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Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation

Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation accepting applications Feb. 26-March 18 for 2024 Community Youth Grant

By Press Release

Press Release:

The board of directors of the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is excited to announce the opening of their 2024 Community Youth Grant application. 

This grant will be awarded to charitable organizations whose primary mission is facilitating youth activities for children up to age 18. It supports one of three mission priorities established by the foundation - "to assist youth organizations and youth athletics." 

The 2024 Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Community Youth Grants will be awarded based on the schedule below. This will be the only grant cycle for 2024.

2024 Funding Cycle:

  • Application form available on Feb. 26 (ONLINE ONLY)
  • Applications are due on March 18
  • Award notices will be sent to applicants on April 11

On Feb. 26 the online grant application will be available at https://michaelshope.org/grants. There are no geographic limitations for recipients, but preference may be given to the Western New York region. 

Event or program advertising requests will be directed to the appropriate grant cycle. Typical grant awards range from $250 - $1,500 depending on number of applicants and funds available for each year.

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, Inc., established in 2007, is in memory of Michael C. Napoleone, the eight-year-old son of Mark and Laurie Napoleone from Batavia who died from Burkitts Lymphoma/Leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. During Michael's illness, the community rallied around the family to assist with food, gas, medical bills, and other necessities.

The not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization was created to give back to those who cared, to give forward to those in need, and to support research efforts to find a cure for childhood cancer. For more information to support the foundation, please visit www.michaelshope.org.

Batavia and Notre Dame meet in Hoops for Hope Tournament at GCC

By Howard B. Owens
batavia notre dame hoops for hope

Batavia and Notre Dame faced off against each other in both Girls and Boys Basketball in support of a good cause at Genesee Community College.

The Hoops for Hope Tournament benefited the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.

The Notre Dame girls won the first game 29-24. For the Irish, Sofia Falleti scored eight points and had five rebounds. Emma Sisson scored seven points and had 17 rebounds. For the Blue Devils, Isabella Walsh scored 15 points.

In the nightcap, Batavia beat Notre Dame 53-49. Carter Mullen led the Blue Devils with 17 points. Casey Mazur scored 12 points and Gavin White and Justin Smith each scored eight. For the Irish, Jaden Sherwood scored 20 points.

Photos by Pete Welker.

batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
Submitted photo.

Hometown rivals to assist the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation

By Press Release

Press Release:

A full slate of both girls and boys basketball is scheduled for Jan. 27 and we hope to see you there. Batavia High School will take on the Notre Dame Irish for a full day of both JV and Varsity girls and boys basketball. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.

Game times are as follows:

  • JV Girls: 2:30 p.m. Batavia High School Gymnasium
  • JV Boys: 4 p.m. Batavia High School Gymnasium
  • Varsity Girls: 6:30 p.m. GCC Gymnasium
  • Varsity Boys: 8 p.m. GCC Gymnasium

Admission will be Adults $5 & Students $2, Children 5 & under - free! There will be a 50/50 raffle at each game.

The Foundation will be running concessions and is looking for donations of soda, water, pizza, candy, and chips! All donations assist our fundraising efforts! Please call Laurie for any donations or questions @ 585-409-3275.

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation was established in 2007 in memory of Michael Napoleone who died at the age of 8 of Burkitts Lymphoma, a form of pediatric cancer. Since its start, the Foundation has given over $725,000 to families facing the challenges of a pediatric cancer diagnosis. They have donated over $75,000 to Youth programs from their grant funding, and supported research in the amount of $95,000. They also donated $50,000 to Golisano Children's Hospital and recently just completed their  $25,000 gift to United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

The Foundation depends solely on volunteers and less than 3% of monies raised are applied to administrative costs.

Come out and watch your hometown teams and support a great cause!

Photos: Links and Drinks fundraiser at Terry Hills

By Howard B. Owens
links and drinks at terry hills
At the completion of the ninth hole relay race, Mark Napoleone takes the picture of Richard Francis, Lexi Henderson, Jessica Weibel, and Tom Scott.
Photo by Howard Owens.

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation billed it as “Not Your Average Golf Outing," and the nine-hole event at Terry Hills Golf Course on Saturday evening lived up to the billing.

There were holes where golfers took shots from a ski before dancing around a mat in a musical-chairs type of game that would determine the club they would use on every shot on that hole, and a horse race to dolls to determine where the group would tee up their balls, and a relay-race (time was scored, not strokes) that involved shooting eight baskets, doing a hula hoop in a tutu and then trying to make a putt from about five feet.

Of course, it was all for a good cause.

"It's just shenanigans on nine holes of golf," said Laurie Napoleone. "We've got great sponsors and great volunteers. It's a good day. It's a lot of fun."

Photos by Howard Owens

links and drinks at terry hills
links and drinks at terry hills
links and drinks at terry hills
links and drinks at terry hills
links and drinks at terry hills
links and drinks at terry hills
links and drinks at terry hills
links and drinks at terry hills
links and drinks at terry hills
links and drinks at terry hills

Michael Napoleone Summer/Fall 2023 grant opening

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Board of Directors of the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is excited to announce the opening of its Community Youth Grant for the Summer/Fall 2023 Cycle. This grant will be awarded to charitable organizations whose primary mission is to facilitate youth activities for children up to age 18. 

It supports one of three mission priorities established by the foundation: "to assist youth organizations and youth athletics.” The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Community Youth Grants will be awarded based on the schedule below.

Summer/Fall 2023 Funding Cycle:

Application form available on August 1 (ONLINE ONLY)

Applications are due: August 22

Award notices will be sent to applicants: September 25

On August 1, the online grant application will be available at: https://michaelshope.org/grants. There are no geographic limitations for recipients, but preference may be given to the Western New York region. Requests for event or program advertising will be directed to the appropriate grant cycle. Organizations may receive one grant annually and there are two grant cycles per year (Winter and Summer/Fall). Typical grant awards range from $250 - $1,500, depending on the number of applicants and funds available for each cycle. 

For more information to support the foundation, please visit  www.michaelshope.org.

Napoleone Foundation and fireworks to highlight July 3 Muckdogs game

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Night will be held at the Batavia Muckdogs game on July 3 at 6:30 p.m. It will be an evening of friends, family, fun, and fireworks while we raise awareness about the Foundation and its mission. We will have raffles, 50/50, and activities for the kids. We invite the community to come celebrate with us and share in the fun.

We will be sharing our love of red, white, and blue for our country and purple as the color of the Napoleone Foundation. See you at the ballpark!

For more information on the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation or to donate, visit https://michaelshope.org/.

Laughs and smiles at 10th Derby Day also serves a worthwhile cause

By Howard B. Owens
Laure Napoleone
Laurie Napoleone during the auction at Derby Day at Terry Hills, which benefits the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.
Photo by Howard Owens

It's doubtful the folks who gathered at Churchill Downs in Louisville had much more fun than the nearly 250 people who gathered at Terry Hills on Saturday for the 10th Annual Derby Day to benefit the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.

Before the big race, attendees socialized and participated in a fast-paced live auction led by Todd Jantzi from Bontrager's Auction House.

The bidding was quite competitive. For example, a four-night stay at Palm Harbor in Florida for up to 11 guests attracted a lot of attention.

Keith and Jill O'Neill, from Pendleton, were particularly excited to win the vacation package.  Keith said he wasn't sure how much it was worth, but he was sure it was a bargain at $4,000.

He beat out at least four other bidders.

"This is the first time I've ever done anything like that in my life," Keith said. "So I feel good. It is so worth it. The charity the money is going to, the money couldn't go to a better place."

It is a fun event, but also bittersweet, said Laurie Napoleone, whose son Michael would have turned 25 this year, possibly graduating from college, if not for the cancer, Burkitt’s Lymphoma/Leukemia, that claimed his life when he was eight years old in 2007.

"We wish we could have Michael back with us," Laurie said. "It was tragic and the worst thing that happened in my life, but people rallied around us, they came together to help us and supported us, and supported us financially, and out of that came the foundation so we could pay it forward."

The foundation has paid out more than $900,000 to families in circumstances similar to the Napoleones.

As fun, as Derby Day is every year, there is a moment of serious contemplation every year when one of the families assisted by the foundation tells their story. This year, Laurie said, it was the Waterman family from Middleport.

"We work hard to make this a great, fun event," Laurie said. "But the flip side is, we have to help out families with kids who are facing the challenge of cancer. Every year, we have somebody come and tell their story, and it's always hard to hear. It's emotional. It's heart-wrenching, but it's why we're here."

Keith O'Neill
Keith O'Neill bidding on the Palm Beach trip while his wife points to help ensure his bid is seen.
Photo by Howard Owens
Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Todd Jantzi
Todd Jantzi, Bontrager's, acknowledging an opening bid.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Keith and Jill O'Neill, from Pendelton
A group of ladies trying to keep up with the bidding on the Palm Beach vacation package.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation
A competitive bidder glancing back at Keith O'Neill to see if he's going to bid again.
Photo by Howard Owens
Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation
And then she bids again.
Photo by Howard Owens
Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Keith and Jill O'Neill
Keith and Jill O'Neill, from Pendleton, after placing the highest bid on the Palm Beach vacation.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.
Photo by Howard Owens

 

Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.
Photo by Howard Owens
Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.
Photo by Howard Owens
Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.
Photo by Howard Owens
Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation
Photo by Howard Owens

 

Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.
Photo by Howard Owens

Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation announces 10th Derby Day, May 6

By Press Release

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Press release:

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is celebrating our Diamond Derby Day Gala. This is the Foundation’s 10th year hosting this amazing event, which has provided the resources to make great strides in our mission to “Lend a Hand for Hope”. We continue to assist families with the diagnosis of pediatric cancer, where we provide necessary financial assistance in the many challenges they face. We provide grants to youth organizations to help provide opportunities for youth in our communities. We support research in hopes to find a cure, but we are yet to reach the finish line.

With the support and generosity of our donors and event sponsors, we continue to stay strong in carrying out the mission of the Foundation. To date we have distributed these funds:

  • Family Assistance $632,675
  • Research Support $91,000
  • Youth Activities and Grants $68,000
  • Golisano Children’s Hospital $50,000
  • United Memorial Pediatric Unit $25,000

So, grab your best hat, your best outfit, and your best friends and come Win prizes, Place bids and Show your support in celebration of our Diamond Derby Day Gala. Please consider helping us with the event through sponsorship, donations, and/or prizes. Your generosity helps us to “Lend a Hand for Hope” to those in need.

Please join us for a fantastic evening, fabulous prizes, and heartfelt stories of our pediatric warriors. The event is being held at Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet Facility in Batavia, NY on Saturday, May 6th, 2023, with post-time at 4PM.

For registration, tickets and sponsorships or for more information about the Gala, please go to our website: www.michaelshope.org , find us on Facebook or call 585-861-0550.

Come and enjoy a great night for a great cause!

Photo: File photo from 2018 Derby Day. By Howard Owens.

Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation opens winter funding cycle

By Press Release

Press release:

The board of directors of the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is excited to announce the re-opening of their Community Youth Grant for the Winter 2023 Cycle.  This grant will be awarded to charitable organizations whose primary mission is to facilitate youth activities for children up to age 18. It supports one of three mission priorities established by the foundation--”to assist youth organizations and youth athletics.”  The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Community Youth Grants will be awarded based on the schedule below.

Winter 2023 Funding Cycle:

  • Application Form Available on Feb. 1 (Online Only)
  • Applications are due: Feb. 22
  • Award notices will be sent to applicants: March 22

On Feb. 1, the online grant application will be available at:  https://michaelshope.org/grants. There are no geographic limitations for recipients, but preference may be given to the Western New York region. Requests for event or program advertising will be directed to the appropriate grant cycle  Organizations may receive one grant annually, and there are two grant cycles per year (Winter and Summer/Fall).  Typical grant awards range from $250 - $1,500, depending on the number of applicants and funds available for each cycle. 

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, Inc., established in 2007, is in memory of Michael C. Napoleone, the eight-year-old son of Mark and Laurie Napoleone from Batavia, who died from Burkitts Lymphoma/Leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. During Michael's illness, the community rallied around the family to assist with food, gas, medical bills and other necessities. The not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization was created to give back to those who cared, to give forward to those in need, and to support research efforts in finding a cure for childhood cancer.  For more information to support the foundation, please visit  www.michaelshope.org.

Napoleone Foundation announces new date for Beatles-tribute band fundraiser

By Press Release

04-27-2015-gashanor-newslide4_1.jpg

Press release:

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation has re-scheduled the BBC Band, a Beatles & Sixties Tribute Band. It is being held at the Historic Palace Theatre, 2 East Ave, Lockport, on Friday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. 

Tickets are $40 for regular admission and $75 for premier seats in the lower balcony which includes an hour-long reception prior to the show.

All seats are reserved and may be purchased at https://historicpalaceinc.thundertix.com/events/203461. There is a bus being organized from Batavia -- if interested, call Diane at 585-409-3485.

About the Band
Though the band has local roots in Buffalo, the BBC Band has a true connection with The Beatles.

Russ Thomas has spent a good amount of time with Peter Best, the Beatles' first drummer, pre-Ringo. They talked about the early days and how the band had evolved while and after his tenure with the group.

John Connelly and his family had the opportunity to meet and spend some time with Sir Paul McCartney one afternoon, chatting about life, family and how Paul’s music has inspired and influenced John’s musical career.

Meeting a Beatle has offered musical insights and an incredible inspiration to The BBC Band. Their shows are magical, the music is infectious, making you want to jump out of your seat, sing along and dance in the aisles….and in the words of  “She Loves You”…You know that can’t be bad!

In August of 2018, The BBC Band performed six concerts at International Beatles Week in Liverpool, England, including two standing-room concerts at the world-famous Cavern Club. ( www.bbcband.com)

The beautiful Palace Theatre is newly renovated with spacious seating, your favorite “movie concessions”, beer, wine and non-alcoholic items. There will be Autographed Bills jersey raffle and a 50/50.

A night to sing, dance, and celebrate friends, all while Lending a Hand for Hope to Others.   We do “Get by With a Little Help from our Friends” – Beatles.

Music of The Beatles to be featured at Napoleone Foundation fundraiser

By Press Release

04-27-2015-gashanor-newslide4.jpg

Press release: 

Napoleone Foundation Hosting a Beatles Tribute Fundraiser

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is hosting the BBC Band, a Beatles & Sixties Tribute Band. It is being held at the Historic Palace Theatre, 2 East Ave.,  Lockport on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 for regular admission and $75 premier seats in the lower balcony which includes an hour reception prior to the show. All seats are reserved and may be purchased at https://historicpalaceinc.thundertix.com/events/203461 There is a bus being organized from Batavia- if interested, call Diane at 585-409-3485.

Sponsorships are also available at www.michaelshope.org

  • $1500 Diamond Sponsor    Full Page Ad &  (6) $40 Reserved Seats
  • $ 1000 Platinum Sponsor   Half Page Ad &  (4) $40 Reserved Seats
  • $500 Gold Sponsor              Quarter Page Ad & (2) $40 Reserved Seats
  • $25 Personal Tribute Ad  ( in memory, in honor, in celebration of)

All donations are tax-deductible

About the Band
Though the band has local roots in Buffalo, the BBC Band has a true connection the Beatles.

Russ Thomas has spent a good amount of time with Peter Best, the Beatles' first drummer, pre-Ringo. They talked about the early days and how the band had evolved while and after his tenure with the group.

John Connelly and his family had the opportunity to meet and spend some time with Sir Paul McCartney one afternoon, chatting about life, family and how Paul’s music has inspired and influenced John’s musical career.

John Connelly and his family had the opportunity to meet and spend some time with Sir Paul McCartney one afternoon, chatting about life, family and how Paul’s music has inspired and influenced John’s musical career.

Meeting a Beatle has offered musical insights and an incredible inspiration to The BBC Band. Their shows are magical, the music is infectious, making you want to jump out of your seat, sing along and dance in the aisles….and in the words of  “She Loves You”…You know that can’t be bad!

In August of 2018, The BBC Band performed six concerts at International Beatles Week in Liverpool, England, including two standing-room concerts at the world-famous Cavern Club. ( www.bbcband.com)

The beautiful Palace Theatre is newly renovated with spacious seating, your favorite “movie concessions”,  beer, wine and non-alcoholic items. There will be Autographed Bills jersey raffle and a 50/50.

A night to sing, dance and celebrate friends all while Lending a Hand for Hope to Others.   We do “Get by With a Little Help from our Friends” – Beatles.

Photos: 2022 Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Derby Day Gala

By Howard B. Owens

napderbyday2022.jpg

In August 2019, life in the Morgante family went from happy-go-lucky to something far more stressful.

Doctors found that Donato, at 13 months old, had cancer.  His little kidney had swollen, and it was essentially a single mass of diseased tissue.

The good news, if there was any, was that the cancer was stage one.  It hadn't spread to any other organs.  After six months of chemo, Donato was in remission and doctors estimate that he has a 91 percent chance of remaining in remission.

That news brought a round of applause from the more than 200 in attendance at the annual Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Derby Day Gala Saturday at Terry Hills.

Along with the doctors, this was the foundation that gave the Donato family -- Joe and Jackie along with their other four children, Nina, Ryan, Vincent, and Coleman -- the most hope and the most support.

"They really got us through the most trying time of our lives," Joe said.

After Joe shared his family's experience, Laurie Napoleone presented Joe with a giant $2,000 check as a gift from the Foundation. Joe immediately said "We're donating it back."  Laurie wouldn't have it. "No," she said. "Go do something fun with your family.  Go on a vacation."  

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Napoleone Foundation's Derby Gala returns to Terry Hills on May 7

By Press Release

derbydaymay72016-3.jpg

Press release:

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is getting Back to the Races as they prepare for the 2022 Derby Day Gala. Due to the pandemic, this major fundraiser has been on hold for the past 2 years, but it is back and better than ever!!! 

The Kentucky- Derby-themed event includes an evening filled with big hats, colorful outfits, food, beverages, raffles and auctions all to support the mission of the foundation. In preparation for the event, the Foundation is reaching out for sponsorships, donations, and prizes.   

Tickets and table sponsorships can be obtained by calling 585-861-0550. More information can be found at www.michaelshope.org. Tickets include admission, food, wine, beer, a professional photo and a random ticket for the actual race. There will be a contest for the best hat, prizes for the most Dapper Derby male and Dapper Derby couple!  

The event will be held May 7 at Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet Facility in Batavia from 4-9 p.m. 

The Michael Napoleone Foundation assists families facing the challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis, provides grants for youth activities and programs and supports research efforts in the study of pediatric blood cancers. The Foundation was created in memory of Michael Napoleone, who passed away in 2006 after a battle with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. It was created to give back to those who assisted and pay it forward to those in need.  

Lend a Hand of Hope and come and support a great event for a greater cause! 

Photos: File photo by Howard Owens

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Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation tees off new golf event 'Links & Drinks' Aug. 14 at Terry Hills

By Press Release

Press release:

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is getting back in the “swing”of things. We are “teeing off” with a new FUN-raiser and we are asking for some assistance in making this event a success.

“Links & Drinks” is a unique golf outing that will be held Aug. 14, 2021 at Terry Hills Golf Course, Batavia. This event will consist of nine holes of shenanigans, beverage tastings on select holes, chicken barbeque, music, and an evening full of fun.

Registration for golfers will begin at 3:30 p.m. followed by a shotgun start at 4 p.m.

Sponsorship opportunities are available as listed below, donations of gift cards or basket raffle items are also appreciated.

Sponsorship levels are as follows:

  • Event Sponsor                 $500
  • Music Sponsor                 $250
  • Beverage Cart Sponsor   $200
  • Hole Sponsor                   $100

If you would like to participate in the event, the costs are as follows:

  • Golf Foursome               $320
  • Dinner/Music                   $40

Join the “Club”and help us Lend a Hand for Hope and continue our mission of assisting families with the challenges of a pediatric cancer, supporting research in finding a cure, and providing grants for youth activities in Western New York communities.

Please let us know if you can help in any way by calling the Foundation phone at (585) 861-0550, Donna Kabel at (585) 993-1580, or Laurie Napoleone at (585) 409-3275.

Michael Napoleone foundation to hold debut 'Virtual Meat Raffle' March 13

By Press Release

Press release:

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is hosting its first “Virtual Meat Raffle” on Saturday, March 13, and is seeking assistance from friends and the community to support this fundraising event.

In 2020, the foundation had to cancel all major fundraising events due to the coronavirus pandemic and is now holding its first ever virtual event.

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit (501)(c)3 organization whose mission is threefold:

  1. It assists families undergoing the challenges of a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
  2. Provides funding to youth organizations through our grant program.
  3. Supports ongoing research efforts in pediatric blood cancers.

Your help is needed to continue to assist those in need and carry on this mission.

The Virtual Meat Raffle ticket packages are as follows:

Package #1 -- $50

  • 15 Rounds plus “Meat and Seafood Finale” (Three winners per round will win all items in round.)

Package #2 -- $90

  • 15 Rounds plus “Meat and Seafood Finale” (Three winners per round will win all items in round.) 

PLUS A CHANCE TO WIN 1 of 4 FABULOUS PRIZES:

  1. Coleman 3-burner “Wherever You Go” Grill with Utensils
  2. $100 worth of lottery tickets in a frame
  3. Yeti cooler filled with beverages
  4. Buffalo Bills Tailgate Chairs/ Cooler and Tumblers

Tickets can be purchased by mail to P.O. Box 267, Batavia, NY 14021-0267, Venmo@MNMF8, or through the website at www.michaelshope.org.

Thank you for “Lending a Hand for Hope” and supporting the mission of the Foundation.

Please contact any of the following contacts with questions, or ticket information. 

Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, (585) 861-0550

Laurie Napoleone, (585) 409-3275

Michelle Krantz, (716) 572-2955

Hops for Hope was a huge success by community for pediatric cancer

By Steve Ognibene

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Locals from the community gathered together yesterday in support of the second annual "Hops for Hope" by the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation to raise money for pediatric cancer.

The Foundation was established in 2007, in memory of Michael C. Napoleone, the 8-year-old son of Mark and Laurie Napoleone from Batavia, who died from Burkitt’s Lymphoma/Leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer.

Laurie thanked the crowd for coming to support the fundraiser event and also added "moments change very rapidly as ours did in 2005, surround yourself with good people, you continue to move forward despite the many challenges life gives you."

She continued to speak of what the foundation has contributed since it's inception. More than $436,000 has helped hundreds of local families, $90,000 has been contributed to research, $68,000 were donated to youth grants. Golisano Children's Hospital has two hospital rooms from the charity totaling $50,000 and locally in Batavia at UMMC Rochester Regional Health was given $25,000 for a new ICU pediatric room that is tenatively scheduled to be completed in 2021.

The event was held at Eli Fish Brewing Company, cost was $15 per person and included many food stations along with basket raffles, a Yeti cooler, foundation glass raffle, a live band and a cornhole tournament.  

The foundation next big event is May 2nd -- the 2020 Derby Day Gala held at Terry Hills Golf Course, Restaurant and Banquet Facility at 4 p.m.

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Above is the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Board.

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The Ohms band

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Health Academy Students from Laurie Napoleone's class

Hops for Hope to benefit Michael Napoleone foundation is Feb. 16 at Eli Fish

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Hops for Hope to benefit the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16, at Eli Fish Brewing Company.

The brewery, located at 109 Main St. in Downtown Batavia, will be releasing a new Hope Lager for the event.

There will be a Cornhole Tournament with prizes and a Yeti Cooler Raffle. Commemorative glasses for the cost of $20 will enter you into a large cash prize drawing! It will be a “Sunday Funday"!

All of the proceeds from the new beer sale, along with the sale of several other items, will go to the foundation, which assists families undergoing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, provides funding to youth activities through their grant, and supports research for pediatric blood cancers. 

Join us for an afternoon of “Hope” … listening to the music of the OHMS Band, purchasing a commemorative glass, participate in some games, purchase raffle tickets, buy some apparel and just spend a Sunday afternoon with friends. 

Tickets are available at the door for $15 and include live music and appetizer stations provided by Eli Fish. Go to elifishbrewing.com for details or call 585-861-0550 or 585-409-3275 for questions.

Hops for Hope

By Lisa Ace

The Napoleone Foundation holding “Hops for Hope” Event

Hops for Hope will be held on February 16, 2020 from 12 - 5 p.m. at Eli Fish Brewing Company in Batavia. The brewery will be releasing a new Hope Lager for the event. There will be a Cornhole Tournament with prizes and a Yeti Cooler Raffle. Commemorative glasses for the cost of $20 will enter you into a large cash prize drawing! It will be a “Sunday Funday!

Event Date and Time
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Michael Napoleone Foundation announces 2019-20 cycle of Community Youth grants

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is excited to announce the opening of their Community Youth Grant -- Winter 2019-20 cycle.

This grant will be awarded to charitable organizations whose primary mission is to facilitate youth activities for children up to age 18. It supports one of three mission priorities established by the foundation -- ”to assist youth organizations and youth athletics.”

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Community Youth grants will be awarded based on the schedule below.

Winter 2019-20 Funding Cycle:

  • Application form available now (ONLINE ONLY);
  • Applications are due Jan.17;
  • Award notices will be sent to applicants on Feb. 18.

The online application is available here.

There are no geographic limitations for recipients, but preference may be given to the Western New York region. Organizations may receive one grant annually. Requests for program advertising will be directed to the appropriate grant cycle.

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Inc., established in 2007, is in memory of Michael C. Napoleone, the 8-year-old son of Mark and Laurie Napoleone from Batavia, who died from Burkitts lymphoma/leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer.

During Michael's illness, the community rallied around the family to assist with food, gas, medical bills and other necessities.

The not-for-profit foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, was created to give back to those who cared, to give forward to those in need, and to support research efforts in finding a cure for childhood cancer. For more information to support the foundation, please visit www.michaelshope.org

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