Spring Lake Hope Foundation’s 9th Annual Gala Luncheon was a day filled with emotion, generosity, and celebration.

Held on Thursday, October 23 held at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes, the sold-out event brought together families, supporters, and volunteers to raise more than $170,000 for children with rare illnesses. Guests shared tears, laughter, and gratitude as story after story revealed how hope, love, and community continue to transform lives through the Foundation’s work.

Serving as Master of Ceremonies, FOX News contributor Joe Concha, a member of the Foundation’s Honorary Board of Advisors, spoke about how a recent FOX national TV segment mentioning the Foundation inspired donations from fourteen states — raising an incredible outpouring of support in just days — a moment of national recognition that reflected the growing reach of Spring Lake Hope’s mission.

President and CEO Paulette Pera Laurenzi then took the stage, sharing words of gratitude for the families, children, and volunteers whose courage and compassion bring the Foundation’s mission to life. She honored two children who will forever remain part of the Hope family, Gianna Chakeres and Za’Keaus “Zak” Thompson, as their families joined her on stage for a moment of remembrance.

“Every year, we’re reminded that our mission is built on love,” said Paulette Pera Laurenzi. “Behind every child’s story is a family’s strength and a community’s compassion.”
The room rose in applause as Lisa and John Chakeres, Gianna’s parents, donated their daughter’s wheelchair-accessible van, custom bed, ramp, and bath chair — a gift valued at more than $75,000 — back to the Foundation. Their generosity moved the entire room and continued Gianna’s legacy of kindness. That spirit of giving was echoed later when 15-year-old Lauren Cavalcante of East Brunswick was surprised with the same wheelchair-accessible van, ensuring she never misses another class, doctor’s appointment, or robotics meeting. Her determination to study engineering reminded guests that even after hardship, hope can lead to a bright future.

Guests also met this year’s five Lil’ Heroes, each representing the strength and spirit of Spring Lake Hope. Four-year-old Penelope Petruska from Pompton Lakes received an adaptive tricycle that lets her ride alongside her younger brother. Riley Pierre-Louis, also four, from Bloomfield, gained confidence through specialized therapy funded by the Foundation. Jayden Roque, 14, from Jackson Township, smiled as his family shared how a new wheelchair-accessible van made everyday life easier and travel possible again.

A highlight of the afternoon was the video presentation of an adaptable home addition for 16-year-old Anabelle Araya of Dumont. Featured on FOX News, the project was made possible by Franklin Lakes residents James Paladino, Sandy Goldberg, Dean Logan, and Maureen Wolfangel, whose teamwork and compassion built not just a new space but independence for Anabelle and her family.

“Hope doesn’t just change lives — it builds them,” Laurenzi said. “When people give their time and heart, it proves that miracles happen when a community unites for good.”

In another moving moment, Melanie and Jimmy Komninos presented the Zoey Award, named in memory of their daughter. Funded through their annual Greek Dinner Party silent auction, the award provided Angel Sense GPS tracking devices to ten nonverbal autistic children, including Lauren’s younger brother, Ben — a full-circle moment that captured the Foundation’s spirit of families helping families.

Sponsors played a key role in the record-breaking success. From Platinum Sponsor Inserra Supermarkets and Gold Sponsors Saddleback Real Estate Developers and Bill Waxman of Cushman & Wakefield, every partner helped strengthen the Foundation’s impact and visibility. And Silver Sponsor, Results Advertising, whose creative direction and awareness campaign brought this year’s “Number 9: Come Together” theme to life, further elevated the Foundation’s message and reach.

As the celebration came to a close, the Foundation had raised more than $170,000 through sponsorships, silent auctions, and donations, yet the true success was reflected in the joy and inspiration shared among everyone present.

“Every smile you saw today, every laugh, every tear — you made that possible,” said Laurenzi. “Together, we’re turning hope into action and compassion into change.”

The 9th Annual Gala wasn’t just a fundraiser — it was a reminder that when a community comes together with compassion and purpose, miracles happen every day.