Manzoni fundraiser supports child battling cancer

Nearly 200 people turned out for the annual Robert Manzoni Memorial Fund gala on March 11 at Bridgeview Yacht Club in Island Park.

For the past three years, the organization has gathered at Bridgeview to celebrate Manzoni’s life and to give back to someone in need. About 184 people attended the event, which included raffle prizes such as trips to Miami and the Bahamas. Each year, the organization helps a local family who has been affected by a life-threatening disease, and the March 11 event raised more than $20,000 for a 3-year-old boy who was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year.

Robert Manzoni was a well-known Long Beach resident who lost his battle with cancer in December 2002. Organizers said that Manzoni’s love and generosity inspired his friends and family to continue to live out his name by giving back to others. Organizers said the event has grown over the past three years and is a wonderful way to give back in Manzoni’s name.

Each year, the organization helps a local family who has been affected by a life-threatening disease. “This year’s recipient touched the hearts of everyone,” said committee member Meg Radin.

This year the organization raised funds to support Ty Louis Campbell, a 3-year-old who hails from Long Beach. Campbell was diagnosed with a brain tumor, similar to Manzoni’s, in August of 2010.

“Ty’s family joined everyone at the fundraiser, and the energy and love that filled the room was hopeful and inspiring,” Radin said. “It was the most successful fundraiser

thus far." — Compiled by Anthony Rifilato