Continuum, South Florida’s premier resort-style oceanfront condominium residences in Miami Beach, has joined with one of today’s leading nonprofit organizations for families that have children with cancer, to announce a fund-raising initiative that has given families the chance to make their children’s dreams come true. The initiative forms part of the “CONTINUUM CARES” program, created to support friends and neighbors during challenging times.
The Continuum partnered with Childhood Cancer Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to fulfill Enchanted Theme Park Experience Wish Grants for as many local children battling childhood cancer as possible. Three families from Florida and their children were invited to The Patio restaurant on Saturday, May 14th for a surprise Wish Grant Reveal Party, during which Tommy Head, President of the Childhood Cancer Society, announced the fully funded trips to Disney World/Universal for the three lucky children and their families. Recipients 14 year-old Zoey Pavon, 8 year-old King Singh and 6 year-old Benjamin Huston were each presented with the exciting news, together with a special certificate and Adventure Ted cuddly toy, as residents and invited guests joined the celebration.
Starting in March, the Continuum Master Association Board of Directors invited residents to make a donation to the Childhood Cancer Society, whereby $55,000 has been raised to-date, enabling each of the three families to fulfill their children’s lifelong dream. Every $5,000 raised fully funds a family with childhood cancer for an Enchanted Theme Park Vacation experience. Residents who participated in the donations were invited to the Wish Grant Reveal Party at The Patio restaurant to share this memorable announcement with the children and their families.
“We’re delighted that our Master Association Board of Directors and Management team have been active with several noteworthy donation and volunteer efforts to enrich the local community,” says Rishi Idnani, Managing Director of the Continuum. “This surprise presentation and collaboration with the Childhood Cancer Society is the result of our residents’ continued engagement and generosity through our CONTINUUM CARES program, designed to support our friends and neighbors in times of need. We’re thrilled to be able to help fulfill these wishes and look forward to following the Theme Park Vacation experiences by Zoey, King and Benjamin when they travel to Disney World/Universal this Summer and Fall.”
Childhood Cancer Society (CCS) began with the vision of a 7-year-old boy, Tommy Head, who realized the importance of having the support of family while being evaluated for childhood leukemia. This was a life changing experience, which at a young age was the impetus for later founding CSS.
Due to his condition, Tommy’s physical activities were limited for years. During this time, he found an outlet in acting. He was featured in numerous commercials, print ads, and appeared in several episodes of ABC’s One Life to Live and became a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). At 12 years old, he used the proceeds from his first commercial to make a donation of video game consoles at the hospital that cared for him during his health challenges, and noticed the impact that these pleasant distractions had on his pediatric peers.
By 16, Tommy’s platelet count fully recovered, and given what felt like a second chance, he used money earned from acting to found Childhood Cancer Society a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. CCS provides funds for medical care, accommodations, and travel expenses to make it possible for families in need to obtain the necessary care for their children. Furthermore, CCS donates gifts, organizes special events, and provides wish grants to children with pediatric cancer.
Adventure Ted is the spokes-bear of the foundation. He is a superhero teddy bear that helps families overcome challenges. Donations to the Adventure Ted Program will fund Childhood Cancer Society’s Enchanted Theme Park Experience, which is an all-expenses paid VIP Disney/Universal Theme Park Vacation with 5-star lodging for a week at Give Kids The World Village (www.GKTW.com).
CCS has partnered with the Continuum to fulfill Enchanted Theme Park Experience Wish Grants for as many local families as possible who are battling childhood cancer.
For further information on the Childhood Cancer Society, visit childhoodcancersociety.org. For further information on the Continuum, visit ContinuumSB.com.
