Around $147,000 was raised by The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) at their 2019 Hearts of Gold Gala Nov. 9. Guests nattily dressed in tuxedos and evening gowns enjoyed cocktails, dinner, dancing and a live auction of children’s artwork conducted by auctioneer Jason Douglas Houser. The not-for-profit’s chic fundraiser was held at the Centennial Catering and Conference Center in Center Valley.

Tiffany Werner, mother of teen cancer warrior Bryce, served as the guest speaker. Emmy award-winning producer Ashley Russo emceed the celebration. Later in the evening, DJ Keith Smith provided dance music.

Werner spoke about how she, husband Chris, son Bryce and their two other children have dealt with Bryce’s struggle against a genetic type of cancer. She explained that he was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) at age 13. GIST does not respond to chemotherapy or radiation, she said. After surgery to remove part of the stomach and small intestine, all that is currently available is a lifetime of palliative care for the now 16-year-old. The Emmaus High School student also studies auto mechanics at Lehigh Career & Technical Institute.

Werner expressed heartfelt gratitude to family, friends, and PCFLV for supporting them throughout their three-year journey.

“In this past year since our last gala, five of our kids have passed away,” Executive Director Michelle Zenie sadly announced, “and 39 new families in the Lehigh Valley have heard those gut-wrenching, heart-wrenching, life-altering words, ‘Your child has cancer.’” She told the audience that she is a “cancer mom” herself and introduced her son Cole as a cancer survivor.

Zenie provided a brief overview on how the local non-profit is dedicated to providing services and programs to local pediatric cancer patients and their families, along with bereaved families.

Sloane Radcliffe, a Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital social worker and parent of Olivia, a young cancer survivor, was presented with the Heart of a Warrior Award by Zenie. Radcliffe’s daughter now attends Temple University.

“Our Family Tree,” a painting by 14-year-old Cameron Werner, and the photograph “Beauty in Bloom,” by his 17-year-old sister Arianna were the first items up for bid. The paired artwork was auctioned for $675. Their sibling, 16-year-old Bryce was diagnosed with GIST in 2016.

“Believe In Time” by Vanessa Stauffer, scored the highest bid for children’s artwork at $6,100. The 13-year-old cancer warrior created the working wood clock from purple heart, mahogany and marblewood.

Other items that fetched high bids included $5,100 for “Being Free” by 14-year-old Jack Ohl, battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and $2,700 for “Never Lose Hope” by 6-year-old Bryce Bennett, who has been a cancer warrior since age 2.

Also, up for bid or purchase were gift baskets donated by area businesses and individuals, bottles of wine in a “wine pull,” as well as centerpieces created by The Glass Studio, located in the Banana Factory.

Brooklyn Bred was the event’s presenting sponsor. George Gavirati, director of sales for national accounts for the New York-based bakery, said he and his wife Dr. Colleen Charney, “met a very special, graceful, sweet, child who had cancer.” Through the couple’s friendship with young Vanessa Stauffer and her mom Tracy, who works for PCFLV, Brooklyn Bred got involved. “It’s part of our good neighbor policy,” Gavirati added.

Additional sponsors included St. Luke’s Pediatrics, ASR Media, ArtsQuest, AmericaVen, Yurconic Agency, EZ Micro Solutions, Stortz & Associates, RCN, Weichart’s Pat Spitzer Team, Aveanna Healthcare, enTrust Merchant Services, and Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital.

PCFLV has recently relocated its office from the Banana Factory to 2132 S. 12th St., Suite 401, Allentown to be closer to Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, which provides pediatric oncology care.