COOPER PERRY FUND EVENT SUCCESS!
A HUGE Success for the Inaugural Cooper Perry Fund Event Held at Explora World in Columbia, MD.
Elkridge, MD (November 23, 2004) - To Celebrate Cooper Perry's Third Birthday, a huge fundraising event was held last Friday, November 19th, at Explora World in Columbia, MD. More than 650 people showed up to show their support, have fun, eat dinner, and bid on the silent auction and raffle items.
"Since this was our first event, we really had no idea how many people might turn out," commented Michael Horn, spokesperson for the Cooper Perry Fund. "We had estimated 300 with a potential to maybe get to 500. To have 650-plus come out is simply overwhelming.
"It's really important to note that virtually everything was donated," Horn said. "We had less than $500 in expenses and much of that was covered by the volunteer organizers out of pocket. We're sending $22,000 to the Miami Children's Hospital Foundation, which is earmarking it for Neuro-Protection research only."
Hundreds of items were donated from dozens of businesses for raffles and silent auctions. All told, more than $22,000 was raised. In addition to the Explora World exhibits, kids were treated to a night full of other entertainment including: A Chinese Dragon dance, Songs by Ellis Woodward, an appearance by SpongeBob Squarepants and his pal Patrick, and a demonstration from real Fire-fighters.
"On behalf of the Perry Family, the volunteer staff, Explora World, and all of the companies and individuals who made donations, I'd like give a huge 'Thank You!'" Horn added. "We pulled this event together in less than six weeks, with a total combined experience base of zero. To have the turnout and the financial boost that we experienced is absolutely amazing. We're all looking forward to the next event!"
For more information please visit: www.CooperPerryFund.org. The Cooper Perry Fund has received many continued requests to make donations. Since the Fund is an ongoing effort, donations will continue to be accepted continuously. Interested donors should visit the website for the necessary Tax documents.
ABOUT THE COOPER PERRY FUND
Cooper Perry, just three months shy of his third birthday, fell victim to Viral Meningitis, which escalated into Encephalitis. His parents reacted quickly and he moved from his Pediatrician to the Emergency Room to the local Children's Hospital to Miami Children's Hospital over the course of three days. In just under a week, however, he had passed away.
The Cooper Perry Fund has three main goals:
1. Raise awareness of Brain Trauma in children, specifically Meningitis and Encephalitis
2. Raise capital for the funding of Medical Research for the protection and preservation of brain trauma.
3. Create and extend the legacy of Cooper Perry, which is to be remembered as a caring child whose spirit is carried on through the fund's ability to help children and their families.
The Fund will accomplish these goals through two main conduits:
1. Sales of exclusively created items (like action figures and apparel) and donated items (Products and gift certificates as well as collectibles).
2. Special Events (which will have admission fees, sponsorship fees, and items for sale)
The Cooper Perry Fund is a Special Project of the Miami Children's Hospital Foundation, Inc.
