And I want to take this moment to personally thank Jay Palmari for providing us with two professional grade PA systems for Zoë Fest and lining us up with 4 bands to rock the stage!  Jay is an old friend of mine who I haven't seen since the late 90's and without hesitation he jumped on board with Team Zoë to help us get Zoë Fest back on track with talented local music.

Kristi Martel is a local musician with a lot of talent.  I'm positive that my wife will enjoy her music very much and I also look forward to her performing.  http://vibedeck.com/kristimartel

Satellites Fall is another local band that I'm sure will rock the house.  They are new to me, but after listening to a few of their songs, I'm a fan.  I can't wait to meet you guys!  http://www.facebook.com/satellitesfall

I also want to thank Tom Linehan from the wonderful Pawtucket Red Sox organization for supporting our cause with donations to be raffled off at Zoë Fest. 

Jackie Gelfuso for creating this heartwarming website for Zoë Fest:  http://detaileddivaevents.wix.com/zoefest

Roberta Pearson from Newman's Own, Inc. who sent us many product vouchers to exchange for good, wholesome food that will be used to fortify your health and Zoë Fest's menu. 

My good friend Anthony Pirri works for Tony's Seafood http://www.tonysfreshseafood.com/  I've know him forever and let me tell you, he can cook.  I don't always remember the details, but I remember good food.  Laura and I are notorious for looking up restaurants on various culinary show websites for a new place to eat.  I've had Anthony's cooking several times, and I can tell you what I had, where I ate it, and how delicious it was.  I ate his baked fish once three years ago and it's still hitting the spot.  Yes, he is preparing the food at Zoë Fest. 

I especially want to thank the many people who make up Team Zoë and are diligently working on helping me organize Zoë Fest.  Really there are way too many people to thank and I am grateful for every once of energy Team Zoë has put into making Zoë Fest and the Foundation a success!

My gratitude is with you all!

Oh, one more person I had better not forget to thank...My wife, Laura.  I don't know what I would do without her.  She grounds me and keeps me focused. 

I'm very excited that Winning Foundation Grants by Martin Teitel arrived in the mail today.  I will use it to prepare me for school.  In case you didn't know, I am going back to school to study nonprofit studies at R.I.C. at the end of August.  Here is a link to the program: 

http://www.ric.edu/nonprofitStudies/index_cert.php

I can't wait to start because it means that much faster that I can ensure the future of The Zoë Faye Foundation!

The Zoë Faye Foundation presents: The First Annual Zoë Fest!  Battle of the Bands Vs. Pediatric Cancer. Come out and enjoy good food, sweet raffles, entertainment, and vote for the winner of the Battle of the Bands.

When:  August18th, 2012, doors open at 5pm and first band starts at 6:30pm
Where:  The German American Cultural Society 78 Carter Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02861
Why:  Cancer Sucks and babies are cute


German American Club is cash only.  All the proceeds will go to the Zoë Faye Foundation and helping children diagnosed with MRT.  Ticket price is set at 20 dollars in advance and 25 at the door.  Tickets can be purchased here:  http://www.teamzoecancersucks.com/events.html or by making arrangements through Zeppo or Laura.

Our mission is to provide support and assistance to children diagnosed with Malignant Rhabdoid Tumors, Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumors, and Non-CNS Extrarenal Rhabdoid Tumors and their families; provide pathways to information, financial relief, and raise awareness for rare pediatric cancers, and funds for researchers who focus on Rhabdoid Tumors and related cancers with the hopes of achieving a cure.

This event would not be possible without the generous donations made by Jenks Lodge, The German American Cultural Society, and all the friends of Miss Zoë Faye. Thank you!

I am remiss for not keeping my blog up to date.  However, I have found myself involved with many day to day tasks that are going to lay a strong foundation for The Zoë Faye Foundation. 

I thought you might like to know what we are committed to:  Our mission is to provide support and assistance to children diagnosed with Malignant Rhabdoid Tumors, Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumors, and Non-CNS Extrarenal Rhabdoid Tumors, and their families; provide pathways to information, financial relief, and raise awareness for rare pediatric cancers, and funds for researchers who focus on Rhabdoid Tumors and related cancers with the hopes of achieving a cure.

I also received two very positive phone calls yesterday.  The first one was from Alan Shawn Feinstein.  In case you do not know who Alan is, he is a philanthropist who lives in Rhode Island and does a ton of great work to help society.  I was amazed and honored to listen to his voice message...yes, I missed his phone call...lol.  It gives me so much pride that he is personally recommending me to take the nonprofit studies certificate program at Rhode Island College for free.  The second phone call yesterday (one call I did answer) was from Professor Motte, who is the director of the nonprofit studies program.  He also thinks I am a great candidate for this program.

A year ago I would have never guessed that this is the road I am going to travel.  I am so excited!!  I am a great candidate for this program.  I have the Zoë Faye Foundation to start up and run successfully.  As rare as MRT is, there are children to help and research to fund.  I've got this.  Now if only I can update my blog more frequently...Lol.  Thanks for listening to what I have to say.

Some people already know that Laura and I are collecting signed memorabilia.  I post updates on Facebook all the time when some talented artist or athlete or author donates an item or graciously volunteers their autograph on something we already own.  What most people do not know is that the reason we are collecting these items is because we are organizing a big event next summer, A Picnic in the Park for families to attend in Goddard Memorial State Park.  That same day we are going to host a live and silent "Signed Celebrity Auction"  to raise money for children diagnosed with Malignant Rhabdoid Tumors.

Well, a couple weeks ago, I got lost in my own thoughts and realized that Zoë lived through the fall, winter, and spring.  She never got to see what the summer is like. Summer is my favorite season.  The Red Sox are playing, the days are at their longest, and my garden is growing plenty of vegetables.  When I started to think about her missing out on my favorite season, it immediately became important to me that I not wait until next year to organize a big celebration for my baby girl's life and for the battle that children are fighting everyday with MRT. 

I know this year's Zoë Fest is coming up fast and there is a lot of work to do, but its going to be great.  This year's theme is music and we are looking into different bands that will perform in a battle of the bands at the German American Cultural Society.  We have a talented cook in the kitchen preparing the food in-house.  We'll have raffles and entertainment.  I hope to see you on August 18th.  The Doors open at 5pm and the first band will go on between 6:30 and 7pm. 

As this event quickly develops over the next month, I will post more details.  If you have any questions or need to reach me about the 1st Annual Zoë Festival, please email me at zeppo.cancersucks@gmail.com or call me directly.  774-482-0592