On Friday, June 20, the first annual Ladies Night Out Shopping Event and Fundraiser to benefit the Max Frank Fund Chai Lifeline took place at the Chatham, at North Hills.

At only nine months old, Max Frank was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma cancer. Now at the age of 3, he is a remarkable child with amazing determination and he continues to fight this tenacious disease every day. His mother, Sandi, a single parent, is a former social worker, yet is unable to work at this time due to the demands of caring for her two sons and minimal family support in the area. She continually needs to rely on friends and friends of friends. Sandi is a devoted and strong mother who receives a tremendous amount of respect from her community and friends.

The Ladies Night Out Shopping Event and Fundraiser consisted of 14 various shopping vendors who graciously donated 20 - 50 percent of their sales to Max. There was further support from over 130 local establishments in the form of gift certificates donated for raffles and silent auction. These items included "spa and dine" and "kidz" baskets which were valued at over $200 as well as a "Gift of Time" from Gold Coast Concierge. Local food and beverage donors were overwhelmingly generous. Brivo of East Hills, Iavarone's Café and Fratelli II were just a few of the contributors. There were generous donations of unlimited wine by Markovic Estates and Vitaminwater donated by Glaceau. The Huntington Jewish Center has graciously donated this year's Tzedekah to the Max Frank Fund Chai Lifeline. About $600, collected over the year by the girls and boys at HJC, will be going towards Max's medical care. Some additional major local sponsors included nuBest Salon and Spa, Toku, La Parma and Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Spa of Garden City.

The original goal for the evening was to raise $5,000; however, an outpouring of support and generosity of the over 200 guests and vendors raised close to $15,000. This money will go towards providing Max with the necessary medical care that is required to treat Neuroblastoma cancer. All donations are tax deductible through the Max Frank Fund Chai Lifeline. The Chai Lifeline is an international non for profit 501 (3)c organization dedicated to helping children suffering from serious illness as well as their family members. The Chai Lifeline is devoted to alleviating the burden of those facing medical challenges. They have a presence throughout the US, Canada, Jerusalem and London.

Efforts will continue to raise money for Max. The next Ladies Night Out is in the planning stages, perhaps working in conjunction with Baby Cute LLC, provider of Stroller Strides, Mingling Moms and Orly's Treehouse.

For more information about the Max Frank Fund Chai Lifeline, or how you can help, please contact Kristine Marrale at bellabites@aol.com.