Host Andrea Ocampo was on hand for the sold out celebration of Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation held at Vibe Las Olas. Andrea caught up with attendees and supporters of this amazing cause.
After 10 years, serving over 2,500 children and family members, and raising in excess of $1.6 million to provide emergency financial assistance for children fighting cancer, the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation (JJCCF) commemorates its anniversary by launching an all-inclusive fundraising campaign entitled, “Beating Cancer Together.” The campaign provides a platform for organizations, big or small, local businesses, teams and individuals to join founder, Sandra Muvdi, in her quest to raise $200,000 in 200 days!
“Our Foundation is grateful to organizations such as The Wasie Foundation that continue to champion our efforts,” said Muvdi. The Wasie Foundation has provided funding to the cancer foundation since 2007. It recently issued JJCCF a $25,000 matching grant challenge to provide a base for the $200,000 goal.
“The contributions JJCCF receives from individuals, foundations and corporations are essential to sustain the services we provide to families now and well into the future, but I challenge anyone who, one way or another, has been affected by cancer to contribute to this cause, too,” stated Muvdi. Every year in the U.S., 13,500 children between birth and 19 years old are diagnosed with cancer. It is the leading cause of disease-related deaths among children and adolescents. “It makes sense to have a communal effort in raising dollars. A donation of just $10 from 10 people will help feed a family or pay a utility bill. If enough of us come together, the results could be life changing for so many struggling local families. I am confident as a team we will achieve my $200,000 goal before this year ends.”
The Wasie Foundation’s challenge grant matches donations dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of JJCCF services and 100% of all funds raised will directly support the children and their family members. Over the years, the Foundation’s fundraising efforts have directly assisted families fighting childhood cancer by providing emergency financial relief for basic needs such as medical, utility, shelter, transportation, and food.
Already gaining momentum, the campaign kicked off in May with the City of Fort Lauderdale issuing an official proclamation naming May 24th as Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation Day. In addition, in recognition of the milestone, Muvdi is being honored on August 15th as a 2014 Hispanic Woman of Distinction for the Foundation’s invaluable 10 years of service to the South Florida community.
