Special
Events - A Cure for Five Pennies
February 23, 2008
In March 2006 4-year-old Nicole Elsenbroek's parents, Scott and Maria, discovered their daughter had pulmonary hypertension. A group of moms who met each other and became close friends when their children were in preschool at decided to organize a fundraiser in her honor this winter.
The moms, with organizers Denise DeGuzman and Daniela Tereza at the helm, fashioned a fundraiser named "A Cure for 'Five Pennies': Daddy's Little Girl," an effort to inform people about the disease and at the same time raise money to help thwart it. The dinner dance with live entertainment had a sit-down dinner following a cocktail hour. Victor Pacini, Frankie Miglio, Daniela Tereza and Giana Casale were the featured entertainers.
The unusual name for the event evolved from Nikki's dad's word play on her name, Maria Elsenbroek said. "My husband refers to Nicole as 'five pennies equal Nickel," Elsenbroek said.
Others in the mom's group are Suzanne Avila, Julie Bosshart, Kim Dobrincu, Katrina Heavener, Kate Johnson, Kristina Knapp and Maria Yonkus.
Organizers obtained more than 16 raffle items, including a $500 painting, as well as restaurant and spa certificates. Raffle tickets were $2 each, or three for $5.
“We had an amazing evening! There was so much love and support from family and friends (and the additional money for raffle tickets was nice too!),” says Denise DeGuzman.
As Nikki is 6 and many of her former preschool classmates attended, the event turned into a fun time for the kids. Victor Pacini performed motivational songs for the children. Later in evening Nikki's classmates danced for her. With 5 singers and a DJ, the evening was full of music and dancing.
