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Recent News
AMND Students attend 8th "Meet the Mets" Project ALS Event
On Friday June 4th, AMND students attended the "Meet the Mets" event at Citifield. The students spent time with Valerie and Meredith Estess as well as actor Richard Kind and former NY Mets player Darryl Strawberry.
First AMND Chapter Has Begun!
AMND is proud to partner with Amber DeHart of North Carolina. Amber has decide to initiate AMND's first national chapter! Amber has named her chapter the George Ray DeHart Chapter, after her late grandfather who passed away from ALS. Their fundraising has begun and we look forward to an incredible and long lasting relationship. One day we hope to celelbrate a cure together! Look for AMND events in North Carolina in the near future.
Students visit the Jenifer Estess Stem Cell Lab
On Wednesday May 19th, AMND students visited the Jenifer Estess Stem Cell Lab and presented Project ALS with a $125,000 donation. The students received an update of the progress in the lab as well as a tour with all the scientists that are working on finding a cure. Additionally, the students met with two remarkable people, Auggie and Sal. Auggie and Sal are creators of Move for ALS. Check them out at www.moveforals.com. They are riding their bicycles from Seattle to New York to raise funds for ALS.
Exxon Mobil and Verizon Grant the AMND Research Program
Exxon Mobil and Verizon have both decided to sponsor AMND's ALS Summer Research Program. Exxon Mobil has granted AMND $10,000 and Verizon $7500 to sponsor students conducting research this upcoming summer. Pictured here are three AMND students that will be performing ALS Research this summer with Patrick Lespinasse from Verizon.
AMND Featured in People Magazine
AMND has been featured in PEOPLE MAGAZINE!! Pick-up the April 26th issue and find us in the Heroes Among Us. (page 102)
Click here to see the article:
http://storage.people.com/jpgs/20100426/20100426-750-102.jpg
AMND rings the NYSE Closing Bell
On February 3rd, AMND students rang the closing bell to the NYSE. Christie Garrecht, a senior at Northport High School and four year member of AMND was the bell ringer and Dorothy Deutsch, wife of biology teacher David Deutsch, hit the gavel.
AMND is featured in the New York Times
INSPIRED Alumni of A Midwinter Night's Dream, a
charity founded by 16 teenagers in Northport, N.Y., gather around their
former biology teacher, David Deutsch, who has Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis. From left, Jonathan Foster, Meaghan O'Gara, Al Lucia,
Christopher Lynch and Amanda Schram.
"From an Idea by Students, a Million-Dollar Charity"
By GRETCHEN MORGENSON
Published: November 11, 2009
THE titans of Wall Street are famous for star-studded galas that raise
millions of dollars for a host of good causes. And for a tiny group of
high school students on Long Island, taking a page out of these
financiers’ books has made their own charity, A Midwinter Night’s Dream, a million-dollar success.
The charity, which benefits Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou
Gehrig’s disease, was founded in 2004 by 16 teenagers in Northport. The
idea for the organization came after two teachers in the community,
Christopher Pendergast and David Deutsch, were found to have A.L.S.
In just five years, the student-run charity has raised $1.067 million. The 2010 gala is scheduled for Jan. 7. The
organization began with a June 2004 charity basketball tournament to
benefit those with the disease. The students had hoped to raise $1,000
with the event; they wound up generating $32,000.
First the students were astounded by their results. Then they were emboldened. After donating the money to Johns Hopkins University’s Robert L. Packard Center for A.L.S. Research, the students started looking for even bigger money-raising ideas.
To read the rest of the article, click the following link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/giving/12STREET.html
Picture done by Maxine Hicks for The New York Times
LOOKING AHEAD Members of the student charity with Jean
Rooney, left, a technician, on a visit to the Stony Brook University
Medical Center. The charity committed $125,000 to build an A.L.S. lab
at the hospital.
Students attend 2009 Wings over Wall Street
On Thursday, September 29th, the students attended Wings over Wall Street at Gotham Hall. Seen here are nine AMND committee members with two of our favorite ALS patients: Former elementary school teacher Chris Pendergast and Norma Steck-Hess.
Students Visit The Packard Center at Johns Hopkins University
On June 25th, AMND visited the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins University. They presented them with a $25,000 check and took a tour of the research labs. Two students, Jen Koniuk and Chelsea Culbert, will be spending 5 weeks this summer in this lab. AMND's ALS Research Program will be sending 8 students into research labs this summer.
AMND Cryopreservation Lab Reception
On Monday June 8th, AMND opened their very own ALS research lab at Stony Brook University Medical Center. Over 250 people attended the reception, including Dr. Richard Fine, Dean of the School of Medicine for Stony Brook University. The lab will be named in honor of A Midwinter Night's Dream. Two students from Northport HS will be researching in the lab this summer.
Students Attend 7th Annual "Meet the Mets" Project ALS Event
On Friday May 29th, the students attended the 7th
annual Meet the Mets Project ALS fundraiser. This past year, the
students donated $100,000 to Project ALS. This year the event was at the brand new CitiField.
New 2010 Committee members at new CitiField
2010 Committee members with NY Mets great Rusty Staub
Students tour Jenifer Estess Stem Cell Lab
On Wednesday May 20th, the students presented Project ALS with a check for $100,000 from their 2009 event. Project ALS gave the students a tour of the newly renovated Jenifer Estess Stem Cell Lab in Manhattan as well as a scientific research update.
A Midwinter Night's Dream Cryopreservation Lab Opening
On June 8th 2009, AMND will be opening our very own research lab. The A Midwinter Night's Dream Cryopreservation Lab at Stony Brook University Medical Center will open on June 8th 2009 at 7:00 PM. The students are thrilled to take one step closer to finding a cure for ALS. There will be a reception at Stony Brook with light refreshments.
11th Annual Project ALS Event: Tomorrow is Tonight Show
On October 7th 2008, the students were invited to the Waldorf Astoria for the 11th annual Project ALS gala hosted by Ben Stiller. Ben Stiller and his wife Christine Taylor, seen here in the picture, joined Matthew Broderick, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, Jimmy Kimmel, Gina Gershon, Sarah Silverman, Jerry Stiller, and Caroline Rhea to fight ALS.
Seen here are Directors Don Strasser and Chris Lynch with actress Christine Taylor.
2008 Wings over Wall Street Event
On September 25th 2008, the students attended the 2008 MDA's Wings over Wall Street event at the Marriott Marquis. Students are seen here with Bruce Beck, NBC Sports anchor.
Students are seen here with Warren Schiffer and Dr. Christopher Henderson, receipient of the 2008 Diamond Award.
2008 Cow Harbor Day: Cutting for a Cause
On September 21st 2008, Salon Domane joined AMND to help raise even more money for ALS. Salon Domane decided to do haircuts and blue hair extensions to raise money for ALS down at Northport's famous Cow Harbor Day. The event was a huge success as Salon Domane was able to raise $5200 for ALS. Kim Gazzo and her staff at Salon Domane are incredible and AMND is eternally grateful for all their hard work and dedication towards finding a cure for ALS.
Cow Harbor Day 2008 hair-cutting platforms
Baby Sutton Strasser attends her first ever ALS fundraising event. She was a big hit during the day and plans on joining the fight against ALS.
Seen here are Don, Jess and Sutton Strasser with ALS patient Tom Newton and his wife Karin enjoying the festivities at Cow Harbor Day.
Newsday and News 12 cover AMND Research Program
The following picture was the back page of the LI Life Section of Newsday on Sunday September 28th. The following students in the picture: Theresa Nobs, Taylor Fleming, DJ Ronde, Taylor Gubitosi and Kate Macina performed ALS Research this summer all across the country. News 12 did a piece as well earlier in the month.
Newsday article link
ALSA Walk to D'Feet ALS Kick-off Party
In July 2008, the students attended ALSA's kick-off party for their Walk to D'Feet ALS. The students are seen here with Theresa Imperato and Jennifer Lowy from ALSA.
AMND Patient Services Program
In July 2008, the students initiated a Patient Services Program. They make roughly 4-5 visits each month to ALS patients on Long Island. They visit in groups of 5 and have visited Mr. Pendergast, Mr. Deutsch, Ms. Norma Steck-Hess, Mr. Casey Bank and Mr. Tom Newton. They are adding new patients each month and hope to continue year round.
Students visit The Robert Packard Center at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore
On Monday June 23rd, the students traveled down to the Robert Packard Center in Baltimore. They went on a tour of the ALS Research labs and met with many of the scientists and staff of the Packard Center. It was important to see where all their money goes and inspire them to continue to raise more funds in hopes of finding a cure. They also presented a check for $30,000 to the Packard Center.
2009 AMND Launch Party
On Wednesday June 18th, AMND held a Launch Party to kick-off the 2009 Event. The "A Million Reasons Why" theme was unveiled as the students are trying to reach the million dollar mark this coming January. Students spoke about their ALS Research Program, Patient Services Program and Assembly Inititative. There were roughly 200 people in attendance. The "Wings of Hope" award was presented to Mr. David Quigley, seen here, for all his support throughout the last four years.
Our AMND Timeline can be seen on the back wall.
The following pictures show some 2009 committee members working the launch party.
2nd Annual Kiley and Dylan's Sweet Dream at Tavern on the Green
On Wednesday, June 4th, the students once again helped run the second annual Kiley and Dylan's Sweet Dream at Tavern on the Green in NYC. This event raises money for SMA, known as Spinal Muscular Atrophy. There were over 300 people in attendance, including numerous children afflicted with SMA.
Students seen here with Philip, who they met during the night.
Students attend 6th Annual "Meet the Mets" Project ALS fundraiser
On Friday May 30th, the students attended the 6th annual Meet the Mets Project ALS fundraiser. This past year, the students donated $75,000 to Project ALS. Thanks to Valerie and Meredith Estess, the students enjoyed an amazing night at Shea Stadium.
Seen here are alumni Jon Foster and Al Lucia with legendary NY Met Darryl Strawberry
Students seen here with actor/comedian Caroline Rhea.
Students seen here with actor Dave Annable from the TV show "Brothers and Sisters"
Students seen here with Valerie Estess, co-founder of Project ALS.
Students attend ALS TDI event at the Museum of Natural History in NYC
On Friday May 16th, students attended the ALS TDI event in NYC. Chris Lynch and Sarah Pattison were the guest speakers. In addition, the students presented their donation to Derek Breau, seen here in the picture. The event featured numerous scientists and researchers whom the students were able to speak with throughout the night.
Students present at Extra Hands for ALS event at Wellesley College in Boston
On March 9th, five students traveled to Wellesley College in Boston and presented at an Extra Hands for ALS. They were asked to speak by Jim Presbrey, founder of Extra Hands. The students had an amazing time and enjoyed presenting to college students.
Students receive Proclamations from Legislator Jon Cooper
On March 4th, 2008, Students met with Legislator Jon Cooper and were recognized with a Proclamation from Suffolk County. In addition, Legislator Cooper named the first week in May as ALS Awareness week in Suffolk County.
Students speak at National Honor Society Convention in Atlanta, GA
On November 9th-11th, six students and adviser Don Strasser traveled down to Atlanta, GA to present at the 2007 National Honor Society National Convention. We presented our ALS efforts to students across the country in hopes of inspiring students to make a difference. One school, Carson City HS in Nevada, joined our fight against ALS and raised $2200 for A Midwinter Nights Dream and ALS Research. These students from Carson City just recently attended the 2008 event.
Augie Nieto visits Northport High School
On Tuesday, November 6th 2007, Augie Nieto, ALS patient from California and founder of Lifecycle Inc., visited Northport High School. He delivered a touching and inspiring presentation for a group of students, faculty and parents. He is an amazing man! Please check out his website at www.augiesquest.org. Augie re-defined our mission and gave us another hero to fight for.
Seen here are ALS patients, Augie Nieto, Chris Pendergast and Tom Newton. Also present in the photo is Sean Scott, President of ALS TDI. ALS TDI is an amazing institute and we look forward to funding their research. Check them out at www.als.net
Students attend the 2007 ALSA Sports Awards
On Wednesday, October 24th 2007, seven students attended the ALSA Lou Gehrig Sports Awards at the Marriott Marquis in NYC. Seen here are students Lauren Lucas and Charlotte Miller with Joe Girardi, the new NY Yankees manager. The students also had a chance to meet with Bob Costas, Bobby Nystrom, Chris Evert and Sharon Robinson.
A Midwinter Night's Dream, Inc. was a $10,000 sponsor of the event. We look forward to working closely with ALSA each year.
Members of the new 2008 Student Committee at the ALSA Lou Gehrig Sports Awards Benefit. Many of them described the event as one of the best nights they have ever experienced.
Students attend Project ALS event: "Tomorrow is Tonight"
On Tuesday, October 16th, the students attended the Project ALS event, "Tomorrow is Tonight" held at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC. The night was hosted by Greg Kinnear, Juliana Margulies and Katie Couric and included an amazing performance by Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson. The event was incredible and filled with compassion and love. For more information, visit www.projectals.org
Students are seen here with TV anchor, Katie Couric.
Students seen here with NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Students Ali Irving and Sarah Pattison pose with actors Juliana Margulies and Richard Kind.
Students Amalia Sirica and Sarah Pattison seen here with actress Gretchen Mol.
Students Alyssa Knudsen and Amalia Sirica seen here with actor Scott Wolf
Students attend the 2007 Walk to D'Feet ALS
On Saturday, September 29th, the students attended ALSA's Walk to D'Feet ALS at Eisenhower Park. The students had a chance to speak with Mr. Deutsch and his family and help support the ALSA. Over 1000 people were in attendance to support the cause.
Students attend MDA's 2007 Wings over Wall Street
On Thursday, September 20th 2007, the student committee attended the 2007 Wings over Wall Street event in NYC. We were proud to present Mr. and Mrs. Deutsch with the 2007 Spirit Award. The event was incredible and the students were able to spend some time with Mr. Deutsch, Mr. Pendergast and Warren Schiffer, our 2008 Oheka guest speaker. Seen here are the new committee members with Mr. and Mrs. Deutsch and his mother Jeannette Deutsch-Ogelsby. For more information about the 2007 Wings event, visit www.wingsoverwallstreet.org
AMND receives approval from the IRS for 501 c3 status
On August 14th, we received a letter from the IRS stating that A Midwinter Night's Dream, Inc was approved for an official charity. We were granted 501 c3 status. This is a major step in the history of our organization. All donations are 100% tax deductible.
Students finish in 8th place in American Express Members Project
A Midwinter Night's Dream finished in 8th place out of 7,000 projects submitted in the American Express Members Project. We made the Top 25 and worked hard to finish in 8th place. There were so many contacts made throughout the contest and the students look forward to keeping the communication lines open with all ALS organizations across the country
Students Research ALS at the Jenifer Estess Stem Cell Lab
On July 9th 2007, Erin Stabile and Sarah Pattison began their ALS research internship with scientist Gist Croft at the Jenifer Estess Stem Cell Lab at Columbia University. Thanks to Valerie and Meredith Estess at Project ALS for this invaluable and incredible experience. The students became proficient in
immuno-staining, and were able to help in the ultimate goal of
differentiating human embryonic stem cells into motor neurons.
Students Help Run "Kiley and Dylan's Sweet Dream" at Tavern on the Green for SMA
On June 28th 2007, the students helped run the First Annual "Kiley and Dylan's Sweet Dream" for SMA Research. SMA stands for Spinal Muscular Atrophy and has many similarities to ALS. Kiley was presented the "Linda Knudsen Courage" Award at our event this past year. The students were thrilled to help out in anyway possible and help support another worthy cause. We love you Kiley and Dylan !! The event was held at Tavern on the Green in Central Park, Manhattan. We look forward to helping again next year.
Students attend 5th Annual "Meet the Mets" Project ALS Fundraiser
On Friday, June 1st, the students were invited back to the 5th Annual "Meet the Mets" Project ALS fundraiser at Shea Stadium. The students have forged a connection with Project ALS and enjoy working with Valerie and Meredith Estess. Unfortunately, the Mets lost 5-1, but the students had a great time. The following pictures are from the amazing event.
Students seen here with actor Dave Annable, star of the hit ABC show Brothers and Sisters.
Students seen here with actor and comedian Richard Kind, famous for his role in the TV show "Mad About You"
Students seen here with actor Maura Tierney, star of ER and numerous movies including "Liar Liar"
Students seen here with actor Brooke Smith, known as Dr. Hahn from the hit TV show "Grey's Anatomy"
Students erect "Pinwheels Project" for the 2007 Ride for Life
On Sunday, May 6th at Columbia University, the 2007 and 2008 Committees helped design and set-up 6,000 pinwheels for the closing ceremony of the 2007 Ride for Life. Each pinwheel represents an American life lost to ALS this past year. The display took roughly 6 hours to construct. The students were so happy to help out and be a part of the Ride for Life.
Students Honored at 2007 Ride for Life Kick-off Event
On Monday, March 19th, the Ride for Life honored the Midwinter Night's Dream Committee at their 2007 kick-off event. The event was exceptional and featured a very moving candle lighting ceremony at the conclusion. The students were so honored to be part of the evening and visit with the true heroes, Mr. Pendergast, Mr. Deutsch, Tom Newton, Norma Steck-Hess, Casey Bank and so many others. Photographed are members from the three different Committees.
Students Invited For Dinner at Oheka Castle by Owner, Gary Melius
On Wednesday, January 31st, Gary Melius invited the students back to Oheka Castle to enjoy a night for themselves. We enjoyed a four course meal and an exclusive grand tour of the castle by Gary. Thanks Gary for treating us like royalty!
Students Donate $58,000 to Project A.L.S
On Friday, January 26th, students visited Meredith and Valerie Estess at Project A.L.S in NYC. The final amount donated to Project ALS from the 2007 event is $58,000. Besides speaking about the event, we discussed the internship at the Jenifer Estess Stem Cell Lab this summer, as well as new exciting ideas for the upcoming year. Our relationship with Project ALS continues to grow and we look forward to working with them closely in the future.
Students visit Mr. Deutsch for Thanksgiving
On November 27th, all three Oheka groups visited Mr. Deutsch at his house for Thanksgiving. There were about 35 students that made the trek down to Sayville. Also, Mr Guido joined us for the festivities. The students enjoyed hanging with Mr. Deutsch and Mrs. Deutsch for the evening. Hopefully, a new tradition was set-up this year.
Students attend ALSA's Sports Awards
On November 1st 2006, students attended and helped out at ALSA's Sports Awards at the Marriott Marquis in NYC. Yogi Berra and Mike Eruzione were the honorees of the night. The students helped with the silent auction throughout the evening. They enjoyed talking with many ALSA members such as Dorine Gordon, Jackie Reinhard, Jennifer Lowy and Kristin Cocoman. The students also spent some time speaking with Tommy John, Bob Costas and Mike Eruzione.
Students attend Walk to D'Feet ALS at Eisenhower Park
On Saturday, September 30th, part of the student committee attended the ALSA's Walk to D'Feet ALS at Eisenhower Park. The Walk to D'Feet ALS is the largest ALS walk in the nation. The students completed the 5k and one student, Catherine Macaluso, sang to the large crowd. The students were able to meet with different ALS patients and groups and enjoy uniting with the ALSA to fight against this disease.
Students attend the MDA's Wings over Wall Street
On Thursday ,September 28th, a group of committee members attended Wings Over Wall Street. This MDA event was held at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. The students had a great time and mingled with numerous guests at the event. They enjoyed speaking with Warren and Larry Schiffer, founders of Wings over Wall Street, as well as representatives from the Robert Packard Center. Returning to the event that sparked their dream made it even more special.
For more information, visit www.wingsoverwallstreet.org
Students attend NY Mets game, second Project ALS Fundraiser.
On Friday, September 8th, the student committee was invited back to the Project ALS fundraiser at Shea Stadium. We enjoyed the night watching the Mets and showing our support for Project ALS. We met with Meredith Estess and introduced the new committee to a great organization. Our connection with Project ALS continues with all of our proceeds from the Hawaiian vacation going to their organization.
First Annual Oheka BBQ at Crab Meadow Beach
On July 17th 2006, the first annual Oheka BBQ was held at Crab Meadow Beach. All three student committees attended as well as Chris Pendergast, Dave Deutsch and Tom Newton. We had a total of 40 people that came and enjoyed the beach day.
Four Northport H.S students research ALS over Summer 2006
In the Summer 2006, four students from Northport High School will be travelling to different ALS research labs this summer to help find a cure for ALS. Rebecca Kerner will be at The Robert Packard Center at Johns Hopkins University, Erin Stabile at the ALS TDF, Sarah Pattison at the University of California at Santa Barbara and Jessica May at Columbia University.
Northport students attend "Meet the Mets", a Project ALS Benefit at Shea Stadium.
On June 2, 2006, the student committee was invited to the "Meet the Mets" ALS fundraiser hosted by Project ALS. Shown here are the students with Debbie Wilpon, Project ALS Board Member. The students had a blast and spent some time talking with Valerie and Meredith Estess. What an amazing night ! Despite the rain and cancellation of the Mets game, the students enjoyed the sushi buffet, picture booth and Mets autograph session.
Northport students meet Senator Hillary Clinton and Congressman Steve Israel
in Washington D.C on National ALSA Advocacy Day.
On May 17, 2006, the student committee met with Senator Hillary Clinton and Congressman Steve Israel in Washington D.C. They drove five hours to be a part of the 2006 ALSA National Advocacy Day. The students met with Congressman Israel and Senator Clinton to lobby for their support for ALS and ask them to co-sponsor the National ALS Registry Act. Lobbying on Capitol Hill for more research money and political backing is just another step in our quest for a cure.
Click here for Senator Hillary Clinton's Press Release congratulating the students
Northport students seen here with Congressman Steve Israel in front of the Capitol. Their meeting with Congressman Israel at Advocacy Day was a success as he just recently co-sponsored the National ALS Registry Act.
Northport students donate $10,000 to the Ride for Life 2006
On May 2, 2006, The Ride for Life visited Northport High School. The student committee presented the Ride with their $10,000 Donation.
Seen here are David and Dorothy Deutsch, Tom Newton, Don Strasser, Amanda Schram, Alyssa Knudsen, Nicole Johnston and Amanda Filiberto, outside Northport High School.
Visit www.rideforlife.com to learn more about the Ride.
Northport students donate $5,000 to Project ALS
On April 13, 2006, the student committee met with Valerie and Meredith Estess in NYC and presented them with a check for $5000. They spent over two hours talking with them and building a connection with their organization. They gave us all books, "Tales from the Bed" and DVD's "Three Sisters" that told their sister Jenifer's story.
Visit www.projectals.org to learn more about them.
Northport students donate $20,000 to the ALS Association Greater NY Chapter
On April 13, 2006, the student committee met with Jackie Reinhard, Executive VP, and presented their donation of $20,000. The students were excited to team up with the ALSA this past year and have their President, Dorine Gordon, speak at our event. They will be joining the ALSA at Advocacy Day in Washington D.C on Wed., May 17th.
Visit www.als-ny.org to learn about the ALSA and read a story about the students.
