PRESS RELEASE: Halloween Masquerading Angels Ball to Raise Money for Wake Forest Charity

PRESS RELEASE: Halloween Masquerading Angels Ball to Raise Money for Wake Forest Charity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Dawn Williamson
919.610.0129
events@cdhsupport.org

On October 26th at TPC Wakefield Plantation in North Raleigh, Wake Forest based international charity, CHERUBS, is holding a fundraiser to raise money to assist families of babies born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).

Hidden in an upstairs office on South White St is the international headquarters of the world’s largest CDH charity, which currently helps over 4600 families in 60 countries.  CHERUBS was founded in 1995 and is run by President Dawn Williamson, who lost her son, Shane, to CDH in 1999 at age 6 and a half years old.   

The Halloween masquerade ball will begin at 6:00 pm and will feature local band the “StoneAge Romeos” as well as a casino, auction and over events.   Formalwear is required and masquerade masks can be purchased at the event if you don’t already own one.  “Most attendees wear evening gowns and tuxedos but over the years we’ve seen more and more people come in elaborate period costumes, which we encourage”.  There is also a masquerade theme cake contest that both professional and amateur bakers can participate in, as well as sponsorship opportunities starting at just $25.  You must be 21 years or older to attend.

CDH is a birth defect of the diaphragm. It occurs when the diaphragm fails to form or to close totally and an opening allows abdominal organs into the chest cavity, inhibiting lung growth. CDH affects approximately one in every 2,500 babies, or about 1,600 babies in the United States each year. It is as common as cystic fibrosis and spina bifida. Roughly 50 percent of babies born with CDH do not survive. The cause is still unknown.

Money raised at this event will go to help fund care packages for these critically ill babies and families, as well as fund financial assistance, research and the operation costs.   “We are a big charity on an incredibly tiny budget trying to stretch every penny.  We have only one full time person and hope to raise enough money to meet our current needs for families and to hire help.   We are constantly looking for interns and office help, as well as ways to cover our costs and fund our services.  It is very hard to raise money for these babies when so few have heard of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.  We are fighting hard to not only support families but raise awareness as well as fund research.   CHERUBS is the only CDH charity in the United States providing the services that we provide.   It’s our goal to raise enough money to keep providing these services so that no family dealing with CDH is alone or without assistance” says Williamson.

Earlier this year CHERUBS marked on Capitol Hill and with the help of Senator Jeff Sessions (AL), grandfather of a CDH survivor, they were able to get S. Res. 85 passed unanimously by the United States Senate to make April “National Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Month”.  A companion Resolution is currently in committee the House, Sponsored by Rep. Martha Roby (AL) and Co-Sponsored by Representatives George Holding (NC), Leonard Lance (NJ), Walter Jones (NC), Jim Matheson (UT) and Louise Slaughter (NY).  CHERUBS hopes that it will pass before the end of the year.  “This is a bi-partisan Resolution to bring about awareness for critically ill babies.  It has no bearing on the budget so we hope that by some miracle it will be passed in time.  We understand that the country has big problems to sort through but CDH is a tragedy that desperately needs attention” says Williamson.

The Masquerading Angels Ball is now in its 5th year and is sponsored by the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, Wal-Mart, North Carolina General Stores, Prudential, Lisa Morris of Neurium, Flex Systems, Wrenn Home Improvements, Strutmasters and the families of the following children born with CDH are also sponsoring; Hanna Larrison, Brandon Hall, Shane Torrence, Cassandra Carter, Annelise Hallinan.   Many Wake Forest and Raleigh area businesses are also supporting the masquerade ball by donating auction items.

The store display window at the North Carolina General Stores is featuring the event for the month of October.  It’s easy to see the images of a masked angel in the window below the event banner that is decorating the parking lot in downtown Wake Forest.    Drop inside the store and you can purchase tickets as well.

“This is an incredible event.  It’s a lot of fun and everyone who attends comes back every year.  We have even had 2 proposals in past years.  It’s just a magical night for a great cause and a chance for us to tell local friends who we are, what we do and why these children need our help” says Williamson with a gleam in her eye.  “And as an adult, how often do you get to dress up for Halloween?” 

Tickets are also available on-line at http://www.cherubsangelball.com   Sponsorships and donations are still needed.

CHERUBS – http://www.cherubs-cdh.org

Senate Resolution - http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/sres85

House Resolution - http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hres144