On Friday, May 31st, 2019, over 240 people came together to celebrate Maggie’s life in a place Maggie loved - Montauk, NY. Together we raised $83,000! This event is aptly named Maggie’s Mission Angelversary Gala because it is held close to the day Maggie left us - June 1, 2017. On April 19th, Maggie would have turned 19. We love and miss her with everything we are and continue to honor her dying wish to help save other children.
The setting could not have been nicer. Held at Rick’s Crabby Cowboy Café on the waters of Lake Montauk, guests were treated to a beautiful evening under the stars and grand tent space filled with amazing food by Events by Peter Ambrose, great music by Anthony Cacioppo, professional photography by Christopher Appoldt, elegant floral arrangements by Sag Harbor Florist, and custom chocolate moussé cake by Sag Harbor Baking Co.
Angels walked around selling raffle tickets, sporting custom gold pediatric cancer ribbon tattoos donated by Tattly and angel wings. It was an uplifting event, meant to inspire hope to those suffering.
Gabby Cava, a Maggie’s Mission friend and local Harborfield’s High School student was intended to be our guest of honor for the evening but unfortunately, Gabby was in North Carolina still recuperating from extensive surgery to remove the signet ring cell carcinoma that had spread throughout her abdomen. We were so pleased that Gabby’s older sister Marianna, Gabby’s Grandmother, Grandfather and Step Grandmother were able to attend. They even walked away with a few winning raffle baskets. Marianna briefly took the mike and spoke about her younger sister Gabby and we were able to face time with her during the event. We wish Gabby a quick recovery and are hopeful Gabby and her Mom and Dad get to come home soon after spending over six weeks in the hospital.
This event would not have been possible were it not for the help of Michelle DeSousa, a Maggie’s Mission Board member who dove head first into planning this event with Maggie’s mom so it would be as successful as can be. That included planning the event, garnering donations, to working herself silly the night of the event. We are so happy and proud to call her our sister-in-law, dedicated Board Member, Aunt to Maggie Schmidt, and huge support to Maggie’s Mission. The sign she is holding “GIVE BACK” never meant more. Thank you Michelle!
Dr. Alex Kentsis, who is working on the Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor project at Memorial Sloan Kettering gave a brief speech which provided an update on the research we are funding at MSK Kids to find answers that will lead to cures on the rare and aggressive disease that stole Maggie’s life. A disease that mainly affects babies and young children.
Maggie’s brother Steven spoke about who Maggie was, how much we miss her and about her dying wish to save other children. He introduced Maggie’s boyfriend Mathew Polcer who was a tremendous, loving source of support during her illness. Matt sung a song titled “Angel Rays” by Trevor Hall for Maggie while a tribute video of Maggie’s life was displayed in the background.
Guests were treated to specialty cocktail drinks, locally sourced oysters, lobster rolls, champagne, Long Island wines and more! While most arrived by car, there were a few who came by boat! The boat above proudly displays the Maggie’s Mission logo. Word is getting around in all ways possible about the wonderful and exciting work we are doing!
Please take some time to view our tribute video to Maggie and her life. Maggie’s Mission is proud to carry on her wonderful spirit and dying wish to help other children. We love you Maggie and miss you more and more each day!
Special thanks to all of our gold sponsors, Structure Tek, Marine Bulkheading, Charles & Helen Reichert Family Foundation, New York Community Bank, Triad Metals, American Capital Partners, Inc., and JD Fields & Company, Inc.
We appreciate our Board of Directors, our family and every single volunteer and merchant who donated their time, services, and more. We couldn’t have done this event without all of you!
Valet parking services donated by Unique Parking. All wines & prosecco donated by Cellier Wines Distributing Inc. Beer donated by Montauk Brewery. Rum donated by Diplomatica Rum. Vodka donated by Sagg Pond Distillery. Whiskey donated by Montauk Hard Label. Tequila donated by Casamigos Tequila. Palm trees donated by Island Wide Palm Trees. Event banners provided by Evan Schulman of Display Design & Development Corp.
Find photos here.
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