UPDATE: Geanine suffered a relapse and died.  Our condolences and prayers are for her family.  

We are still grateful that she had her treatment - she recovered and was doing well. Her family was thankful for the extra time with her and appreciated our contributions.  Thanks again for your help!  We made the Sun Weekly!

                         
14 year old Geanine (Luna Freddie’s niece) was in Georgetown University Hospital with a severe form of Leukemia (AML). She needed to be treated and hospitalized 4-6 months, during which she had serious complications and side effects. Geanine required 24 hour acute nursing care, chemotherapy, bone marrow biopsies, I.V. antibiotics, etc. This was extraordinary but necessary care – the benefits of treatment far outweighed the risks.

Thanks everyone for all your help.  You bought get-well notes (cash/check to the Lombardi Institute) from the bartender (we gave the notes to Geanine). Even though we are done collecting, we still encourage you to donate to the Lombardi Institute (directly through the address below).  

The Benefit

Luna Park Grille, its customers, local musicians and area merchants wanted to help Geanine, her family and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Institute so we hosted a fundraiser on Sunday, November 22, 7-11 PM. Local musicians donated their music and customers paid a cover charge and bought raffle tickets and get well cards to help raise money.  Eric Ploeg donated 10% of Luna's receipts and the auction (run by Melinda Root) was extremely successful (thanks to generous bidders!).  Doug Hardt printed get well cards and flyers and (with Kathleen Hardt) collected the cover charge.

The music was fantastic: performers appearing included:

Melinda Root, Mike Woods, Diana Quinn, Rob Howe, Geff King and  Bobby Martin – of The Towering Bouffants and/or Honky Tonk      Confidential. Alan Byrd, Christopher Russell, and Burch Rivers.  Terri McDocald & Co. from the Zealots.  Sara Landymore produced and was the sound engineer. ( a More LandyMusic production )

The following generous local merchants donated items for the auction / doorprize and raffle:

Auction:

Marriott Crystal Gateway, Arrowine, Twinbrook Florist, Fred’s  Housecleaning Service, Tuscany's (Marriott), Envirogrow, Portofino's,  Two-Bit Studios, Mike Downey Selections, Twinbrook Chiropractors, Tuscany’s (Marriott)

Raffle: