Since its early days, participation in From Maddi’s Closet has grown, and the organization has broadened its efforts to support children with cancer.  The group raises funds for pediatric cancer research, and offers support to ill children and their families whose emotional and financial needs are unmet by other assistance programs. The group provides many services – from an annual toy drive to events and activities geared for patients at Children’s Hospitals in Orange County and Los Angeles.

From Maddi’s Closet also involves children in helping children. A Junior Advisory Board composed of middle school and high school students represents the organization at many public events, operates public awareness booths, hosts inpatient and outpatient projects, and assists at the annual We Can Family Camp for children with cancer.

Several major awards will be presented at the event to individuals and organizations that have championed efforts to fight children’s cancer.

The Albert & Bettie Sacchi Foundation will be recognized with the Golden Dreams Award for its generous financial support for the battle against children’s cancer.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe will be recognized with the Dare to Dream Award for his support and efforts to improve the health of children throughout Los Angeles County.

The Spirit of Care Award will recognize a team of physicians for their collaborative efforts to solve the mysteries of children’s cancer: Dr. Leonard Sender from Children’s Hospital Orange County, Karla Garcia, LCSW and Anna Evans, CPNP from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Tom Belle Davidson, MD from UCLA Medical Center.

Opportunities are available for individuals, businesses and organizations to assist in sponsoring event. The organization is also seeking donations of items for auctions that will be held at the event.

The evening will feature entertainment, live auction, special raffle opportunities, grand prize drawing, and an awards program. Gold ribbons, which are the universal awareness symbol for childhood cancer, will be prominently displayed.  The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7:15 p.m. The event will be held at Friendly Hills Country Club, 8500 Villaverde Drive, Whittier. Tickets are $75. For information, visit frommaddiscloset.org.