Good evening!

A quote from a loved and respected comedian, Bob Hope: “If you haven’t got charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” There is no one here with that kind of heart trouble tonight!  Thank you, each and every one, for making our first fundraising dinner such a success.

Personal touch is a vitally needed sensation, and each family or individual who receives services and support from this Foundation will feel your loving touch. You have touched them and my wonderful family deeply through your generosity and caring nature this evening. 

Some special thanks go to some big hearts.

* Julie and Gordy Henschel of Sure Plus Manufacturing for our cocktail hour.

* DuPont refinishing and Erkert Brothers Paint & Supply for tonight’s tasty dinner.

* Jim and Kelly Garofalo & Madison Homes.

* Tom’s brother, Paul, and our sister-in-law. Kathy Cellini.

* The First National Bank of Chicago Heights for donating the money to purchase the TV for tonight’s big drawing.

* Joyce and Chuck Gruberman from Chucks House of Magic and their son Garrett for decorations.

* “Uncle Chuck” Gruberman--which is what my grandchildren call him--for his magic delight.  He is always giving of himself and his talent to light up the eyes and hearts of people he meets.

* John Faso. When I asked him to become involved and assist us in becoming an organization, he did not hesitate, he just said yes. 

* Attorney and friend, Peter Canalia, for his extended efforts and services to establish our Foundation’s non-for-profit and 501©3 status.

* Dr. Bruce Ketel, our family’s personal physician and friend. We are honored that he took the time from his busy life and practice to enlighten us all on this disease. Special gratitude belongs to his wife, Felicity, and son, Markus, for responding to my personal request and the Foundation’s need for them to be here.

* Our legal advisor and my wonderful nephew Paulie, lovingly known as Lil Paulie, for his unconditional love and emotional support, and for being the Committee Chair for tonight’s event.

* Javier Vasquez for providing the music.

* Renee and Michael Bitehlo, two very special people we just happened to meet one evening last week when Tom and I went out to dinner. When Renee visited the Foundation’s new headquarters a few days later, we were talking about the desire to have a kitchen to cook in and bond with our volunteers and HD families. Individuals with Huntington’s disease MUST eat or they emaciate rapidly, burning more calories sleeping than we do awake. You must keep them eating to keep them going. Renee saw the need and acted on it. Before her visit ended, she and Mike lovingly donated money toward our new kitchen.

* Valerie Sadovsky, my adopted daughter and Homeopath, who also has a talent for computers. Not only did she design and develop our web site, but she has been my constant support as well as a gifted conspirator in Tom’s treatment and contributor to his quality of life.

* Jack DeWitt from Systems One Design. He foresaw the need for a Foundation banner and lettering on the Foundation’s door and window It was done before I could ask.

* There is one individual who said if I thanked her publicly tonight she would never come back; so I cannot thank her, for fear she will never help us again. Chuck Gruberman or John Faso, will you please thank Chris Longo of CLEO Communications for the endless hours she has taken away from her family for the Foundation, for our brochures and art work? Remember to do that privately, so no one else will ever know, and Chris will come back again, and again.

* The volunteers who cleaned, stuffed and licked envelopes, moved furniture, wrapped baskets, kept books, established a mailing list, designed thank-you letters, brain stormed, bonded, battled and became new friends once again. When personal work days were over and family obligations were met, these volunteers were back at the Foundation, helping and helping and helping again. We put it all together and like what we’ve created. I value the friendships that have evolved and know this Foundation would never have happened without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Jeanie and Nick Allegro, Judy Schrementi, Charmaine Dunne, Donna Roop, Lori Bodell, Robin Glaze, Michele Cellini and Gia Rodrigues.

* My favorite son, Tiger, and my favorite daughter-in-law, Michele.  By the way, they are my only son and daughter-in-law. When Tom was diagnosed and Mayo told me to “go home and put my life in order, it’s over,” I knew to be grateful for the business knowledge I had, but I didn’t know to be especially grateful for the wonderful family I have. Tiger, thank you for being you and handling the business as you do. Michele, I know it takes a special person to allow her husband the hours he puts in. Thank you for being that special person.

* Broadway Auto, well that’s another story. To say the least, Tiger has had to relocate, adjust, lend out staff, tools and toiletries while we were developing the Foundation.

Many thanks to Bill Moen, Broadway's point man, our trouble-in-any-area specialist, for coming to our rescue countless times.

* Without the board members there would not have been a foundation.  Our first gathering and seed money, as Chuck Gruberman called it, had to come before the Foundation could become a reality. Thank you for making it possible for Tom and me to help others with Huntington’s disease through your dedication and support for this Foundation.

* Last but not least, this man I married almost 47 years ago, Tom. Before his diagnosis I would often tell him “Since the day I said I do to you, I have been doing ever since.”  Well, that has not changed. I’m grateful for my good and loving life. Was it easy? No! While trials and tribulations do make us strong, they should not make us bitter or quit. They haven’t, Tom, and for that, too, I am deeply grateful. 

You have given me the best family, one that has faced the challenge of this disease with openness and strength, choosing to live with courage rather than surrender to its cruelty.

* Tom’s strength of character, his love for others, and knowing what he and we, as a family, have endured with this dreaded disease are the reasons why he has allowed us to use his name. Thank you, Tom, for being that special man I have called my husband for the past 46 years.