POINT PLEASANT — On Saturday, Jan. 24, Beau Truesdale Wedding Venues and Clarks Landing Yacht Club hosted the second annual Beau Thai Ball at The Mill Lakeside Manor, raising $116,057 for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Cardiac Center Innovation Fund, according to a press release.

Held in partnership with Loving Lucy for CHOP Cardiac Care, the fundraising gala welcomed family and friends of Beau Truesdale alongside community members connected to the Loving Lucy story and CHOP’s lifesaving cardiac care. “The evening served as both a celebration of Beau’s legacy and a powerful reminder of the impact that compassion and community can create together,” the release states.

Guests enjoyed a cocktail-hour-style reception featuring a silent auction, wine grab and live music by Brian Kirk & The Jirks. “The night was filled with meaningful moments, shared stories and a collective mission to support children and families facing congenital heart disease,” the release reads.

The Beau Thai Ball is named in honor of Beau Truesdale, former general manager of Beau Truesdale Wedding Venues, “whose passion for bringing people together and giving back to the community continues to inspire this annual event,” as per the release. The ball also draws inspiration from Truesdale’s love of Thailand and Muay Thai.

“This night was about so much more than fundraising,” said Jacqueline Truesdale. “It was about honoring Beau, celebrating Lucy, and standing alongside families who know firsthand how vital CHOP’s cardiac care is. To see this community come together and raise over $116,000 is incredibly moving.”

Loving Lucy for CHOP Cardiac Care was founded by Mike and Dana Perito, of Rumson, whose daughter Lucy underwent her first open-heart surgery at just three days old at CHOP.

“Thanks to ongoing care and multiple procedures, Lucy is now a thriving, energetic toddler,” the release reads. “Through events like the Beau Thai Ball, Loving Lucy continues its mission to support innovative cardiac care and research for children at CHOP.”

“The generosity of the Truesdale family and Beau Truesdale Wedding Venues means more than we can put into words. Hosting this entire night and bringing this community together will have a lasting impact on families like ours,” said Dana Perito, Lucy’s mom.

The success of the Beau Thai Ball was made possible through the generosity of its event sponsors, silent auction donors, event vendors and community partners. Beau Truesdale Wedding Venues donated the venue, food, drinks and service for the evening, as per the release.

“A special thank you to our Gold Sponsors — Ocean First Bank, Stillwell-Hansen, Provident Bank, Sysco and The DeShong Family — whose support played a critical role in bringing this meaningful event to life,” the release reads.

With 100% of proceeds benefiting CHOP’s Cardiac Center Innovation Fund, the Second Annual Beau Thai Ball almost doubled last year’s total of $60,000.

About Loving Lucy

Loving Lucy for CHOP Cardiac Care was founded by Mike and Dana Perito in honor of their daughter Lucy, who was born in April 2023 with congenital heart disease.

Lucy underwent her first open heart surgery at just three days old, followed by additional procedures including G-tube surgery and a second open heart surgery at eleven months.

Thanks to the lifesaving care she received at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Lucy is now a thriving, energetic two and a half year old. In March 2024, the Peritos established Loving Lucy for CHOP Cardiac Care to give back and support CHOP’s cardiac care and research programs. Since its founding, the foundation has raised nearly $100,000 to advance life-saving treatments and innovative research for children with congenital heart disease.

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