N.I.C.K. Foundation holds masquerade ball to raise money for childhood cancer in Northwest Indiana.
On Saturday February 22, Northwest Indiana unmasked childhood cancer. The Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids foundation, or N.I.C.K., hosted a masquerade ball in order to help raise funds for local families affected by childhood cancer. The event was held at The Patrician Banquet Center, 410 E. US Highway 30, Schererville, Ind.
The night was filled with silent auctions and raffles as well as local entertainment. The auction's bigger items were a new mattress and box spring set, an autographed football signed by Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints, and Southwest Airline tickets. There was a performance of professional swing dancers donated by Arthur Murray Dance Studio from Merrillville, and a local trio band that performed "I Won't Let Go" by Rascal Flatts.
"We chose the theme of a masquerade ball because we wanted to unmask childhood cancer," said Kate Perchon, President of N.I.C.K. "We wanted to raise awareness and unmask this as a cause because we believe there is not enough attention in the country and in the community placed on this illness," she explained. "This can happen to anyone and it is our goal to help the families here in Northwest Indiana who struggle with the grief, cost and time management issues that come with childhood cancer."
NICK BALL/ADD 1 At the event State Representative Hal Slager had a surprise of his own to make the event even more special. Slager presented Donna Criner, the executive director of N.I.C.K., a plaque and read the inscription that proclaimed September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The governor of Indiana has recognized statewide.
"This is so exciting for my mom, she has worked so hard on this," stated Kate Perschon, who is Donna Criner's daughter. The ball logged more than 130 attendees. B & B Custom Events, an event planning firm, planned the event. "It was a very elegant night and lots of fun," stated Jessica Buikema of B&B Custom Events. "I'm very pleased how it came together. The facility was beautifully decorated with the colors of the childhood cancer ribbon which is gold," she added.
At the event N.I.C.K. also announced their new board executives. Donna Criner will serve as Executive Director. Kate Perschon will serve as President. Linda Whitman will serve as Secretary/Treasurer. The Board of Directors includes Christine Cid, Rob Guetzloff, Melissa Huffman, Kristi Irak, Laura Juran, Al Konieczka, and Sherry Pawlus.
The N.I.C.K. Foundation would like to thank B&B Custom Events for an incredible job. They'd also like to thank event sponsors, volunteers and everyone who attended in support of local children with cancer and their families.
About N.I.C.K The NICK Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2009, by a local family that experienced the effects of childhood cancer. The organization provides hope, support and counseling to families affected by pediatric cancer. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Donna Criner at 219-765-7677 or email info@BandBCustomEvents.com.