Record-setting event raises $470,000 to support families of children with life-threatening illnesses.
Top: (Left) Amy Glazer, director, Tackle Kids Cancer, Chairman of the Jillian Fund Bill McLaughlin (second from left) pictured with Jillian Fund Board Member. Above: New Jillian Fund Board Member Bob Goldberg, dashing in his biker’s vest, addresses the more than 700 people gathered at The Venetian.
It was a superb year for the Jillian Fund Gala: From Jillian with Love, held at The Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey, on October 30.
The Jillian Fund supports families of children with life-threatening illnesses struggling to cover expenses during this challenging period. Assistance is provided for household expenses (mortgage, rent, car insurance, utilities, phone bills, etc.), childcare expenses, and lodging, transportation and meals while family members are caring for their child. The fund was established in memory of Jillian Gorman, daughter of Ricoh Executive Dealer Business Manager George Gorman, who lost her battle to cancer.
More than 720 people attended this year’s event. According to Bill McLaughlin, chief technology officer and executive vice president, managed services sales, Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office, and the co-founder of the event, and Jillian’s dad Ricoh Executive Dealer Business Manager George Gorman, this was the most successful gala ever, raising $470,000, $100,000 more than last year. Collectively, more than $2 million has been raised since the event began six years ago, and those funds have helped support 187 families.
McLaughlin credits this year’s turnout and record-setting donations to guests who have previously attended the event spreading the word and encouraging people to join them this year.
“It’s perceived as an industry event, and that’s okay and great, but we’re focused on bringing in industries and people completely outside the imaging industry,” explained McLaughlin.
The addition of two new board members—Kimberly Caesar, a 20-year veteran of the non-profit sector who has helped organizations raise millions of dollars to support the betterment of society, and BTA General Counsel Bob Goldberg—has also made a difference. The Jillian Fund also added what McLaughlin described as three “ambassadors”—Michael and Jackie Kaufman, and Howard Haber—who were responsible for bringing in new revenue through new sponsorships and encouraging people within their networks to attend.
In addition to the silent auction and casino, this year’s event featured a DJ and dancing, as well as a haunted house. Created by “Hauntrepreneurs,” the haunted house was a huge hit with attendees, some of whom waited in line for nearly 45 minutes to experience it.
“A lot was going on from a sensory standpoint,” added McLaughlin. “You had the music, the casino, and the haunted house. And then, of course, you have the Venetian, which has always done a very good job. People just love the food there and the open bar, and everybody has a good time.”
The office imaging industry was well represented with sponsors such as Clover Imaging Group, which once again donated a Harley Davidson motorcycle to be auctioned off, Konica Minolta, and Ricoh Americas Corp., among others.
The high-end silent auction featured vacation packages, theater tickets, tickets to sporting events, a custom Canali suit, and wine, as well as women’s handbags and women’s and men’s jewelry.
“We know what our audience likes and what they bid on,” observed McLaughlin. “We fine-tune those items, and I have to give credit where credit is due. That has been Linda Weiss’s [wife of Atlantic, Tomorrow’s CEO Larry Weiss] baby, and she does a phenomenal job.”
This year’s silent auction raised approximately $34,000.
These events are a lot of work, and it is gratifying for McLaughlin to see the result.
“Personal accomplishments are rewarding, but being able to help others is fulfilling,” he said. “That’s not me talking as an individual. From every person on our board, I know I speak on their behalf. It’s fulfilling for all of us. It’s fulfilling to see that we’re truly making a difference, and it’s fulfilling to see the families that we’re helping, and hearing their stories, and what it’s meant to them. It’s also fulfilling to see how so many people come together because they believe that we’re all doing the right thing.”
Above: Mike Stramaglio of All Covered/MWA Business Unit was the driving force behind “The Ride for Jillian” and Linda Weiss, was responsible for ensuring another terrific silent auction.
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