By Joshua Burd
The Spring Lake Hope Foundation’s Ninth Annual Gala Luncheon is set for Oct. 23, when the nonprofit will rally supporters to help the families of children with rare health conditions.
The event, slated for 11 a.m., will return to the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes and showcase the organization’s mission while welcoming well-known athletes from the worlds of soccer, hockey and football. Guests will enjoy a full-service bar with champagne, a gourmet luncheon and a silent auction offering luxury getaways, autographed sports memorabilia and one-of-a-kind experiences, with every bid and every glass raised supporting medical and related expenses for children with rare and serious illnesses.
“Each year, the gala is a day when our community opens its heart,” said Paulette Pera Laurenzi, Spring Lake Hope Foundation’s founder and president. “It’s about honoring the strength of these children, lifting up their families and showing them that they are never alone in their journey.”
Salvatore Frassetto, chairman of the board of advisers, added: “Seeing the joy and relief we bring to these families is something I’ll never forget. This event is more than a fundraiser — it’s a chance to rewrite stories, restore hope and remind these children they are heroes in every sense of the word.”
The afternoon will also feature the Zoey Award named in memory of Zoey Komninos, whose 16-year battle with severe health challenges touched countless lives, according to the organization. The honor will be presented to a child whose quality of life will be transformed through the meaningful gift, continuing her enduring legacy of love and resilience.
The event’s reach and impact are made possible through the unwavering support of dedicated partners, including Inserra Supermarkets, its presenting sponsor and the owner of 23 ShopRites, whose commitment to community care mirrors the foundation’s mission. The nonprofit also cited the impact of Saddleback Real Estate Developers and Waxman Industrial, which are both instrumental, along with other sponsors in ensuring that every child honored can receive the help they need.
“This event is possible because of our board of advisers, our sponsors and the generosity of our community,” Pera Laurenzi added. “You are the reason we can keep hope alive.”
