Giving Back: Disco-themed event raises money to help find a cure for leukemia
Friends Helping Sick Kids, founded by Frank and Martina Damiano after their son, Antonio Damiano, was diagnosed with leukemia when he was four years old, has raised close to $600,000 in total. Photos by Matthew Sherwood for The Globe and Mail.
Martina Damiano, centre, dances at the 14th annual Friends Helping Sick Kids event. The organization was founded by Frank and Martina Damiano after their son, Antonio Damiano, was diagnosed with leukemia when he was four years old. Antonio is now 17, an accomplished soccer player who is headed to York University on an athletic scholarship.
Precious Headley, left, and Judi Muir dance at the 1970s disco-themed event to help find a cure for leukemia.
The annual event has raised close to $600,000 in total to help find a cure for leukemia.
Frank Damiano, left, and Benny Lombardi get down at the dance. Mr. Damiano wanted to do something to express his appreciation to the hospital and its staff for helping his son. Making a donation didn’t seem sufficient, so he started Friends Helping Sick Kids and began organizing an annual disco-themed party to raise money.
People dance at the 1970s disco-themed event.
People dance at the 1970s disco-themed event.
Benny Lombardi, centre, in lime green, poses for a photo with friends and a large block of Parmesan cheese up for auction.
People bid on silent auction items.