Giving Thanks to All of YOU!
October 22, 2019
News and Ideas For You
June 1, 2020
As you all can imagine, we had to cancel or postpone many of our planned fundraising events for Kick Cancer Overboard.
During this crazy time of unprecedented challenges, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you one of most heartwarming stories ever ….
It started last February when we awarded a free cruise to Bermuda to 5 year old cancer warrier Lucia Graf and her family (referred to us by one of our sister charities, the Frances Foundation) at an EIPA (Eatontown Industrial Park Luncheon).
Ester Jordan, Lucia’s grandmother, decided to pay her own way and join us on the cruise.
She enjoyed her time with her family and bonding with all the other free cruise recipients so much that she wanted to help us make a difference, and send more people to sea for free.
It was her idea to make beautiful (nautically themed) bracelets and then ask for donations to raise money.
It was slow goings at first, but Ester was not one to give up, and started to approach business with the suggestion (or maybe challenge) to sell 300 bracelets at $10 each and in exchange, THEY would get to pick a family affected by cancer with a free cruise!
Well, that worked, BIG TIME, in about 9 months, Ester (with the help of some awesome, local businesses) has raised over $25,000!!!
Our first cruise giveaway was at STANDING OVATION SCHOOL OF DANCE in Brick.
The owner, Michele Wood Hulsart loved Ester’s idea (jumped on board immediately) and sold well over 300 bracelets in just a few weeks.
We were able to surprise Lori and her husband and daughters with a free cruise. Unfortunately, Lori passed away shortly after the cruise, but her family has great memories to last them a lifetime.
Our next cruise surprise was at HAIR HUT STUDIO in Brick.
Caycee Duncan, the owner and her fabulous team made it all happen …..
Great food (thank you Bubbakoos), great music (thank you Mario DaCunha) and heartfelt thanks to the Ducey Team (Mayor John Ducey, and council members Arthur Halloran, Andrea Zapcic, and Marianna Pontoriero) for declaring 10/28/19 Kick Cancer Overboard Day!
We surprised 5 year old cancer warrior Brandon and his family with a free cruise, and the following photos speak for themselves…
In January, Ester set up a cruise surprise giveaway at MANE STREET HAIR & NAIL DESIGNERS in Port Monmouth. 13 year old cancer warrior Megan was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at age 3, and could hardly believe that pretty soon (instead of packing to go to the hospital) her and her family would be packing to embark on a cruise on the beautiful Norwegian Cruise Ship Encore to Bermuda.
And … to top it off… everybody received a free makeover, courtesy of Cathy, Donna and their awesome team. They all came in on their day off (Sunday) to help us make a difference and surprise this deserving family.
And in February, Ester Jordan worked together with Ashley Gallo and her fantastic group at STYLE IN ACTION HAIR STUDIO in Manchester.
We surprised 10 year old cancer warrior Matthew and his family.
The timing could not have been better as he just completed his Leukemia treatments.
They thought they were coming in for a free hair cut and walked away with a free cruise.
A big thank you for our brand-new “Free Cruise Certificates” courtesy of long-time Kick Cancer Overboard supporter Danny Aboudi from Speedpro Imaging NJ Shore in Eatontown.
Of course, anybody who knows Ester understands… it doesn’t stop there.
She is now working with local schools and was able to recruit a local girl scouts troop to assist her with the making of her beautiful bracelets.
We will keep you up-to-date …..
We are not asking for any donations at this difficult time, but feel free to like Kick Cancer Overboard on Facebook or sign up for our eblasts on our website.
Most importantly, we wanted to share some inspiring news and ask you to please keep in mind that these incredible businesses that have been so supportive, are now on the brink of bankruptcy.
Let’s not let that happen.
Get your hair cut twice a week, and your nails, and your facials, etc……
There are a lot of awesome people in the world, and we appreciate the chance to thank Ester and her village of awesome supporters.
$25,000 raised and immeasurable smiles and memories made!!!
On behalf of Kick Cancer Overboard and all the free cruise recipients:
THANK YOU ESTER and TEAM LUCIA!
Thank you ALL!.
Stay Healthy – Stay Safe – Stay Home
