More than $1.7 Million Raised Over 13 Years
West Palm Beach, FL. (May 1, 2006) More than 150 golfers, tennis players and celebrity athletes and 400 dinner guests joined recently at The 12th Annual Nicholas R. Chiera Golf and Tennis Classic to support the American Cancer Society’s “Reaching Out to Cancer Kids” (R.O.C.K.).
The annual dinner and golf extravaganza, held at Ibis Golf and Country Club for the third year, raised more than $150,000. With more than $1.7 million raised in 13 years, this event has become the single largest fundraiser for R.O.C.K., a program that sends local, cancer-afflicted children to a very special summer camp at the Boggy Creek Camp facility in Eustis, Fla.
Started by the Chiera family as a tribute to their father who passed away from cancer, this event has sent thousands of kids with cancer to a very special camp designed just for them.
“The children from the American Cancer Society’s R.O.C.K. Camp were overwhelmed not only by the Chiera family’s and generosity, but also by the sports celebrities they had a chance to meet” said Judy More, coordinator of the American Cancer Society’s R.O.C.K. Camp. Gold Medalist’s Bob Beamon, Cathy Turner, and Kathy Johnson Clarke, as well as Florida Panther Hockey stars Roberto Luongo, Martin Gelinas and Jamie Mc Lennan were in attendance.
“This year they are once again supplying over 500 tee shirts and bracelets for every camper. The amazing amount of money raised through this event will enable the American Cancer Society to continue to offer hope and quality of life to these outstanding children and their families.”
“On behalf of the staff and especially the residents of Ibis Golf & Country Club, we are proud to sponsor an event that helps create a safe and fun environment where kids with cancer can go and just be kids,” said Ibis Golf and Country Club President Stuart Tyrrell.
In addition to sending kids to summer camp, the event also funds and awards two college scholarships to cancer survivors as well as sends families dealing with cancer to a weekend retreat in Disney World.
There are currently five students attending Florida Universities with the help of the Chiera scholarships, including David Margulis, a Florida State senior and voice major who entertained everyone at dinner. The dinner was emceed by cancer survivor Casey Schumacher, a former R.O.C.K. camper and son of channel 10 news anchor Mark Schumacher.
“Our father would have been so proud knowing that his name was associated with such a wonderful cause,” said Louis Chiera, tournament co-chair. “It is such a great feeling meeting the children and young adults that benefit from this event.”
Presented by KSM Electronics, the 12th Annual Nicholas R. Chiera Dinner/Auction and Golf/Tennis Classic’s Gold Corporate Sponsors include; the LaSalle ABN AMRO, Martha G. Moore Foundation, The Frankino Foundation, macy’s, Rume Corporation, , Ocean Properties, Quicken Loans, and Winner’s Award Group Inc. Other sponsors include: Ibis Golf & Country Club, Kane Magnetics, Pizza Time, Alpha Wire, , Amphenol/Spectrastrip Cable, Belden Wire and Cable, Bruce Sallah, Carousel Development and Restoration Inc., Coleman Cable, FBI Agents Association, Jet Set Sports, Office Depot, Presidential Leasing, Raymond James Associates Inc., Margolin and Margolin, Nancy Schroeder, Tappan Wire & Cable, Robert I. Targ, P.A., Thomas Holly and Eric Lyon, Sumitomo Electronics and Protex International.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. In Florida, there are more than 65 offices, three Hope Lodge facilities and approximately 80,000 volunteers involved with American Cancer Society programs and activities. For more information, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit https://www.cancer.org/.
Tampa, Fla. (Aug. 18, 2005) – Children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer oftentimes put their hopes and dreams on hold. Fighting this disease depletes families of resources that could be used for future endeavors and diminishes hope that their children will one day attend college. But for five Florida teens, the dream of college is now a reality thanks to the American Cancer Society and a south Florida family that is honoring their father, Nicholas R. Chiera, who died from cancer. Last spring the Chiera family, through the proceeds of their annual Nicholas R.
Chiera Golf and Tennis Classic in Palm Beach County, earmarked a portion of the tournament proceeds to fund five college scholarships offered through the American Cancer Society R.O.C.K. College Scholarship Program.
The R.O.C.K. College Scholarship Program is one of three American Cancer Society, Florida Division R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out to Cancer Kids) programs designed to enhance the quality of life for all Florida children who are fighting and surviving cancer. The other programs, R.O.C.K. Camp and Families R.O.C.K. Weekend, are funded, in part, by the remainder of the Nicholas R. Chiera Tournament proceeds.
The Chieras have long been supporters of the American Cancer Society’s R.O.C.K. Camp. In twelve years, the Nicholas R. Chiera Golf and Tennis Classic has raised more than $1.5 million dollars to enable children with cancer to attend this weeklong camp experience. Three years ago they expanded their support to include the American Cancer Society’s Families R.O.C.K. Weekend and R.O.C.K College Scholarship Program.
The five recipients of the American Cancer Society/Nicholas R. Chiera College Scholarship are Ryan Moyer of Coral Springs; Marc Thomas O’Keefe of Boca Raton; Heather Quinn of Boca Raton; and Ella Leung of Wellington, all of whom previously received the scholarship, and David Margulis of Plantation, a new recipient who attends Florida State University.
“These college scholarships represent a vote of confidence, from both the American Cancer Society and the Chiera family, in these five young cancer survivors,” said Evelyn Foster, chairman of the R.O.C.K. College Scholarship Committee for the American Cancer Society, Florida Division.
Moyer, a leukemia survivor, is beginning his third year at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, majoring in mechanical engineering. He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in October of 1991. After undergoing two and a half years of extensive chemotherapy, the disease went into remission. At the age of 16, the cancer came back. Because he was unable to attend a regular high school, Moyer enrolled in the hospital homebound program and graduated as class valedictorian with a 4.0 grade point average.
O’Keefe, a mucoepidermoid carcinoma survivor, is beginning his third year at Florida International University in Miami, majoring in music.
O’Keefe has persevered through two major surgeries as well as 33 radiation treatments. He was a member of the Olympic Heights High School jazz band, marching band and successfully competed in a variety of state music competitions.
Heather Quinn survived a medulloblastoma tumor of the brain, diagnosed when she was 16 years old. Prior to having cancer, Quinn was an accomplished athlete who regularly played softball, soccer and volleyball.
Although she cannot play sports any longer, she stays in touch with her friends by keeping score at softball games. Heather is enrolled in Palm Beach Community College’s physical therapy assistant program.
Ella Leung, a lymphoma survivor is starting her second year in the University of Miami’s prestigious six-year honors medical program. Since continues to excel academically, her dream of becoming an oncologist may very well become a reality.
“The pain and suffering that I have experienced has made me feel older than I really am and made me realize that I want to spend the rest of my years helping save lives,” Leung said. “I have a 70-year-old’s appreciation for life and an 18-year-old’s drive and energy to become an oncologist. Thanks to this scholarship opportunity, I’m well on my way.”
David Margulis is a melanoma survivor who was diagnosed in March of 2004. He is a music vocal performance major at Florida State University and sings opera, hoping to one day sing at the Metropolitan Opera.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem through research, education, advocacy, and service. In Florida, there are three Hope Lodges, more than 35 American Cancer Society offices, and approximately 100,000 active volunteers. For information about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org.
Kristi Lam
Communications Manager
American Cancer Society, Florida Division
3709 West Jetton Avenue
Tampa, FL 33629-5146
phone 813.253.0541 ext. 223 fax 813.349.4482
West Palm Beach, FL. (June 23, 2005) More than 200 golfers, tennis players and celebrity athletes joined recently at The 12th Annual Nicholas R. Chiera Golf and Tennis Classic to support the American Cancer Society’s “Reaching Out to Cancer Kids” (R.O.C.K.).
The annual dinner and golf extravaganza, held at Ibis Golf and Country Club for the third year, raised more than $150,000. With more than $1.5 million raised in 12 years, this event has become the single largest fundraiser for R.O.C.K., a program that sends local, cancer-afflicted children to a very special summer camp at the Boggy Creek Camp facility in Eustis, Fla.
Started by the Chiera family as a tribute to their father who passed away from cancer, this event has sent thousands of kids with cancer to a very special camp designed just for them.
“The children from the American Cancer Society’s R.O.C.K. Camp were overwhelmed not only by the Chiera family’s and generosity, but also by the sports celebrities they had a chance to meet” said Judy More, coordinator of the American Cancer Society’s R.O.C.K. Camp. Gold Medalist’s Bob Beamon, Jeff Blatnick, Kathy Turner, Gary Hall, as well as Hall of Fame football great Paul Warfield and tennis star Hana Mandlikova were in attendance.
“This year they are once again supplying over 500 tee shirts and bracelets for every camper. The amazing amount of money raised through this event will enable the American Cancer Society to continue to offer hope and quality of life to these outstanding children and their families.”
“On behalf of the staff and especially the residents of Ibis Golf & Country Club, we are proud to sponsor an event that helps create a safe and fun environment where kids with cancer can go and just be kids,” said Ibis Golf and Country Club President Stuart Tyrrell.
In addition to sending kids to summer camp, the event also funds and awards two college scholarships to cancer survivors as well as sends families dealing with cancer to a weekend retreat in Disney World.
There are currently four students attending Florida Universities with the help of the Chiera scholarships, including Ella Leung, who told her amazing story to dinner attendees. Leung is not only a cancer survivor, but currently enrolled in the University of Miami where she is studying to become a doctor.
“Our father would have been so proud knowing that his name was associated with such a wonderful cause,” said Louis Chiera, tournament co-chair. “It is such a great feeling meeting the children and young adults that benefit from this event.”
Presented by KSM Electronics, the 12th Annual Nicholas R. Chiera Dinner/Auction and Golf/Tennis Classic’s Gold Corporate Sponsors include; the LaSalle ABN AMRO, Martha G. Moore Foundation, The Frankino Foundation, macy’s, Rume Corporation, , Ocean Properties, Quicken Loans, and Winner’s Award Group Inc. Other sponsors include: Ibis Golf & Country Club, Kane Magnetics, Pizza Time, , Alpha Wire, , Amphenol/Spectrastrip Cable, Belden Wire and Cable, Bruce Sallah, Carousel Development and Restoration Inc., Coleman Cable, FBI Agents Association, Jet Set Sports, Office Depot, Presidential Leasing, Raymond James Associates Inc., Margolin and Margolin, Nancy Schroeder, Tappan Wire & Cable, Robert I. Targ, P.A., Thomas Holly and Eric Lyon, Sumitomo Electronics and Protex International.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. In Florida, there are more than 65 offices, three Hope Lodge facilities and approximately 80,000 volunteers involved with American Cancer Society programs and activities. For more information, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
About the Boggy Creek Camp
Founded by Paul Newman and General Norman Schwartzkopf, the Boggy Creek Camp in Eustis, Florida is a state-of-the-art summer camp that helps children with special needs enjoy swimming, canoeing, archery, arts and crafts and other fun summer camp activities, but with round-the-clock medical care close at hand.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristi Lam
800-418-7344
kristi.lam@cancer.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cancer Survivors Realize the Dream of College
TAMPA, Fla. (Aug. 18, 2004) – Children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer oftentimes put their hopes and dreams on hold. Fighting this disease depletes families of resources that could be used for future endeavors, and diminishes hope that their children will one day attend college. But for four Florida teens, the dream of college is now a reality thanks to the American Cancer Society and a south Florida family that is honoring their father, Nicholas R. Chiera, who died from cancer. Using the proceeds of their annual Nicholas R. Chiera Golf and Tennis Classic, the Chiera family earmarked a portion of the tournament proceeds to fund four college scholarships offered through the American Cancer Society R.O.C.K. College Scholarship Program.
The R.O.C.K. College Scholarship Program is one of three American Cancer Society, Florida Division R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out to Cancer Kids) programs designed to enhance the quality of life for all Florida children who are fighting and surviving cancer. The other programs, R.O.C.K. Camp and Families R.O.C.K. Weekend, are funded by the remainder of the Nicholas R. Chiera Tournament proceeds.
The Chieras have long been supporters of the American Cancer Society’s R.O.C.K. Camp. In eleven years, the Nicholas R. Chiera Golf and Tennis Classic has raised more than $1.3 million dollars to enable children with cancer to attend this weeklong camp experience. Recently they expanded their support to include the American Cancer Society’s Families R.O.C.K. Weekend and R.O.C.K. College Scholarship Program.
The four recipients of the American Cancer Society/Nicholas R. Chiera College Scholarship are Ryan Moyer of Coral Springs; Marc Thomas O’Keefe of Boca Raton, both of whom received the scholarship last year; Heather Quinn of Boca Raton; and Ella Leung of Wellington, both new recipients who will be freshmen this fall.
“These college scholarships represent a vote of confidence in these four young cancer survivors, from both the American Cancer Society and the Chiera family,” said Evelyn Foster, chair of the R.O.C.K. College Scholarship Committee for the American Cancer Society, Florida Division.
Moyer, an acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivor, is beginning his second year at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, majoring in mechanical engineering. He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in October of 1991. After undergoing two and a half years of extensive chemotherapy, the disease went into remission. At the age of 16, the cancer came back. Because he was unable to attend a regular high school, Moyer enrolled in the hospital homebound program and graduated as class valedictorian with a 4.0 grade point average.
O’Keefe, a mucoepidermoid carcinoma survivor, is beginning his second year at Florida International University in Miami, majoring in music. O’Keefe has persevered through two major surgeries as well as 33 radiation treatments. He was a member of the Olympic Heights High School jazz and marching bands, and successfully competed in a variety of state music competitions.
Heather Quinn survived a medulloblastoma tumor of the brain, diagnosed when she was 16 years old. Prior to having cancer, Quinn was an accomplished athlete who regularly played softball, soccer and volleyball. Although she cannot play sports any longer, she stays in touch with her friends by keeping score at softball games. Quinn is enrolled in Palm Beach Community College’s physical therapy assistant program.
Ella Leung, a lymphoma survivor, was accepted into the University of Miami’s prestigious six-year honors medical program, starting this fall. Since she has excelled academically, graduating near the top of her high school class, her dream of becoming an oncologist may very become a reality.
“The pain and suffering that I have experienced has made me feel older than I really am and made me realize that I want to spend the rest of my years helping save lives,” Leung said. “I have a 70-year-old’s appreciation for life and a 17-year-old’s drive and energy to become an oncologist. Thanks to this scholarship opportunity, I’m well on my way.”
BOCA RATON, Fla…(March 5, 2004) – Seeing local youngsters like 13-year-old Kyle Pacheco enjoy a trip to summer camp has made Louis “Lou” Chiera one happy camper himself.
The 11th Annual Nicholas R. Chiera Dinner/Auction and Golf & Tennis Classic will take place at 4 p.m. on April 25 and 7:30 a.m. on April 26. Chiera and his family have raised more than one million dollars for children with cancer with their popular event.
The Chiera golf and tennis extravaganza has become the single largest fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s “Reaching Out to Cancer Kids” (R.O.C.K.) program that sends local children to summer camp at the “Boggy Creek” facility founded by Paul Newman and Gen. Norman Schwartzkopf in Eustis, Florida.
Chiera said his goal is to surpass last year’s total of nearly a quarter million dollars.
“My father succumbed to cancer and would be so proud to see his name associated with an event that helps so many deserving children,” said Chiera, a resident of Boca Raton. “Our event has grown significantly in recent years and we have also been able to establish college scholarships for cancer survivors in addition to sending children to camp.”
Chiera said the two-day event will kick-off with a fundraising dinner and auction at the Delray Beach Marriott at 4 p.m. on April 25. There will be a silent auction and live auction conducted by well known auctioneer Neil Saffer. Special guests at the dinner are scheduled to include Olympic gold medal winners Bart Connor, Nadia Comaneci, Mike Eruzione, Bob Beamon and Cathy Turner, as well as National Hockey League stars Roberto Luongo, Olli Jokinen, Darcy Hordichuk, Andreas Lilja and Lance Pitlick.
The following morning there will be golf and tennis tournaments taking place simultaneously at Ibis Golf & Country Club in West Palm Beach with an awards luncheon following completion of play.
Chiera said there are still open spaces for both golf and tennis players, as well as many levels of sponsorship opportunities. The event has a history of donating 95 percent of the money raised directly to the children’s camp and other R.O.C.K. programs. The tournament’s presenting sponsor is KSM Electronics which has supported the event each year.
“The Nicholas Chiera Golf Tournament has been instrumental in changing the lives of many young cancer survivors throughout the state,” said Judy C. More, America Cancer Society R.O.C.K. Camp Coordinator. “Thanks to this fabulous event, the American Cancer Society is able to give kids with cancer the opportunity to do what most children without cancer take for granted: enjoying a week at camp being kids.”
For entry and sponsorship information, call (561) 775-8722 or visit www.chieragolfclassic.com.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. In Florida, there are more than 65 offices, three Hope Lodge facilities and approximately 80,000 volunteers involved with American Cancer Society programs and activities. For more information, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
About the Boggy Creek Camp
Founded by Paul Newman and General Norman Schwartzkopf, the Boggy Creek Camp in Eustis, Florida is a state-of-the-art summer camp that helps children with special needs enjoy swimming, canoeing, archery, arts and crafts and other fun summer camp activities, but with round-the-clock medical care close at hand.
Tampa, Fla. (July 25, 2003) – Ryan Moyer of Coral Springs and Marc Thomas O’Keefe of Boca Raton are the first to receive the newly created American Cancer Society/Nicholas R. Chiera College Scholarship. These two scholarships, coordinated through the American Cancer Society’s College Scholarship Program in Florida, are a memorial tribute to the late Nicholas R. Chiera by his family.
The Chieras have long been supporters of the American Cancer Society’s R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out to Cancer Kids) Camp Program through their annual Nicholas R. Chiera Golf / Tennis Classic. In ten years, they have raised over $1 million dollars to enable children with cancer to attend R.O.C.K. Camp. Now for the first time, they are expanding their support to include the American Cancer Society’s Families ROCK Weekend and College Scholarship Program. Additionally, a generous donation from tournament sponsor Security Source and its president, David Guttadauro, helped expand this scholarship opportunity to two college scholarships.
“These college scholarships represent a vote of confidence from both the American Cancer Society and the Chiera family in these two young cancer survivors,” said Marilyn Westley, Director of Childhood Cancer Programs for the American Cancer Society, Florida Division.
Moyer, an acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivor, will attend Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, majoring in mechanical engineering. Moyer was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in October of 1991. After undergoing two and a half years of extensive chemotherapy, Moyer’s disease went into remission. At the age of 16, the cancer came back. Because he was unable to attend a regular high school, Moyer enrolled in the hospital homebound program and graduated as class valedictorian with a 4.0 Grade Point Average.
O’Keefe, a mucoepidermoid carcinoma survivor will attend Florida International University in Miami, majoring in music. O’Keefe, has persevered through two major surgeries as well as 33 radiation treatments. O’Keefe is a member of the Olympic Heights High School jazz band, marching band and has competed in various state music competitions.
“Having cancer has made me realize that my future means more to me now than ever before,” O’Keefe said. “I believe attending a four-year university like Florida International University will be the key to a successful future.”
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. In Florida, there are more than 65 offices, three Hope Lodge facilities and approximately 80,000 volunteers involved with American Cancer Society programs and activities. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
(West Palm Beach, FL. – May 8, 2003) The 10th Annual Nicholas R. Chiera Dinner Dance and Golf Classic held Sunday, April 27 and Monday, April 28, 2003, raised over $254,000 for the American Cancer Society’s “Reaching Out to Cancer Kids (R.O.C.K. Camp).” The Chiera family started this tournament 10 years ago as a tribute to their father who passed away from cancer. The Honorary Chairpersons for the 2003 event were Bart Connor and Nadia Comaneci, Olympic gold medallists in Gymnastics. Bob Beamon, Gold medalist in Long Jump, Mike Eruzione, Gold Medalist and team captain from the 1980 US Hockey Team. Kathy Turner, Gold medalist in Short track speed Skating, Roberto Luongo, Goalie for the Florida Panthers. For the past ten years this event has sent thousands of kids with cancer to a very special camp designed just for them. At camp, they enjoy all the fun and activities of a regular summer camp but with round-the-clock medical care close at hand. This year’s event pushed the total dollars raised for the American Cancer Society’s ROCK camp to over $1 million.
“The children from the American Cancer Society’s R.O.C.K. Camp were overwhelmed not only by the Chiera hospitality and generosity at the Dinner/Golf & Tennis Classic, but also the extent of love and kindness shown by so many who came by the tables to visit! The amazing amount of money raised through this event will enable the American Cancer Society to continue to offer hope and quality of life to these outstanding children and their families,” said Judy C. More, American Cancer Society R.O.C.K. Camp Coordinator.
The event continued the next day with a golf tournament held at Ibis Golf & Country Club. With continuing support, General Manager Cliff Wilson said, “On behalf of the staff and especially the residents of Ibis Golf & Country Club, I commend R.O.C.K. Camp for their efforts to create a safe and fun environment where kids with cancer can go and just be kids.”
With the funds raised by this year’s event, the Nicholas R. Chiera Golf and Tennis Classic will extend its donations to other ROCK programs such as R.O.C.K. Family Weekend, where parents will be able to join their kids for a weekend of seminars and fun at Disney World. The Chiera family also announced that they would establish a scholarship in their father’s name for children who have battled cancer and are ready to go off to college to pursue our dreams. Our father would have been so proud knowing that his name was associated with such a wonderful cause,” said Lou Chiera tournament co-chair.
Born in Italy, Nicholas R. Chiera came to the United States when he was only 9 years old. He became an outstanding athlete lettering in four varsity sports in high school, and a football scholarship in college. Chiera graduated with a degree in Physical Education & Recreation. From creating programs for the YMCA, to becoming Commissioner of Recreation and Parks in White Plains, NY, Chiera’s greatest legacy was development of the White Plains Boys’ Baseball Program. Contrary to Little League Baseball, the program allowed any boy or girl regardless of their ability, the right opportunity to play in every game. His attention to the handicapped and elderly allowed people of all race, age and physical ability the opportunity to enjoy an unlimited number of recreational programs. Upon retirement, Mr. Chiera relocated to Florida. After battling with cancer, Chiera passed away on July 7, 1989. Lou, Vince, Nick and Rose Ann are the proud sons and daughter that will continue the family’s legacy by sending kids with this terrible disease to R.O.C.K Camp, so they too can be just like everyday kids.
Presented by KSM Electronics, the 10th Annual Nicholas R. Chiera Dinner/Auction and Golf/Tennis Classic’s Gold Corporate Sponsors include; Field & Associates, the Martha G. Moore Foundation, Burdines, Corporate Express, JM Family Enterprises, Ocean Properties, Quicken Loans, and Winner’s Award Group Inc. Other sponsors include: Ibis Golf & Country Club, Pizza Time, AutoNation, Gator Technology, Alpha Wire, Belden Amphenol, Tappan Wire & Cable, Sumitomo Electronic and Protex International.
For more information about R.O.C.K. Camp or the programs and services of the American Cancer Society, call 561-394-7751.
