R.I. Spaghetti Dinner Draws over a Hundred People; Raises Thousands of Dollars for Hydrocephalus Research & Awareness

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Kimberly Illions
Saturday, June 26, 2010
(732) 634-1283
kim@hydrocephaluskids.org
http://www.HydrocephalusKids.org

PHF’s Rhode Island Chapter Raises Thousands of Dollars in First Fundraising Event

R.I. Spaghetti Dinner Draws over a Hundred People; Raises Thousands of Dollars for Hydrocephalus Research & Awareness

Woodbridge, NJ – The Rhode Island Chapter of the the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, Inc. (PHF) raised over $3,500.00 at the Spaghetti Dinner, their first ever fundraising event, held in Cranston, R.I. at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center on Saturday June 5th.

Occurring in approximately 1 of every 500 births, hydrocephalus is a condition in which excessive fluid gathers in the brain, abnormally widening spaces in the brain and placing potentially harmful pressure on brain tissues. Because of lack of advancements in treatment, many affected individuals are left unable to lead full and productive lives. If left untreated, hydrocephalus would be fatal.

RI State Director Rebecca Minasian, whose young daughter Caitlin suffers from hydrocephalus said; “I am so pleased that so many people were able to attend our first ever fundraiser for the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation. It means so much that I was able to get the Foundation’s name out there and let people know we exist, and how much the PHF is doing to help children living with the condition. I hope to continue this event every year and hopefully with more community support the event will continue to grow.”

The Rhode Island and surrounding area’s business and professional sports community contributed greatly to the success of the event by donating gift certificates, sports memorabilia, and tickets to events that were all used for the silent auction that was held.

In addition to the over 100 people from the Rhode Island area, also in attendance were Cassandra Thew, New York State PHF Chapter Director, and from New Jersey, PHF, Inc. President Kim Illions and Board Member Jennifer Westdyke, who added “Rebecca and family did an amazing job putting together their spaghetti dinner. The food was fantastic and the silent auction was definitely a hit. Jeffrey and I enjoyed meeting everyone and look forward to working together in the future to help raise money & awareness for Hydrocephalus.”

The PHF Rhode Island Chapter will use the money raised to help increase awareness and to fund hydrocephalus research projects within the State of Rhode Island by donating to local hospitals and research facilities that cater to Pediatric Hydrocephalus.

About PHF

The Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, a non-profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization, educates the community by raising the level of awareness about hydrocephalus and provides support to families, friends, and children affected by this brain condition.

The PHF also raises money for and works with the medical community in searching for a cure and additional treatment options for those with hydrocephalus. Additionally, the PHF advocates on behalf of the members of the hydrocephalus community and works with policy makers at the state and federal levels to raise awareness and push for more research and support in the fight against hydrocephalus. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information, visit www.hydrocephaluskids.org.