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Napoleone Foundation raises $1M since inception, moves in new direction

By Press Release

Press Release:

As the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation enters its 17th year, it is extremely proud of the accomplishments of this grassroots organization. 

After the passing of Michael Napoleone at the age of 8 due to a pediatric cancer diagnosis, the Foundation was created in his memory to pay forward to all those who assisted, to give back to those in need, and to Lend a Hand for Hope.

As its main purpose and mission, the Foundation assists families with the challenges of cancer. The Foundation has close ties to both Oshei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo and Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester. In addition to helping families, it assists the Social Work and Childlife teams with needed items for the continuing care of the families and the children during their hospital stays. 

The Grant Committee recently met and selected the grant winners for the 2024 year. Letters and checks will be distributed by the end of the month and the information will be shared in the media. 

Though the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation will not be hosting the Derby Day Gala, it is hopeful and excited as it moves to a new strategic fundraising plan to provide long-term sustainability for our mission and organization. 

The first step in moving in a new direction is the Heroes for Hope Campaign (https://michaelshope.org/hero-for-hope-campaign). Your donation will continue to provide needed funds to support the mission.

To date, the Foundation, with only a volunteer board, has raised over a million dollars and has continued its mission with less than 3% of funding going to administrative costs. Our giving is as follows:

  • Over $725,000 in assistance to families with the challenges of a pediatric diagnosis
  • Over $95,000 to support research in pediatric blood cancers
  • Over $75,000 to assist youth activities/sports through grant funding
  • $50,000 to Golisano Children’s Hospital, Rochester
  • $25,000 to United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia
  • Annual giving to Oshei and Golisano Childlife Therapy Teams

Again, the numbers speak volumes of the assistance the Foundation has been able to offer due to the generosity of our donors. We are committed to continuing this mission. Whether through donations, volunteering, sponsorships, or attending our events, it is all because of you that we can and will continue to Lend a Hand for Hope.

Ministry of Concern to hold first gala May 18 with old school Vegas-style entertainer

By Virginia Kropf
The committee planning a gala to benefit GOMOC. From left are Mary Grace DeMarse, Pat Morrisey, Sister Dolores Dowd, Executive Director Nyla Gaylord and volunteer Kelly Murray. Photo by Virginia Kropf.

 

The Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern (GOMOC) is planning its first ever gala May 18 in an effort to cultivate new donors, spread awareness of the ministry and raise $25,000 to benefit its mission.

An anonymous donor has paid for Las Vegas-style entertainer Jimmy Mazz, who will provide an evening of music, impressions and comedy. Mazz is known for his clean humor, Frank Sinatra-style entertainment and engaging with his audience.

“Legends and Laughter” will take place at the Quality Inn and Suites at 8250 Park Road in Batavia. Included in the evening will be an elegant buffet dinner, silent auction, door prizes and basket raffle.

“If people have a really good time, they will remember you,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of GOMOC. “We are thrilled to have this anonymous couple who believe we do good work and wanted to help. They know Jimmy Mazz and wanted to sponsor him.”

The GOMOC was founded more than 50 years ago as a migrant ministry in Orleans County. Sister Marian Adrian was one of the first directors of the organization when they had an office in Batavia, and became passionate about its work.

It soon became known as the “Agency of Last Resort,” and during the years has helped hundreds of individuals in Genesee and Orleans counties who are down and out.

They now run operations from 121 N. Main St., Albion.

The committee planning the gala includes: Gaylord; Sister Dolores Dowd, who, like Sister Marian is a Grey Nun*; Mary Grace DeMarse, of Batavia, a member of GOMOC’s board; volunteer solicitor Kelly Murray, of Albion; Pat Morrisey, of Albion, who worked with Sister Marian 50 years ago; Judy Boyle, of Oakfield; and Amy Monti, of Middleport.

DeMarse said they plan to make the gala an annual fundraising event.

Several great prizes have already been donated for the silent auction, including a half-day fishing trip and hand-carved hunting knife.

Anyone wishing to donate a basket may call 589-9210 or 343-5452 and DeMarse will pick them up.

Tickets for the gala are $40 each or $300 for a table of eight. They are available at GOMOC’s office at 121 North Main St., Albion; Max Pies Furniture, 400 S. Jackson St., Batavia; and Catholic Charities, 5 Liberty St., Batavia.

(*The Grey Nuns is the name commonly given to six distinct Roman Catholic religious communities of women, which trace their origins to the original foundation, of the Sisters of Charity of the Hôpital Général, in Montréal, Canada. The foundation was founded in 1737 by Saint Marguerite d'Youville, a young widow.)

10th Annual Wonderland of Trees

By Holly McAllister

             Announcing the Holland Land Office Museums

            10th Annual Wonderland of Trees

            Beginning with our Gala

         November 18th 7:00PM-10:30PM

           $5.00 per person

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