I was honored to be asked to photograph this amazing benefit for the Caleb Cook RMS fund. Caleb, 7, was diagnosed last year with rhabdomyosarcoma — or RMS, a rare childhood cancer which effects only 1 in 150 children each year. Foster’s Daily Democrat did a great write up on the family, go read it here.
The event was held at the beautiful Regatta Room in Eliot, ME and featured the local band Blind Spot for some great entertainment. There were also tables and tables of silent auction items, a candy cart, door prizes and a 50⁄50 raffle! This gang had it together!
Hello candy! Oh Almond Joy — How I adore you!
Just a few of the silent auction items!
A few of the silent auction items — this bear nearly started a bidding war! And on the right is a purse made with can tabs — It was really cool!
Amy was part of the Kappa Delta sorority at UNH and her sisters were huge in helping to coördinate and run the event!
The event would not have been possible with out the planning committee — a group of fabulous amazing empowering women!
Sold Out — which is AWESOME! Tables were full of people filling out raffle tickets and noshing on the yummy food.
And Caleb was involved in every aspect of the evening — raffles included — hoping to win a new bike!
Poised and gracious, for any age, let alone 7, he got up on stage and thanked everyone for coming and kicked off the band’s performance. But they had something up their sleeve and surprised him with his very own guitar –he was totally shocked and excited.
And then he helped them rock out to their opening number.
Once the band got going people started dancing -
Age was no matter, a good time was had by all!
The 50⁄50 raffle winner — who so generously donated all her winnings back to the fund.
And a few photos to celebrate Caleb and his family!
To view or purchase photos from the entire event, visit http://melissakoren.com/calebcook2011.htm — 10% of all proceeds will be donated back to the Caleb Cook RMS fund, or you can donate directly from their website http://www.ccrmsfund.bbnow.org/donate.php
The benefit raised over $20,000 which is outstanding! It was humbling to be involved. Thank you Cook Family, for allowing me to witness this amazing event!
The sultry Sandy from Salon 72 in Stratham was working the 50⁄50 raffle with every little bit that she had!
Bill updated us all on the work they’d done over the past year and the families they’d been able to help. They’ve even made a submission to Extreme Home Makeover for one family in need.
And the star of the Heavenly Ball, also in his third year — Mr. JJ <3
Then the dancing started and kept going long into the night.
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