2011 Charity Ball Recap

To view the complete Charity Ball Photo Album, click here.

Once upon a time, there was an organization that held an annual charity ball. It was a tradition to honor a hero, raise awareness and much needed money for research and educational projects in the battle against Chiari malformation, syringomyelia and other related disorders. There are many heroes along this journey who are trying to battle these conditions, which it seems an evil sorcerer has cast on so many. A fortnight ago, the 4th Annual Charity Ball was held honoring Dr. Dominic Marino, one of the heroes in this story. Three hundred people attended to help make this magical evening truly special and to raise a gross amount of $140,000. The interesting “tail” of this Charity Ball is that Dr. Marino is a veterinarian and he and his team from Long Island Veterinary Specialists treat dogs who have Chiari malformation and syringomyelia. Because it afflicts puppies, their treatment is a natural model for the human condition. Information derived from corrective surgery on pets has already been presented by Dr. Marino at human brain surgery conferences in the United States and internationally. Prior to the Ball, two seminars were offered for veterinarians to receive CE credits. The topics were "Seizure Management in Dogs: Going Beyond Standard Therapy" and "Brain and Spinal Trauma in Dogs and Cats". The classes were given by Dr. Curtis W. Dewey. After being enlightened by Dr. Dewey’s seminar, the veterinarians attended the Ball.

Joe Fitzpatrick was the emcee for the evening. Paul Farrell, King of CSF (Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors) talked about CSF’s vision and our very own Fairy Godmother (Executive Director), Dorothy Poppe, welcomed everyone and was also recognized for her twenty years of service in helping to find a cure for CM and SM. Dr. Paolo Bolognese introduced our honoree, Dr. Marino, and Ellen Icochea gave a moving speech about her personal journey with CM and SM. Our CSF Wizard, Rich Johnson, made sure the evening ran smoothly. We watched a DVD, made possible by the marvelous Jordon Family Foundation, about Zoe, a dog who has had Chiari decompression surgery. Her notable caretakers Kristy and Matt Goodman were able to attend their first ball. Kristy said "The Fairy Tail Ball was a fantastic evening full of awe-inspiring individuals with one amazing story of triumph and perseverance after another. It has been so wonderful to participate in a project that has helped such a phenomenal foundation that helps animals and children. Watching the video about our dog Zoe that Dorothy Poppe created brought tears to my eyes and made me realize how lucky I am to have Dr. Marino in my life. I cannot imagine one of my children being diagnosed with Chiari or syringomyelia, but if I was in that situation I would only be so lucky to find a surgeon that is as competent and caring as Dr. Marino."

As this tale continues, so do the heroes that emerge. There is the Steering Committee, Journal Committee, Auction/Raffle Committee, Gala Committee and the Youth Committee. There are so many elves to thank and tell how much we appreciate them. Thank you also to the CSF Board of Directors, Board of Trustees and Medical Research members, many who attended this enchanted evening. A GIANT size thank you to our Charity Ball Sponsors who helped make this night possible:

VIP Table Sponsors

The Farrell Family

The Farrell Law Firm, P.C.

Bob and Toni Rumphrey

Table Sponsors

Antech Diagnostics

The Boys of Holy Family

The Canine Chiari Institute at Long Island Veterinary Specialists

The Central National-Gottesman Foundation

The Chiari Institute

Codman

Integra Foundation

JFS Investments

Long Island Veterinary Specialists

The Marino Family

Medtronic’s Spinal & Biologics Business

New York Veterinary Foundation

North Shore/LIJ Health System

Nutramax Laboratories

Pfizer Animal Health

Police Surgeons Benevolent Association

Webster Veterinary

Even more champions emerge with the award recipients:

The Farrell Law Firm, P.C.

Jordan Family Foundation

Long Island Veterinary Specialists

Monkton Institute

Kathe and Michael Pianella

Bob and Toni Rumphrey

Kathe & Michael Pianella attended their first CSF Charity Ball. Kathe said it was a very wonderful and educational evening. It was truly a fairy tale experience. It was a welcome surprise to receive an award and it is something I will never forget".

And so the story does not end here. The hero’s will continue their quest to help all those that are looking for their “happily ever after”