A mission’s milestone.
Frankie’s Mission – formally known as the Francesco Loccisano Memorial Foundation – hosted its 10th annual Hopefest Gold Gala on Friday, November 3, once again honoring those involved in the fight against cancer for their integrity, leadership and – most of all – their courage.
“It was a beautiful evening of kindness, caring and support,” said Camille Loccisano, founder of Frankie’s Mission and mother of Francesco Loccisano, a Dyker Heights resident and Xaverian High School student who lost his battle to bone cancer and leukemia in September of 2007, just three weeks after his 17th birthday. “That is the meaning of the #GoGold movement – bringing good people together to make a real and significant difference for the childhood cancer community.”
The #GoGold movement encourages people and businesses to sport gold in support of childhood cancer.
As always, the event – which saw a sold-out crowd – honored outstanding individuals for their related work or support of Frankie’s Mission. This year, Hopefest honored Filippo Giuffre, owner of Mancini Giuffre Salon & Spa and Zio Toto Restaurant & Bar; Gilda Piccini-King, former associate principal of Fontbonne Hall Academy; Pasqualino “Pat” Russo, Esq. and Johnny Volpe, a childhood cancer survivor and “hero.”
“We raised $80,000 for the families who need our help,” said Loccisano. “Very simply, it was an evening of many blessings.”
September marked 10 years since Frankie’s death.
“It’s just another thing we do to honor my son’s life, and secure those funds to get those cures,” said Loccisano of Hopefest, which was held at Gargiulo’s Restaurant, 2911 West 15th Street.