Support a Patient this Holiday Season

Children's Cancer Fund is dedicated to brightening the lives of these fighters and letting them know they are not alone. A holiday gift can do just that!

This is a fun and easy way to bring smiles to patients who are currently fighting cancer while isolated to a hospital room this holiday season.

$25 "Text to Give" provides a holiday gift to a patient

Text GIVE to 833-538-0895

https://www.childrenscancerfund.com/holidaygifts

30th Annual Children's Cancer Fund Gala Raised More Than $1.2 Million

Over 1,200 guests, including 85 pediatric cancer patients, survivors and their families, celebrities, sponsors, and supporters, filled the first floor of the Hyatt Regency Dallas, transformed into a colorful, candy-themed wonderland, on Friday, April 27, for the most successful Children’s Cancer Fund Gala on record. The sold-out 30th annual fundraising gala raised more than $1.2 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern – surpassing fundraising goals for the second year in a row.

Gala Co-Chairs Candice Romo and Hollie Siglin with Becky Lewis, president, Children's Cancer Fund Board of Directors

Longtime Honorary Co-Chair Roger Staubach, who has been involved all 30 years, began the event with a special announcement. “This is the first year in this event’s 30-year history that Children’s Cancer Fund has not lost a child who has participated in this event,” said Roger Staubach. “For the first year, an in-memoriam video will not be shown at the gala. It chokes me up just to say that. Pediatric cancer research is making a difference.” 

Connor Benjamin, 7, of  Richardson, is escorted by Dallas Fire Station #19 

Staubach’s Co-Chair Troy Aikman followed Staubach to the podium sharing his passion for Children’s Cancer Fund as well as the impact of the nonprofit’s fundraising.

“Thanks to the generous support of people like you, Children’s Cancer Fund has donated more than $8 million to support pediatric cancer research in the Dallas area,” said Troy Aikman. “This is something you can be a part of – curing childhood cancer and helping make treatment safer, more effective, and less painful.  When Roger invited me to this event 21 years ago, I was blown away. As long as they keep inviting me back, I will be here. A lot of money is being raised for pediatric cancer.”

Zachary Goldminz, 11, of Plano, is escorted by Dallas Cowboys Cornerback Byron Jones. The two 'floss' on the runway.

Gala Co-Chair Hollie Siglin then shared her personal story of her dad collapsing and being hospitalized the morning of the gala. He was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma a few weeks after Siglin agreed to co-chair the event.

“I almost did not come tonight, but this cause is important so I left my dad’s side to be here and tell you why we need raise money to cure cancer,” said Hollie Siglin.

Justin Whitman, Kim Schlegel Whitman, JR Whitman, Candice Romo, Tony Romo

Siglin’s best friend and Co-Chair Candice Romo took the mic and told the audience that thinking about these children and what they and their families are going through makes her angry. 

“I have three boys of my own, and I can’t imagine having to go through all of this,” added Romo. “We must take a stand against this awful disease and invest in cutting edge research to cure kids’ cancer. So tonight, get out your wallets, go big, and make it rain! We are here to cure children’s cancer!”

Troy Aikman, Tony Romo, Roger Staubach

In addition to Staubach and Aikman, the 30^th Annual Fashion Show presented an all-star lineup of celebrities including Dallas Cowboys Starting Quarterback Dak Prescott, who returned to the runway this year along with Cowboys Cornerback Byron Jones.

Loryn Ninesling, 14, of Leonard, is escorted by KISS FM Crew Big Al Mack, Kellie Rasberry, and Jenna Owen

Twenty-two children ages 5 to 15, matched with celebrity escorts, lit up the runway in their fashions provided by Dillard’s for a star-studded fashion show, coordinated by RSC Show Productions.

Backstage was a flurry of activity of kids, clowns, magicians, and fun and autographs with celebrities along with primping for the show with makeup, nails, and hairstyles by longtime Children’s Cancer Fund supporters Salon Pompeo.

Kadron Patterson, 10, of Dallas, is escorted by Batman 

Additional celebrity escorts included Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders; Former Dallas Maverick and current Indiana Pacer Monta Ellis, his wife Juanika, and their daughter Myla Ellis; Medieval Times Red Knight; KISS FM Crew; Miss Texas Margana Wood; Scott Murray; John Basham, CCF Alum whose family is one of the founding families of CCF and who walked in the very first fashion show; Garry Brown, producer of “Marvels Agents of Shield” and Melissa Brown, actress and stunt artist; Dallas SWAT Team; Dallas Fire Station #19; Belle of Beauty and the Beast; Batman; ESPN Commentator Victoria Arlen, para-Olympic swimmer; Mike Crum, skateboarding legend; CCF Alum Russell McKeown; Pink Heals Firefighters; Candice and Tony Romo; Ryan Hollingshead, FC Dallas Soccer Player; Amy Vanderoef, social media influencer and TV host.

Josiah Torres, 8, of Dallas, is escorted by Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott 

DJ Tony Romo entertained the crowd after the fashion show.

Children's Cancer Fund Gala is a sell out this Friday!

The Children’s Cancer Fund Gala “Sweet 30^th Anniversary” celebrates 30 years of sweet smiles, sweet styles, and sweet stories of survival in a SOLD OUT candy-themed wonderland THIS Friday, April 27, 2018, at the Hyatt Regency Dallas (new location this year) beginning at 6 p.m. with a silent auction and VIP reception and 7 p.m. for the dinner and program.

Candice Romo, Nory Mae, Hollie Siglin (at Sugarfina event at NorthPark)

Co-Chairs Candice Romo and Hollie Siglin join longtime Honorary Co-Chairs Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman to kick off the evening.  The event is expected to raise more than $1 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children's Health and UT Southwestern. Staubach, who has been involved all 30 years, and Aikman, now in his 21^st year, join other celebrities and sponsors as runway escorts for 22 featured pediatric cancer patients, ages 5 – 15, who model fashions by Dillard’s for the annual fashion show, produced by RSC Productions.

Isabella Day tosses the football with honorary chair Troy Aikman (at photo shoot)

The evening features the Ray Johnston Band and concludes with dancing and music provided by the Jordan Kahn Orchestra and special Guest DJ Tony Romo, CBS NFL Commentator and former Dallas Cowboy.

Mason McGaughey meets Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, and Coach Jason Garrett (at photo shoot)

The gala, which is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer, is sponsored by CBS 11 and features Karen Borta as mistress of ceremonies. Since 1982, Children’s Cancer Fund has donated over $8 million to the childhood cancer cause. . 

2018 CCF Models

Children’s Cancer Fund brings together local celebrities, dignitaries, philanthropists, sponsors, and media personalities to serve as runway escorts for these young patients modeling in the fashion show. In addition to Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, escorts include Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys players and cheerleaders and Rowdy, the Cowboys mascot, as well as Juanika & Monta Ellis (of the Indiana Pacers, NBA); Kiss FM Crew (Kellie Rasberry, Big Al, JC and Jenna); Miss Texas Margana Wood; Medieval Red Knight; Pink Heals Firefighters; Batman; Dallas SWAT; Dallas Fire Station #19; Belle of Beauty and the Beast; and Children’s Cancer Fund alum Russell McKeown.

Sponsors include: $50,000: Anne Davidson; Texas de Brazil; $25,000: Children’s Health; Tiffany and Mark Cuban; Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation; Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders; Marianne and Roger Staubach; $20,000: Anonymous; $10,000: Troy Aikman; Albertsons-Tom Thumb; Andy Beal; Lisa and Clay Cooley; Headington Companies; Jennifer Stroud Foundation; Barbara Lipshy; Sewell Automotive; $5,000: Lindy and Brad Berkley; Kenneth Cooper; Dirk Nowitzki Foundation; Stacey and Kenny Doré; Fee, Smith, Sharp & Vitullo, LLP; Hawk+Sloane; The McCullough Foundation; Pacific Union Financial LLC; Holly and Barry Pennett; The Prather Family; and Simple Automotive.

 

In-Kind Sponsors: American Airlines; Dillard’s; Gro Event Design; Hyatt Regency Dallas; Katy Sky Group; Kendra Scott; National Fantasy Football Convention; NorthPark Center; OBOY! Productions; Outfront Media; Patty Foppen Photography; Primera Companies; Reunion Tower; RSC Show Productions; Rsoul Royal Studios; Sugarfina; and Matthew Trent.

Children’s Cancer Fund Gala “Sweet 30th Anniversary”

The Children’s Cancer Fund Gala “Sweet 30^th Anniversary” celebrates 30 years of sweet smiles, sweet styles, and sweet stories of survival in a candy-themed wonderland.  The Gala will take place on Friday, April 27, 2018, at the Hyatt Regency Dallas (new location this year) beginning at 6 p.m. with a silent auction and VIP reception and 7 p.m. for the dinner and program.

Co-Chairs Candice Romo and Hollie Siglin join longtime Honorary Co-Chairs Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman to kick off the evening.  The event is expected to raise more than $1 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children's Health and UT Southwestern. Staubach, who has been involved all 30 years, and Aikman, now in his 21^st year, join other celebrities and sponsors as runway escorts for 22 featured pediatric cancer patients, ages 5 – 15, who model fashions by Dillard’s for the annual fashion show, produced by RSC Productions.

The evening features the Ray Johnston Band and concludes with dancing and music provided by the Jordan Kahn Orchestra and special Guest DJ Tony Romo, CBS NFL Commentator and former Dallas Cowboy.

The gala, which is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer, is sponsored by CBS 11 and features Karen Borta as mistress of ceremonies. Since 1982, Children’s Cancer Fund has donated over $8 million to the childhood cancer cause. Individual tickets are $300 or $2,750 for a table of 10. Contact Children’s Cancer Fund at 972-664-1450 or visit www.ChildrensCancerFund.com/Gala for reservations and more information. 

Co-Chairs Romo and Siglin are also moms and best friends who are passionate about championing children.  The mission of Children’s Cancer Fund and the importance of this fundraiser led them both to say yes when asked to be this year’s co-chairs of the gala.

“With a passion for children and a love of fashion, my heart is happy to be part of the Children’s Cancer Fund 30^th Anniversary Fashion Show,” said Candice Romo.

A native Texan and Dallas resident, Romo has three sons with Tony Romo. She is co-owner with Siglin of Hawk + Sloane, a line of children’s sprays they created. Siglin and her husband, Chris, reside in West Plano and also have three children.

Children’s Cancer Fund brings together local celebrities, dignitaries, philanthropists, sponsors, and media personalities to serve as runway escorts for these young patients modeling in the fashion show. In addition to Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, escorts include Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys players and cheerleaders and Rowdy, the Cowboys mascot, as well as Juanika & Monta Ellis (of the Indiana Pacers, NBA); Kiss FM Crew (Kellie Rasberry, Big Al, JC and Jenna); Miss Texas Margana Wood; Medieval Red Knight; Pink Heals Firefighters; Batman; Dallas SWAT; Dallas Fire Station #19; Belle of Beauty and the Beast; and Children’s Cancer Fund alum Russell McKeown.

“This night is all about the kids,” said Jennifer Arthur, CCF Executive Director of Development. “They spend the day getting runway ready and reuniting with their friends backstage, and when the spotlight comes on, you will see some of the sweetest smiles. This is a night they have looked forward to all year. The grand finale, which features CCF models from the past 30 years, is one of the most incredible moments of the evening. These sweet stories of survival are a testimony to the impact CCF is making in our community.”

Broadway Nights and Runway Lights - Children's Cancer Fund Annual Gala

This very special 29th annual signature fundraising event will take place on Friday, April 21, 2017 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, beginning with a champagne reception at 6PM.


Join Event Chairmen, Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, along with Gala Chair, Pamela Moayedi.


Guests will enjoy silent and live auctions, a fashion show featuring pediatric oncology patients from Children's Medical Center escorted by celebrities, a raffle drawing, dinner and drinks, and dancing to the sounds of DJ Lucy Wrubel after the show!


http://www.childrenscancerfund.com/gala


You can reserve a room at the event venue, the Hilton Anatole, by clicking here.

Children's Cancer Fund Gala 2016 Surpassed Fundraising Goal {Recap and Photos}

The Children’s Cancer Fund Annual Gala, themed “An Evening in Oz,” the nonprofit’s 28th annual fundraiser held on April 22, raised over $820,000 for pediatric oncology research and treatment programs, surpassing its $750,000 fundraising goal. The spring event is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer.

Terrance Williams, Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Byron Jones, Jason Garrett, Morris Claiborne

“We are absolutely thrilled with the success of this year’s event,” said Gala Co-Chair Lisa Cooley.  “For 27 years, this event has been a luncheon, so it is exciting for a new evening event to succeed.  We are very grateful to the hard work of everyone involved and the many donors, sponsors, and attendees whose generosity plays a critical role in our efforts to stop this number one disease-related killer of children in the U.S., which takes over 250 lives worldwide every day.”

Brady Pampillonia and Texas Tech Coach Kliff Kingsbury

Over 900 guests, greeted at the entrance of the Hilton Anatole by the characters of the Wizard of Oz, followed the yellow brick road to a night filled with emotion as over 60 pediatric cancer patients and survivors walked the runway with celebrities and sponsors in their new clothing, donated by Dillard’s. The audience celebrated the children’s successes in their courageous battles with cancer as they reveled in an evening of fun, away from hospitals and treatments.

Maxwell Matlock with Dallas SWAT

Event Chairmen Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach, along with many other celebrities and sponsors, including  Dallas Cowboys Coach Jason Garrett; Cowboys players Brandon Carr, Byron Jones, Morris Claiborne, and Terrance Williams; Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Ashley and Rachel; Cowboys Mascot Rowdy; child actor Sunny Malouf; media personalities Jane McGarry and Amy Vanderoef; the Pink Heals Firefighters; Miss Texas America 2015 Shannon Sanderford; The Bachelor’s Jake Pavelka; Dallas Wings WNBA Player Brianna Kiesel; Texas Tech Head Football Coach Kliff Kingsbury; Olympic Medalist Mitch Gaylord; Jocelyn White; Dallas SWAT members; and more. 

Miss Texas America 2015 Shannon Sanderford with Jodan McDowell

Gala Co-Chairs Giora Barker and Lisa Cooley kicked off the program with Aikman, who has been involved for 19 years, and Staubach, who has been involved for all 28 years.

Troy Aikman, Karen McClard, Giora Barker, Brittney Bannon, Lisa Cooley, Roger Staubach

 The longtime event chairmen turned it over to KDFW FOX 4 News Anchor Clarice Tinsley, and Scott Murray, Mistress and Master of Ceremonies who introduced the young models and their escorts, sharing a little about each child.

Christian Arroyo with Byron Jones

Following dinner, the fashion show, and auctions, guests hit the dance floor to the sounds of the appropriately themed Emerald City Band.

Sidney Carr joins dad Brandon Carr to escort Trip Rowley

This year, raffle tickets were sold for a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4x4 donated by the Clay Cooley Automotive Group and tricked out by NTX Auto Masters, Kit Courrege, and Epic 4x4 Offroad.

Troy Aikman escorts Hayden Ritchie down the runway

Proceeds from the Gala go to Children’s Cancer Fund to support pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children's Medical Center. Since 1982, Children’s Cancer Fund has donated more than $7 million to the childhood cancer cause.

DCC Ashley, Julissa Garcia, DCC Rachel

Children’s Cancer Fund was founded 33 years ago by a coalition of parents whose children were receiving cancer therapy at Children’s Medical Center.  The organizers have since been joined by community leaders, dedicated volunteers, and health professionals in their fundraising efforts.

Myles Allison with Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett

In addition to raising awareness and funds for children’s cancer research, this event serves as a positive social-psychological experience for children undergoing cancer treatment,” added Giora Barker, Gala Co-Chair. “As the mother of a cancer survivor, I understand the importance of this type of experience for the children.  Each year, this event brings children living with cancer together for an unforgettable, embracing, and heartwarming experience.”

Save the Date for An Evening in Oz

27th Annual Children’s Cancer Fund Luncheon Creates Fun Day for Pediatric Cancer Patients and Survivors

The annual Children’s Cancer Fund Luncheon is not your typical Dallas fundraising luncheon.  Not only does it raise critical funding for pediatric cancer research and programs at Children’s Medical Center, it also serves as a positive social-psychological experience for children undergoing cancer treatment.  With the help of area celebrities, sponsors, and a caring community, these children are given a fun day, away from hospitals and treatment.

Rowdy with Ella Lawless

Twenty-one young cancer patients from Children’s Medical Center selected an outfit donated by Dillard’s to model at the luncheon.  When they arrived at the Hilton Anatole Hotel the morning of the luncheon, they were paired with volunteer buddies, and spent the day backstage talking to celebrities, having fun with clowns and magicians, getting their hair done, taking pictures, coloring, eating lunch, and more.  They were joined by up to 100 more children who are all pediatric cancer survivors and who joined them for the grand finale of the fashion show, which featured music by Amber Carrington and Justin Rivers of NBC’s “The Voice.”

Event Co-Chair Roger Staubach with Micah Reed

This year’s guests included longtime Event Chairmen Roger Staubach, who has chaired the event for all 27 years, and Troy Aikman, who has co-chaired for the past 18 years.  Clarice Tinsley and Steve Eager served as mistress and master of ceremonies, and as the children took the runway with their escorts, they shared a little about each child with the audience.  For example: “Micah Reed, a 6^th grader at Sulphur Springs Middle School, wants to be an oncologist and an artist when he grows up. His heroes are the U.S. military, past and present because they fight for our freedom.  He loves drawing, listening to music and writing, and is happy when his counts are good and he is not weak."

Jocelyn White, creator/host at Designing DFW with Julia Brown

Rhonda Sargent Chambers of RSC Productions produced the show. Celebrity escorts included Dallas Cowboys Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, and Terence Newman, along with Rowdy and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.  Miss Texas America Monique Evans and Miss Texas Teen USA Chloe Kemble, joined a host of other celebrities and sponsors including Drew Pearson, Ray Johnston, Charles Haley, Steve Largent, Jason Castro, the Pink Heals Firefighters, Dallas SWAT Team, Queen Elsa and Cinderella, among others.

Courtney Kerr, fashion blogger and TV/Radio personality, with Luna Martell

Event Chairmen Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman kicked off the luncheon in the Chantilly Ballroom, introducing committee co-chairs Kathleen Strand and Cara Serber, who each have daughters who have had cancer. 

Kathleen Strand told the audience, “There’s nothing that can every prepare you for the words, ‘I’m sorry, your child has cancer.’  And there’s almost nothing you can do to fix it or to help make sure your child gets better.  I stand her before you today, humbled by all of you, as your presence here helps us in our fight against pediatric cancer.”

Event Co-Chair Troy Aikman with Brady Pampillonia

 Prior to the western-themed runway fashion show, a live auction was held, which included original artwork painted by children and Texas-based artist Christopher H. Martin.   Numerous other packages were also auctioned during this time.

 

With over $7 million in funds raised, since 1982, for pediatric cancer research, Children’s Cancer Fund continues to fund critical research while improving treatments for hundreds of children throughout the greater North Texas community,” said Luncheon Committee Co-Chair Cara Serber. “A significant amount of these funds are raised through this annual luncheon.

Miss Teen Texas Chloe Isabelle Kembel with Karla Salazar

Proceeds from this event go to Children’s Cancer Fund to help advance pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s Medical Center, benefiting children worldwide. 



Pink Heals Firefighters with kids backstage

 

Save the Date: National Philanthropy Day Luncheon 11.14.2014

Outstanding Philanthropist Katherine Perot Reeves

Save the date for the 29th Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon

Friday, November 14, 2014

Hyatt Regency Dallas - Landmark Ballroom

11:30am Registration

12:00 noon Program Luncheon

 

Chairs: Chair Christina Moore-Salinas, CFRE; Co-Chair Sarah Elliot

Honorees: Six award categories honor those in the community who exemplify commitment, dedication, and talent toward helping their neighbors:

• Outstanding Philanthropist - Katherine Perot Reeves
• Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser – Chris Kleinert
• Outstanding Fundraising Executive – Milton Key
• Outstanding Foundation – Children’s Cancer Fund
• Outstanding Corporation – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
• Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy – Charlsie Doan

Tickets: $85 each, $850 for a table of 10, or $1,250 for a premium table of 10. Sponsorships available beginning at $1,500.

Contact: Madeleine Crouch at 972-233-9107, ext. 204, afpchapteroffice@afpdallas.org. Visit afpdallas.org