The Key Biscayne Fund for the Sunshine Kids Foundation and the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne are teaming up to help put smiles on the faces of kids who are battling cancer.
The annual Night of Giving event is scheduled for 5-8 p.m., on Feb. 11, at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne.
People who shop at stores at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne on that day will play a big part in supporting the Sunshine Kids Foundation, a non profit organization which provides positive group activities and emotional support for young cancer patients who are receiving treatments in hospitals across the U.S.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Foundation for people who shop at participating stores and designers including 120% Lino, Lilly Pulitzer, Sabbia Fine Jewelry, Angela Horton Lifestyles, Bissinger’s Chocolatier and Guadalupe Design at Coastal Boutique.
The event will include a fashion show in which models will show off the latest clothing, jewelry and designs for shoppers.
Shoppers who visit all six stores can win a gift certificate from the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne Spa.
Vivian Galego-Mendez, Chair of the Key Biscayne Fund for Sunshine Kids, which raises money for the Sunshine Kids Foundation, said last year’s Fund events raised roughly $90,000. The Key Biscayne Community Foundation is the financial sponsor for the Fund.
Galego-Mendez is hoping for a bigger turnout this year as the providing events and activities for kids battling cancer is very important in their lives.
“The activities raise self-esteem and support and give hope to kids undergoing cancer treatment,” Galego-Mendez said.
Some of the activities that kids enjoy include national trips where kids meet other kids who were diagnosed with cancer, attending sporting events and participating in art programs, holiday parties and in-hospital programs.
Galego-Mendez, a realtor by trade and Vice President and Managing Broker of the Key Biscayne office of BHHS EWM Realty, said the Sunshine Kids Foundation, which debuted in 1982, also raises money for scholarships for the kids.
She said the foundation works with hospitals treating thousands of young cancer patients across North America including four in South Florida.
A unique feature is the Sunshine Kids Pin which was designed for children to express their love to their friends.
The sun was chosen as their symbol because of its positive life-giving force, its bright hope for the future, and the warmth that good friends bestow upon each other. Each pin was hand pressed, painted, and baked by the children themselves. Throughout the years, as the demand for these special pins grew, the parents were enlisted to help keep up the tradition.
Today the pins continue to be a symbol of love, life, and hope to each Sunshine Kid.
Galego-Mendez said it’s painful watching kids fighting for their lives but keeping them happy is wonderful.
“To see them smile… is beautiful,” she said.
For more information on the Night of Giving event, visit kbcf.org/sunshine-kids or call Vivian Galego-Mendez at (305) 205-2626.