On Friday, April 23, over 100 residents from Hicksville and the surrounding communities gathered at the William M. Gouse VFW Hall on South Broadway to support the Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer, Inc. Dubbed "A Night of Laughter" for its line-up of comedians and entertainers, the event was actually aimed at a much more serious and emotional cause - to raise money for the non-profit organization which was established by Hicksville residents Marissa and Matt Weippert in memory of their daughter, Sarah, who lost her battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at the age of 12.

Those who attended the fundraiser enjoyed a buffet dinner and nearly three hours of non-stop laughter while raising money for the Sarah Grace Foundation. Working with the Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Schneider Children's Hospital at North Shore Manhasset - where Sarah was treated, the foundation provides financial aid, moral support and other assistance to not just the children receiving treatment, but to their parents and siblings as well. The foundation's mission is to let everyone see life through Sarah's eyes and make one's journey through such a menacing disease more bearable.

"Many children will benefit from the evening's proceeds and we thank you for caring for them in such a special way," said Matt Weippert. "These children are unique individuals and do not have much to laugh about. You have all helped in providing something for them to smile about."

He added, "Marissa, myself and the board of directors of the Sarah Grace Foundation would like to express our sincere appreciation to the community for their support and to the sponsors who cumulatively helped make 'A Night of Laughter' a tremendous success."

Special thanks to the following businesses, organizations and individuals who helped make "A Night of Laughter" a success:

Bageltown of Levittown

Bogata Hotel Casino & Spa

Crossroads Bar & Grill

Crystal Corner Collectibles

Delaney's Restaurant

Hicksville Football Association

Hicksville Chiropractic

L.I. Balloons

MART Liquors

Merrick Life

Mid Island Wine & Spirits

New Look Salon & Spa

New York Dragons

Omaha Steak Stores

Outback Steakhouse

P.C. Richard & Sons

Peppercorns

POUT Day Spa

Marilyn Rutledge

Anne W. Safratrh

Saffron Fine Indian Dining

Sideline Grille

Sign Depot

Skate for Gold, Inc.

Star Diner

Starbuck's Coffee

Swan Prime Meats

Teddy's Caterers

Trader Joe's Trump Taj Mahal

Ultratek International

WPLJ - Scott & Todd's Big Show

Wickers Restaurant

Wrap It Up

For more information about the Sarah Grace Foundation or to make a donation, call 433-9745 or visit www.TheSarahGraceFoundation.org.