![Kids for Kids visitor Olaf](/content/sites/www/en_US/home/about-st-jude/stories/making-a-difference/family-fun-day-surpasses-1-million/jcr:content/par-1/cnt_image.img.16.medium.jpg/1434740837276.jpg)
Paul Lombardozzi II, a member of the Kids for Kids Committee, and his infant son, Paul Lombardozzi III, are joined by Olaf and Joey Lombardozzi (right).
Jake Zall knows he’s lucky to be a healthy kid.
That’s why Zall – along with about 30 other New York City-area kids ages 5 to 18 – is part of the Junior Committee of the Kids for Kids Foundation, an organization that has raised more than $5.5 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since its founding in 2008.
“If this committee has taught me one thing, itʼs that fundraising is certainly about raising a lot of money, but more importantly itʼs about working together as a team to spread the love and hope that St. Jude brings to anybody that crosses its path,” Zall said. “I'm very lucky to be healthy, and I think every kid should have that chance.”
More than 1,200 people attended the seventh annual Kids for Kids Family Fun Day May 30 at the Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. This year, the event broke its fundraising record, generating more than $1.06 million for St. Jude.
Activities included carnival rides, face painting, rock climbing, ice-skating and a performance by the Brooklyn United Marching Band. Disney favorites Olaf, Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen, as well as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Spiderman, interacted with the crowd.
Kids for Kids, founded by a group of New York and New Jersey professionals, hosts other fundraisers throughout the year, including a father-son golf outing and a sporting clays event. The Junior Committee this year raised $40,000 on its own through bake sales, school fundraisers and dance-a-thons.
Kids for Kids, founded by a group of New York and New Jersey professionals, hosts other fundraisers throughout the year, including a father-son golf outing and a sporting clays event. The Junior Committee this year raised $40,000 on its own through bake sales, school fundraisers and dance-a-thons.
It has been a privilege to see the Kids for Kids Committee and Junior Committee work together these last seven years to raise over $5 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We believe in the mission of St. Jude and the importance of keeping families strong during their difficult time.
Robert Catalano, event founder
“It has been a privilege to see the Kids for Kids Committee and Junior Committee work together these last seven years to raise over $5 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Robert Catalano, the event’s founder. “We believe in the mission of St. Jude and the importance of keeping families strong during their difficult time. Kids for Kids will continue to work towards the goal of eradicating childhood cancer and other deadly diseases.”
You too can make a difference for St. Jude kids
Read more inspiring stories:
-
Cultural navigator brings new level of support to international families
Cultural navigation is important in providing exceptional care for international families at St. Jude. Find out how the hospital helps these families.
-
Challenges Can’t Keep Jolly Down
Jolly Green tackles severe aplastic anemia thanks to St. Jude, faith, and family. Read his story.
-
Patient reflects on 60th anniversary as childhood cancer survivor
Patient reflects on her 60th anniversary as a childhood cancer survivor
-
From Pain Crises to Good Vibes
Rashawn Hendrix
-
Patient finds support, help and hope for Friedrich’s ataxia
Taylor Hurdle is taking part in a clinical trial for Friedreich’s ataxia at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
-
Finding Hope in Clinical Trials
A medulloblastoma clinical trial offered hope to 7-year-old Kinlee Johnson and her family. Learn more.
-
Family chooses St. Jude because of SAMD9/SAMD9L researcher
Family chooses St. Jude for care because of its expertise in SAMD9/SAMD9L syndrome.
-
Participating in clinical trials to help cure the next person
Patients like Corey Luellen have benefitted from gene editing for sickle cell disease. Luellen participated in a clinical trial for the treatment because he wanted to help others.
-
Insights Learned Through Cancer Experience Now Help Others
St. Jude survivor Tristan Elsener has survived multiple bouts of cancer. He and his family have gained insights that can help others. Learn about the Caregivers Share podcast.
-
Research may help Camille take her first steps
Research conducted by the Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics may help patients like Camille, who has type 2 spinal muscular atrophy, gain the ability to walk.
-
Surviving childhood cancer is just the beginning of Darshana’s story
Darshana Magan survived cancer 30 years ago, but her treatment caused long-term health issues. Read how she cares for her health and encourages other survivors.
-
Molecular diagnostics give Fletcher what some thought impossible: a diagnosis and treatment plan
Molecular diagnostics give Fletcher Fazenbaker what some thought impossible: a diagnosis and treatment plan for infant-type hemispheric glioma (IHG), a subtype of high-grade glioma — a rare brain tumor — that was not classified by the World Health Organization’s brain tumor classification guide until 2021
-
Perspective from the courtside
USA Pickleball Association President Jack Thomas knows the good work of USAPA’s designated charity, St. Jude. His grandson was a patient.
-
Flipping for St. Jude
Brianna was inspired by a television commercial for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to lead a Push-up/Pull-up Challenge fundraiser at her school.
-
Generations of giving
This multi-generational family is devoted to raising money for St. Jude. Find out the many ways they are giving back.