Our Monmouth Blog

Break out your tuxedos and eveningwear. Michael’s Feat, a local non-profit organization, is hosting its Black Tie Spring Gala at the Battleground Country Club in Manalapan on Friday, March 20, 2009. The Michael Gerard Puharic Memorial Fund, Inc. (Michael’s Feat) is dedicated to assisting local families carrying and caring for seriously ill newborns.

The black-tie optional event scheduled from 7 to 11 p.m., and will feature a lavish spread of appetizers, gourmet foods, premium open bar, and decadent desserts from Flaky Tart Bakery. The event will also feature live entertainment, dancing, and a huge silent auction. Tickets are $100 per person and a table of ten is $900.

“In the children’s story, Hope for the Flowers, young caterpillars struggle with challenges and crises in the hopes of transforming into beautiful butterflies,” Dana Puharic, Chairman of Michael’s Feat, said. “At Michael’s Feat, our hope is that all of the little flowers we have the pleasure of helping will bloom and show their precious beauty within.”

Michael’s Feat to Host Spring Gala

This year, the Michael’s Feat Honorary Chair is Kristin Belger. Kristin is a professional graphic designer who has used her talent to transform the image of Michael’s Feat. Michael’s Feat came to know Kristin and her husband, Jeff, after their son Nathaniel was born in 2005. Since then, Kristin has donated hours upon hours of her creativity on Michael’s Feat print materials. When asked to be this year’s chair, Kristin replied, “From the phone cards we used during our son’s 7.5 months in the NICU to Dana’s comforting presence and generous donation given to us at Nathaniel’s wake, Michael’s Feat will forever be embedded in our hearts ~ assisting us through the most difficult time in our lives. The dedication and tireless efforts of everyone at Michael’s Feat is evident when speaking to those families they have touched. I am grateful and honored to be a part of such an amazing foundation.”

As a tradition, Michael’s Feat will once again honor a local family who has struggled in caring for their seriously ill newborn. Kristen and Rushil Sankpal of Belford will be this year’s recipients. Their son, Ethan Sankpal, was born at just 24 weeks and spent much of his early life in the hospital. Upon his arrival at home, the family took over much of his medical care and through their love and advocacy he continues to grow stronger every day.

“After 9 long months spent in three different NICU’s, Michael’s Feat provided the additional home nursing care needed for us to bring our son Ethan home. Ethan has made so many gains since leaving the hospital in June. He is a happy, curious little boy who gets stronger and healthier everyday. It is difficult to find words that sufficiently express our gratitude. The support we received from Michael’s Feat allowed us to finally become a family. How do you thank someone for that? We are humbled to be the honored family at this year’s gala, but we truly feel that we should be honoring Dana and Adam Puharic and all of the individuals that make such an amazing charity possible.” said Kristen and Rushil Sankpal.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

The Michael Gerard Puharic Memorial Fund Inc., a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was created in loving memory of Aberdeen residents Adam and Dana Puharic’s newborn son Michael, who died after an 83-hour battle with a serious chromosome disorder. Michael’s Feat provides support through the donation of needed items enabling parents to care for their ill children. To attend the gala, or to receive more information, please rsvp@michaelsfeat.org or contact Dana Puharic at (732) 239-7887.

Find local community services in the OurMonmouth.com directory.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS