The Michelle O’Neill Foundation
11^th Annual Charity Volleyball Event
Saturday, September 8, 2007

History repeated itself at the Michelle O’Neill Foundation’s eleventh annual volleyball charity event to benefit children with cancer and special needs on Saturday, September 8^th on Grand and New York Avenue beaches by being the “best event ever.” Not only did over 100 American flags line the boardwalk, but this year’s tournament was so big that bicycles had a tough time finding a parking space. The donations raised amounted to approximately 25% more than last year and represents our largest total to date!

Opening ceremony was very moving with John Barnes, the MC, asking for the attendees to “pick a flag”, salute and pledge, followed by God Bless America. Jimmy Hennessy represented the City of Long Beach and spoke as a good friend of the Foundation; Erin Fuller, the Director of Big Sky Kids Camp for children with cancer in Bozeman, MT came East for the tournament to express her thanks to the Foundation for their generous support, as well as to volunteer her services under the Raffle tent. Carol O’Neill stated that they were there for two reasons -- to raise money to help children with cancer and to have fun….a winning combination. She presented Joe Brand, the Commissioner of Recreation of Long Beach with a plaque of appreciation for the assistance he and his staff have offered which has significantly facilitated the coordination of the event. Continuous music was again donated by Jimmy “Soul” Lorenzo of Imagine it Events, which set the tone for a very full fun-filled day.

The yellow smiley face T-shirts were sponsored by Vona and Vona LLP, The Durnan Group, Minnesota’s, Olympia Asset Management, Glacéau Vitamin Water and Outback Steakhouse. There were seventy-five net sponsorship banners hung across the boardwalk and center courts, and prizes, including a 42” plasma TV, diamond pendant, surfboard and several Manhattan weekends, were raffled mid-afternoon on the beach. Paragon Mortgage sponsored 1,000 flip flops which were distributed by Jimmy & George O’Neil and enjoyed by the first 500 pre-registrants, and the remainder offered for a donation to the Foundation.

Outback Steakhouse arrived with their staff, tent and grills and served hamburgers and chicken sandwiches to the players and participants, while Glacéau Vitamin Water kept our participants hydrated throughout the day. Tony of Anthony’s Pushcarts donated the use of the hot dog wagon, and approximately 1,200 donated hot dogs were sold under the supervision of Jane Finnegan and Brenna Feerick and a host of volunteers for the benefit of Maggie and Danny.

Our Cans for Cancer project, headed by PJ DeRosa, Nancy Moran and Maureen Llewellyn was another big success. Four thousand cans were collected by our littlest volunteers. PJ subsequently presented Carol O’Neill with $200 in redemption money, and it is heartwarming to know that these healthy children have volunteered their time and efforts to help those less fortunate.

There were 270 competitive and recreational teams (approximately 1,700 players) volleying across 45 nets, with “Women Rule” taking home the 4 person competitive trophy, and “Blumpy” capturing the recreational 6 person trophy for the second time which will be added to their 2005 win! Congratulations to both teams!

Two of “our kids” were there to express their gratitude and meet the O’Neill family. The Kelly family brought little Maggie, a beautiful 2 year old cancer patient to the beach to say hi, and Victoria Huggins was there with her Mom to show us how well she was doing. Larry Marquino, father of Danny, a 3 year old cancer patient, shared a tearful hug with Carol while expressing his gratitude for the Foundation’s help.

After the event, a free buffet dinner was served at Minnesota’s when the 50/50 winner was awarded almost $5,000.

The success of this charity event is the culmination of many hours of long and hard work performed by family and Michelle’s dear friends. Michelle’s love of life and beautiful smile is reflected in the Committee’s willingness to repeat this exercise year after year, and carry out her wish to help others.

The strength and support that is found in the Long Beach community was well represented at the 11^th annual O’Neill charity event where the energy and spirit were almost palpable. Plans for Volleyball XII have already started, and the hope is that next year’s tournament will be the “best event ever!”