the Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma Research Portfolio at the Abramson Cancer Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
The event honored the memory, legacy and vision of Nicholas Colleluori, the Ridley High (PA) graduate who passed away in 2006 at the untimely age of 21 after a 14-month relentless battle with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma while attending and playing lacrosse at Hofstra University.
The Lime Light Gala featured an incredible silent auction with over 175 items ranging from official collegiate uniforms and team equipment to concert tickets and trips. Former Drexel Lacrosse player and LevelUp CEO Michael Hagan served as the Master of Ceremonies. The program included performances from America's Got Talent finalist Magician Puck Puckering, recording artist Jessy Kyle and music from the band, Bounce.
Setting the tone for the evening was an emotional photo presentation set to the words of founder Nicholas Colleluori speaking about his life and battle against the cancer. The program ensued with HEADstrong President Cheryl Colleluori delivering a heartfelt reflection of her son's battle and an inspirational speech that captivated all in attendance. The HEADstrong Foundation presented two awards during the evening. The Nicholas E. Colleluori Award, which is presented to a blood cancer survivor who is using their experience to make a difference was presented to Katherine Frega, a Syracuse University freshman lacrosse player and graduate of Westfield High School (N.J.), who is cancer-free after a relentless fight the past three years with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Additionally, Dr. Stephen Schuster, Director of Lymphoma at the Abramson Cancer Center presented Dr. Carl H. June and the Cart 19 Dream Team with the HEADstrong Achievement Award after showing their groundbreaking achievement achieved through a powerful short film entitled Fire to Fire.
The 3rd Annual Lime Light Gala encapsulated the HEADstrong Foundation's commitment to changing the game for those affected by blood cancers. Celebrating the past, honoring accomplishments and sharing the HEADstrong vision with their supporters and partners.
“We wish to take a minute to reflect on our accomplishments and milestones each year; great thought and planning goes into this event to make it magical for our guests,” said Cheryl Colleluori. “But we must always remember that while we are here celebrating tonight, someone in the world is learning that they have blood cancer and someone else is saying good bye to a loved one.”
Learn more about the HEADstrong at www.HEADstrongfoundation.org
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