CHILDHOOD CANCER ORGANIZATION TO BENEFIT FROM SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
OF ANNIE BY MCKINNEY YOUTH THEATRE
DALLAS (November 22, 2011) – McKinney Youth Theatre presents one of Broadway's most beloved musicals, Annie, at 10 am, on Saturday, December 10th as a benefit for the TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation. All proceeds from the show will go towards pediatric cancer research.
"Annie is a great story about an optimistic orphan girl whose only wish is to find her parents during the depression," said Jennifer Bolton, executive director of TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation. "Children with cancer must also endure difficult times and so this musical is very relatable. Taking a morning to see Annie is a great escape for families and a wonderful opportunity to support the charity."
The cast will sing and dance their way into your hearts as they bring the comic strip classic to life on stage. Join them and watch everyone's favorite optimistic orphan, Annie, match wits with Ms. Hannigan and bring joy into the lush life of Daddy Warbucks.
To purchase tickets to the December 10 performance, visit www.planochildrenstheatre.org. Tickets are $8 each in advance for children and adults or $10 at the door.
Every year, more than 12,400 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Childhood cancer is the number one disease killer of children, yet the budget of the National Cancer Institute allocates only 3% of its funds to pediatric cancer research. The TeamConnor Cancer Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and funding research and treatment programs to find a cure for all childhood cancers. For more information, visit www.teamconnor.org or find TeamConnor Cancer Foundation on Facebook.
TeamConnor Clay Shoot - November 10, 2011
Get Ready to shoot cancer dead by joining us for the Inaugural TeamConnor Clayshoot!
A day filled with food, fun and good old fashioned competition while supporting the TeamConnor Cancer Foundation and our mission
to beat childhood cancer!
The First annual TeamConnor Relay - Texas will be on October 29, 2011 at Lone Star Ranch in Frisco. It is located near the intersection of Lebanon and Teel.
They have miles of beautiful running trails in this neighborhood and also a wonderful clubhouse that will be used throughout the day. The
race will run continuously from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. We will conclude this unique event with a celebration at the clubhouse from 6:00 - 8:00 pm with exciting activities for the kids, music, food and much, much more.
Each participant can run, walk, bike or hop one five mile leg of the relay. Participants are encouraged to bring the entire family, group of friends, running buddies or even sports team.
Each team is limited to no more than 10 people. Any participants under the age of 13 need to be accompanied by an adult during the relay.
Hockey Fights Cancer! - October 13th, 2011
One Mile at a Time – 7th Annual Relay – June 3, 2011
The Annual "One Mile at a Time" Relay, benefiting The TeamConnor Cancer Foundation, was one of the most exciting and unique races in Connecticut! Runners from all levels and all states participated in a three day continuous run than began on Friday, June 3rd and ended on Sunday June 5th.
The race began with the opening ceremony at the New Canaan High School track. A dance team, juggler, and balloon maker were all on hand to create a festive beginning to the next two days. The ceremony featured a full lap around the track ran by a young childhood cancer survivor and families affected by childhood cancer. It was a memorable experience as each guest was in attendance to honor Connor's wish of having no other child go through what he had endured. The race continued through the day and through the night lasting for a total of 60 hours.- to support the TeamConnor mission to find newtreatments for childhood cancer.
Look forward to the 2012 "One Mile at a Time" Run in New Canaan, CT, in June of next year!
2011 Gallery
The III Forks Golf Classic and Auction Dinner - May 31, 2011
The event continues into Tuesday, May 31st for the Golf Classic at the prestigious Gleneagles Country Club, best known for the two 18-hole championship golf courses. The III Forks Golf Classic is a two-day event to rejoice in our successes, reflect on our losses, and look forward to making childhood a curable disease.
Commemorative TeamConnor golf balls are now available for purchase through our store. Order soon, limited quantities available.
Email jbolton@teamconnor.org for more details.
TeamConnor Night at the Dallas Stars - March 23, 2011
This year's TeamConnor Night at the Dallas Stars game on Friday, March 23, 2011, proved to be a huge success! TeamConnor would like to give a special thanks to all who supported us for this event, our volunteers and the Dallas Stars.
Hope to see you there for the next TeamConnor Night!
Then you can say you went to a hockey game and a fight against childhood cancer broke out!
2010
Christmas Toy Drive - December 2010
The TeamConnor-NMFN Texas Financial Group – Dallas Toy Drive photo appears in this week's Dallas Business Journal on page 12, Executive People – Public Eye.
Happy New Year! We're looking forward to a very prosperous 2011. May this be the year of a breakthrough in the battle against pediatric cancer!
Denim and Diamonds Fashion Show - November 14, 2010
Denim & Diamonds Fashion Show and Jewelry Sale Benefitting TeamConnor
Three dedicated and hardworking supporters of TeamConnor hosted the Inaugural "Denim and Diamonds" Fashion Show to benefit TeamConnor on November 14th at the Coyote Ridge Golf Club.
Guests enjoyed an incredible fashion show showcasing the latest fall fashions from Cabi while models sparkled with jewelry provided by Premier Designs.
A percentage of each sale benefitted TeamConnor directly. Special thanks to Katrina Coker, Metsy Corter, and Kim Doyle for hosting the event. Also thank you to all the volunteers, models, and guests for making this event possible!
Katrina Coker, Premier Designs Jeweler, offered an even great opportunity to benefit fighting for the cure. Every sale, now through December 31st, will benefit TeamConnor! Please tell your girlfriends and snatch up some stocking stuffers and jewelry pieces for the holiday season while supporting a great cause. Katrina has something for everyone! Email Katrina for more information.
"Planet Burrito Fundraiser for TeamConnor" – November 2010
Join us at Planet Burrito for TeamConnor Night!
In addition to a fun social event, participants will have the opportunity to help raise funds to beat childhood cancer. Planet Burrito in Southlake and Plano is dedicating the entire day, beginning at 11:00 a.m., to TeamConnor.All customers will have a percentage of their total donated directly to TeamConnor.
Hunting Down Cancer (HDC) Auction for TeamConnor - October 3, 2010
TeamConnor is proud to be this year's beneficiary of the Hunting Down Cancer eBay auction hosted in October. Almost $6,000 was raised over the course of three weeks by auctioning off some fabulous hunting trips all over the country. One exotic hunt included a Central Nebraska Turkey hunt with TV personality Kent Bourghton that will be taped for an episode of Hunt Sleep Fish TV number 1 Outdoor Show.
Hunting Down Cancer (HDC) is a fund raising organization that organizes a benefit each year to help raise money for the fight against cancer. Each year starting on the last Sunday in August they auction off hunting and fishing trips across the country that go to raise money for a Cancer program. With the HDC, all of the money that you pledged in winning the auction will go directly to the charity they are raising money for.
For more information on Hunting Down Cancer, click here.
Connor's Birthday Celebration
Connor's Birthday Celebration
The TeamConnor Cancer Foundation held a celebration honoring Connor on October 2nd, which would have been his 10th birthday. A crowd of more than 200 people enjoyed bounce houses, games and an intimate performance by Christian recording artist Jeremy Riddle at the Cruses' Frisco home.
"When Connor was diagnosed with Stage IV neuroblastoma at the age of four, naturally, we were focused on his individual fight," stated Joy Cruse, Connor's mother. "But as we researched cancer treatments and funding, we found that while cancer is the number one disease killer of children, the National Cancer Institute allocates only three-percent of its funds to pediatric cancer. Someone has to be the voice for these kids." TeamConnor was founded in 2008 while Connor was in the midst of his four-year cancer battle. Connor died July 10, 2009, but TeamConnor continues to fight for all the children battling cancer.
In 2008, TeamConnor paid out more than $170,000 in research grants. Last year, the organization distributed more than $144,000. Currently, they've raised more than $300,000 this year. "It's hard to hear what these harsh treatments do to these kids' little bodies," said Jennifer Bolton, TeamConnor executive director. "While chemotherapy and radiation helped fight Connor's neuroblastoma, the radiation caused other tumors, which was a new form of cancer that ultimately killed him. Even children who beat cancer are often afflicted with long-term health issues. We have to find better treatment options and ultimately a cure."
During his four-year battle, Connor endured more than 220 nights in the hospital, 40 blood transfusions, 25 rounds of chemo, 14 surgeries, two bone marrow transplants and countless procedures with visits to specialists in Dallas, Boston, New York, Houston, and Guatemala. "One in 300 kids will be diagnosed with Cancer before they reach the age of 20," said Joy Cruse. "That's not just a statistic. That's someone's child, grandchild, niece, cousin, neighbor, classmate and friend. We've got to fight back."
One way to get involved is to hold a block party to raise funds to fight childhood cancer. Another idea is to collect "Coins for Kids with Cancer."
TX Tough is a grassroots fundraising campaign, designed for people of all ages, for the exclusive benefit of Children's Medical Center. Participants pledge to raise a minimum of $100 annually, and choose a specific program, service, clinic and/or research center to benefit from their fundraising.
We may not choose the same cause, but we are one team. We are united through hope, courage, vision and determination to make a difference, what ever the personal battle may be.
For the 08-09 year, TeamConnor participated in the bike event for TX Tough and raised $6,401.28, and the run event and raised $8,635 for a total of $15,036.28.
The TeamConnor Cancer Foundation will be participating again this year for the 2010 TX Tough Event at Children's Medical Center Legacy in Plano on September 9, 2010. You can join us in our quest by joining our team or supporting our TeamConnor runners! Click here to join the team or to support one of our runners. Our goal is $15,000 this year which will benefit Neuroblastoma research at Children's Medical Center.
Thanks for being TX TOUGH to fight pediatric cancer!!!
Friday, June 4, 2010 - Sunday, June 6, 2010 New Canaan, Connecticut
The Annual "One Mile at a Time" Relay, benefiting The TeamConnor Cancer Foundation, was one of the most exciting and unique races in Connecticut! Runners from all levels and all states participated in a three day continuous run than began on Friday, June 4th and ended on Sunday June 6th.
The race began with the opening ceremony at the New Canaan High School track. A dance team, juggler, and balloon maker were all on hand to create a festive beginning to the next two days. The ceremony featured a full lap around the track ran by a young childhood cancer survivor and families affected by childhood cancer. It was a memorable experience as each guest was in attendance to honor the late Connor Cruse and fullfill his wish of having no other child go through what he had endured. The race continued through the day and through the night lasting for a total of 60 hours.- all in memory of Connor Cruse and to support the TeamConnor mission.
Mark your calendars for the 2011 "One Mile at a Time" Run in New Canaan, CT on June 3rd - 5th!
If you would like to make a donation towards the race or to sponsor a specific runner, please clickhere.
Or for more information, please email Tonya Russo.
III Forks Golf Classic and Auction Dinner
The III Forks Golf Classic and Auction Dinner
Sunday, June 13 and Monday, June 14, 2010
The III Forks Golf Classic, benefiting TeamConnor, was held on Monday, June 14th at the Gleneagles Country Club. It was a beautiful
Professional Long Driver: Nile Pruitt and Team
day and the excitement of the tournament was evident throughout the event. One highlight of the tournament included legendary longdriver Nile Pruitt, who wowed the 250 golfers by making a 420 yard long drive on one hole!
The auction dinner at III Forks the night before the tournament proved to be a huge success. The night featured a live auction with the exciting and entertaining Rick Stacy as the auctioneer. Pete Delkus of Channel 8 emceed the event and we raised over $200,000! This event would not have been possible without the numerous volunteers who worked effortlessly and our generous sponsors and the many supporters who donated their time and money to help to make the event a success! Thank you all for helping us continue to move forward to finding the cures to all childhood cancers!
2010 TC Golf Chair: Richard Asel; TC President: Christie Warrick; III Forks Proprietor: Chris Vogeli; TC Executive Director: Jennifer Koi Bolton; TC Founders: Joy and Tait Cruse
Although the III Forks Golf Classic may be over, our work continues. Exciting days are still ahead! The 2011 III Forks Golf Classic will be announced by the fall!
Commemorative TeamConnor golf balls are now available for purchase through our store. Order soon, limited quantities available.
To view images from the 2009 III Forks Golf Classic, click here.
Letters to God Premiere - April 2010
Thank you to all who joined us at the Letters to God Premiere on April 9th - 11th, 2010!
Inspired by a true story, "Letters to God" is about how a young boy fighting cancer finds strength and hope through writing letters to God, and in doing so changes the lives of those around him.
TeamConnor was able to partner with the film's producers, who brought us "Fireproof" and "Facing the Giants", to offer tickets to select showings in local theaters with proceeds benefiting The TeamConnor Cancer Foundation. The premiere weekend was a big success!
Thank you to these sponsors and volunteers!
Prestonwood Christian Academy - Sunday School Class
Prestonwood Christian Academy - Girls Basketball
Prestonwood Christian Academy - Boy's Baseball
Patrick and Kelly Matthews
Joy and Tait Cruse
Elizabeth Collins
TeamConnor Night at the Dallas Stars - April 2, 2010
The first ever TeamConnor Night at the Dallas Stars game on Friday, April 2, 2010, proved to be a huge success! TeamConnor would like to give a special thanks to all who supported us for this event, our volunteers and the Dallas Stars.
We are already in the planning stages for the 2011 TeamConnor Night! Hope to see you there!
Party with a Purpose - March 2010
On March 18, 2010, over 25 guests joined host, Maria Kell to celebrate the successes of small business owners and to party with a purpose! Guests enjoyed socializing with other small business owners at the elegant Capriccio Ristorante in Dallas while helping to put an end to childhood cancers. The night spotlighted The TeamConnor Cancer Foundation as the beneficiary. Special thanks to all of your support and donations to the TeamConnor Cancer Foundation!
2009
Medical City Christmas Toy Drive - December 2009
Employees of the Texas Financial Group – Dallas rallied together to collect toys on behalf of TeamConnor. The toys were delivered to the Child Life department at Medical City Children’s Hospital on December 18th. The donation made a big difference to the families in the hospital this holiday season. Parents were given the opportunity to pick out Christmas toys for their sick kids and their siblings.
The 5th Annual TeamConnor Relay - August 2009
August 2009
Matt and Tonya Russo hosted 80+ runners from 12 different states at their home in New Canaan, Connecticut. They ran during the day and through the night for over 500 miles in a relay that lasted for 60 hours.
Some donned headlamps, others just a lot of sweat - all in honor of Connor and the work that Team Connor is doing.
Over the course of the weekend the relay raised over $200,000.
III Forks Golf Classic and Auction Dinner - June 2009
Our First Annual III Forks Golf Classic and Auction Dinner was a huge success! The dinner and the golf tournament were sold out!
Special thanks to Pete Delkus, WFAA (emcee) and Rick Stacy, Stacy Furniture (auctioneer)! Photos coming soon!
Save the date! Next year’s tournament is set for Monday June 14th, 2010. For more information, visit our Upcoming Events Page.
Rick Stacy
Richard Asel (Tournament Chair), Chris Vogeli (Proprietor-III Forks), Pete Delkus, Joy & Tait Cruse.
TX Tough - September 2009
The TX TOUGH Tour is a pledge fund-raiser created exclusively to raise money for Children's Medical Center in Dallas. When you sign up and pledge to raise money for Children's, you have the opportunity to participate in a RUN, SWIM or BIKE event.
SUPPORT A PARTICIPANT! If you are unable to participate in any of the stages but would like to contribute, you can support someone you know or any of the riders, runners or swimmers participating in any of the events. CLICK HERE to donate.
For the 08-09 year, TeamConnor participated in the bike event for TX Tough and raised 6401.28, and the run event and raised $8635 for a total of $15,036.28.
Thanks for being TX TOUGH to fight pediatric cancer!!!
2008 - 2007
400 for 400 Relay - August 2008
August 8 - August 10, 2008 New Canaan, CT
Matt Russo created this relay race which took place in his home town. The goal was to run 400 miles to raise $400,000. Approximately 40 runners ran 80 five mile legs over the course of three days, to complete a 400 mile course.
Tait and Joy also participated as runners to help raise money for TeamConnor. Thank you to all the runners who participated!
New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy
Thanks to (TeamConnor’s) support we were able to double our financial commitment to the New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT) Consortium. In the past, CNCF research funds have been used to help fund promising research and the costs of putting new patients on trial. Last year, half of the patients that participated in the 7 different clinical trials offered through the NANT were only able to receive these potentially lifesaving therapies because of your gift. In addition, your gift was also utilized to help fund research all over the country through the Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation's (CNCF) Junior Investigator Program. Some of the most notable 2 year research projects will be continuing at Sloan Kettering in New York, Texas Children's Cancer Center in Houston, Ohio State University and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
The first fund-raising event for TeamConnor was the Reach the Beach Relay Race and a raffle with offices across the country participating.
Our friend, Matt Russo, Managing Partner for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in New York, led a team of dedicated runners in this race in New Hampshire.
Connor and Tait were there to meet him at the end of the race.
Mission Through effective and efficient use of resources, TeamConnor will raise awareness, support families, fund treatments, and help find a cure for childhood cancer.
