The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) raised more than $100,000 at their Hearts of Gold Gala recently. The swank fundraising event was hosted at the Iron Lakes Country Club in Allentown. Guests in tuxedos and evening gowns enjoyed cocktails, dinner, a wine pull, and a live auction of children’s artwork conducted by auctioneer Jason Douglas Houser.

Other items up for bid included an oil painting of SteelStacks by Banana Factory artist Lauren Kuhn, glassware centerpieces donated by Warner Art Glass Center, as well as gift baskets from Crayola Adventure and others. Mixed media work “Be YOU Tiful” by young brain cancer warrior Jillian Sayre fetched $5,000, the highest bid for any of the artwork. Ashley Russo emceed the affair. Russo is the Emmy award-winning executive and president of ASR Media.

Bennett Maserati has sponsored the event since 2014. It became personal for dealer principal Rob Bennett and his wife Kristen when their son Bryce was diagnosed with cancer in March 2015.

“We’ve been touched by many different families in the organization which have been extremely helpful to our journey,” said Kristen Bennett about the PCFLV. “This foundation is really near and dear to our hearts,” she said while tearing up. Four-and-a-half-year-old Bryce had been clear of cancer for 19 months, but relapsed in late July 2017. The little warrior now faces a tough battle, but has the support of his loving parents, six-and-a-half-year-old brother Cooper and sisters Cami, age 15, and Alyx, 26.

Rob Bennett put it bluntly about the challenges they and other families face when a child is stricken. “When kids get cancer, it sucks,” he said emotionally. He expressed great admiration for the work PCFLV does to help families cope.

Executive Director Michelle Zenie presented the couple with a “Heart of A Warrior Award” provided by Warner Glass for their steadfastness in dealing with cancer in the family for a second time. “The Bennetts have touched our hearts in that way,” said Zenie.

Fourteen-year-old cancer and stroke survivor Jack Knudson and his dad, Howie, spoke of their experiences. Jack was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age four and suffered multiple strokes prior and during surgery. He has been cancer free for nearly ten years. His father said with pride, “Jack faces those obstacles that are in his way with strength, determination, and a smile.” The Kundsons described how grateful they were for the support they received through the PCFLV and their vital connection with member families.

The Kundson family’s multi-media assemblage “Believe,” inspired by the book written by Eric LeGrand, was the first piece up for auction. It was purchased by a winning bid of $1,500. LeGrand, a former defensive tackle for the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights, was left paralyzed by an on-field injury.

“We have a good turnout this year,“ said Executive Director Michelle Zenie, adding, “We’re really, really, honored that we have a great group of supporters that come out every year to come this event.” People who have purchased the children’s artwork in the past “just treasure them,” according to Zenie.

Additional event sponsors included Adams Outdoor, Extraordinary Smiles, Good Shepherd Pediatrics, Stortz & Associates, ASR Media, AmericaVen, and OAA Orthopaedic Specialists.

PCFLV is a local non-profit, dedicated to providing services and programs to local pediatric cancer patients and their families, along with bereaved families. Their upcoming fundraiser, PCFLV Ready, Set, GOLD Run/Walk is scheduled for April 7.