Photos: Festival raises over $250,000 for SIBSPlace

SIBSPlace, a nonprofit organization based in Rockville Centre and affiliated with Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, successfully raised over $250,000 during its annual Fall Festival fundraiser, dinner and silent auction held on October 14 at the Seawane Country Club in Hewlett.

Established in 2000 by a collective of families from the Five Towns, SIBS—Survivorship in Brothers and Sisters—is a cost-free program serving more than 300 children between the ages of 5 and 18 who are coping with the life-threatening illness of a sibling or parent. SIBSPlace offers these children opportunities to interact with peers facing similar circumstances, to express their feelings and have them validated through verbal, artistic and musical activities. 

During the fundraiser gala, the tireless commitment of several individuals was acknowledged. David Harrison was honored with the Helene Wren Award for his dedication to the community and outstanding service to SIBSPlace.

Founding members, including Marilyn Janow, Norman Basner, Arlene Basner, Mike Schamroth, Marilyn Schamroth, and Norma Rosenberg, were also recognized for their pivotal roles in establishing SIBSPlace.

“We were very pleased with the turnout,” Joanna Formont, the executive director of SIBPlace, said expressing her satisfaction with this year’s event. “As of right now we raised over $250,000.”

Since its inception 23 years ago, SIBSPlace has expanded significantly, broadening the scope of services offered to families in need, all while maintaining its status as a modest nonprofit organization. In order to sustain its operations, however, the organization hosts various events aimed at raising funds, including the recent benefit concert in April at the Bellmore Playhouse.