Sophia Tavolacci is a 3 year old that was recently diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia, a life threatening bone marrow disease where the bone marrow stops making enough red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets for the body. Sophia requires supportive care which means ongoing treatments of blood transfusions and infection prevention. Her mom, Catherine, is keeping track of her progress through this website: www.caringbridge.org/visit
The Be the Match Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating an opportunity for all patients to receive the bone marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant they need, when they need it. They also provide financial assistance to help patients throughout their transplant journey and to advance medical research and discovery. Every year, thousands of people of all ages are diagnosed with leukemia, aplastic anemia and other life-threatening diseases; many of them will die unless they get a bone marrow or a cord blood transplant from a matching donor. Seventy percent of people do not have a donor in their family and depend on the Be The Match Registry® to find a match to save their life. Be The Match Registry® is the largest and most racially and ethnically diverse registry of its kind in the world, it has grown to more than 8 million donors and more than 100,000 cord blood units [this term refers to blood collected from the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born].
Our previous two Carnival Fundraisers, also held at Central Sushi Bar Lounge in Astoria, were monumental successes. With the combined efforts of our generous Greek-American community, family, friends and other fundraising participants, The Carnival of Love Foundation was able to donate $21,500.00 over the last 2 years, to benefit the orphans of SOS Children’s Villages in Greece. The overwhelming response by our community has truly inspired us to continue our charitable efforts as we have witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact and strength that individuals can have, when joined together under a unified and heartfelt cause. We like to call these efforts ‘loveprints’. Loveprints come in many colors, shapes and sizes, and despite our differences, it's the one thing that truly unites us all. Even the smallest loveprint can make a lasting impression on someone’s life. We named our campaign: ‘What's the shape of your love?’ asking people to pause and reflect on how much of their lives is actually dedicated to sharing light, love and hope to others. This “Love Revolution” begs the question: What loveprint will you leave on this world?
On Friday, February 26th, Central Sushi Bar Lounge in Astoria will transform into a fantasy-like Carnival playground complete with breath-taking entertainment, elaborately costumed performers, and raffle giveaways. The Courtyard will come alive with various Carnival festivities, which in previous years included popcorn, cotton candy, candy apples, chocolate covered strawberries, a face painter, caricature artists, photo booth and handmade Carnival inspired jewelry. Doors open at 9pm. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, courtesy of Estiatorio Ammos, will be served from 9-10:30pm.
Admission is $30.00 at the door which includes access to the Carnival Playground, Courtyard, a complimentary drink pass and party favor. 100% of the proceeds from our ticket sales will be distributed towards Sophia Tavolacci’s family and Be the Match Foundation.
Premier Sponsors include:
o Central Sushi Bar Lounge, 20-30 Steinway Street, Astoria, NY, www.centrallounge.com
o The Privilege Group, Elias Karalekas, Insurance Specialist, www.privilegegroup.com
Entertainment provided by:
o EventCo Productions, www.eventco.com
For more information or for sponsorship opportunities, please email: info@carnivaloflove.org, or visit www.carnivaloflove.org
