the stars shine brightly at the SeriousFun gala

By Julia Harris, Director of Special Events, SeriousFun Children's Network

It was a night for bravery, generosity and celebration as SeriousFun held its annual gala to support its camps and programs at spectacular Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City on April 2, 2014. The event, which raised more than $1.8 million, was filled with joyful and poignant moments.

Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, who has dealt with her own cancer struggles, opened the show with some inspiring thoughts. Then to the stage came the stars of the show – our campers. Throughout the night, campers from seven SeriousFun camps across the United States played host, demonstrated talents and shared stories to the true delight of the crowd.

Special guest and icon Al Pacino shared the lasting impact SeriousFun camps have on campers as revealed in a study by the Yale School of Medicine in 2013. Screen legend Robert De Niro introduced a moving video about SeriousFun’s Global Partnership Program.

Camp is all about family, and at this year’s gala, we honored one of our own – Camp Korey founder Tim Rose. Tim founded the camp in Washington after his late son, and has provided years of leadership to the Network and helped raise many millions of dollars in support of all camps. A video of testimonials and stories was shown in his honor.

Longtime friend Tony Bennett kept the show going with a selection of hits that brought attendees to their feet with an ovation. Talented singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles closed the show with several of her favorite songs. For her last number, the pop anthem “Brave,” Sarah was joined on stage by all campers in attendance. It was the seminal moment of the evening, as all had demonstrated such profound bravery, both in coping with their respective illnesses and in their performances that night.

We are so grateful to all of our supporters for making it such a memorable gala. Be sure to check out the photo gallery from the evening on the SeriousFun Facebook page!