On behalf of the Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club, I wanted to let you know that the '50s Fundraiser Dance, to help raise money for the medical expenses of Samantha Mahler and Sarah Weippert, was a big success. The Rotary Club was able to raise a good deal of money for this worthy cause and these beautiful children.

I would like to thank you and the Hicksville Illustrated News for your help in reporting this story and publicizing the dance. Because of your article, the dance was sold out and many people mailed your article to us with a donation for the children. Thank you to everyone for being so generous and giving, especially Aramark and their employees for their donation.

I would also like to thank everyone who attended the '50s Fundraiser Dance. More than 250 people came and "twisted the night away." In addition, I would like to thank all the local business owners in our community who generously donated gifts and prizes for our raffle. Without them, our efforts would not have been as successful as they were.

There are so many individuals who helped make this event a success that I cannot name them all. But I would like to thank Carin Crimaldi for all her efforts with the local PTAs in Hicksville as well as her untiring work in all aspects of this event. I would also like to thank everyone who worked so hard at Teddy's Deli in Hicksville for preparing a delicious buffet dinner for the dance. Thank you Long Island Balloon for making the dance look so festive. And to all the Hicksville-Jericho Rotarians who pitched in, thank you.

It is with deep regret and sadness that I must report that Sarah Grace Weippert lost her battle with leukemia on Saturday, Nov. 9. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Weippert family during this difficult time.

Anyone interested in making a donation to the families of Sarah Weippert or Samantha Mahler should send checks to: The Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club, 161, Levittown Parkway, Hicksville, NY 11801. All Rotary Clubs around the world collectively make up Rotary International. The Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club is applying to Rotary International for a matching grant which, if approved, will help further defray the medical expenses accrued by both families.

Dr. James Benston,

President, Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club