Charlotte, NC– The Isabella Santos Foundation (http://www.isabellasantosfoundation.com), ISF, presented checks totaling $180,000 to Neuroblastoma research, local pediatric cancer charity, and non-profit groups:  $100,000 to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for Neuroblastoma research, $20,000 to Carolinas HealthCare System’s Levine Children’s Hospital, $20,000 to Ronald McDonald House® of Charlotte, $20,000 to Make-A-Wish Foundation® Central and Western Carolinas, and $20,000 to various pediatric cancer charities.  The checks were presented during a sponsor dinner held on Wednesday, January 23rd at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Southpark honoring the sponsors and partners who supported ISF’s largest annual fundraising event.

This donation is the result of proceeds raised during the 5th annual Isabella Santos Foundation 5K for Kids Cancer and 1 Mile Kids Fun Run presented by United Support Services, Inc.  Held in September 2012, over 1,500 participants were in attendance.  The foundation more than doubled both their proceeds and attendance from 2011.  ISF aims to raise both funds and awareness for pediatric cancer during the annual event.  The 6th annual family friendly race and fun run is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2013. Please contact ISF with questions or inquiries regarding sponsorship: jeff@isabellasantosfoundation.com

Sponsors and partners honored during check presenting dinner were:  

Presenting:  United Support Services, Inc.  

Platinum (Kids Zone & Fun Run):  Levine Children’s Hospital , Horizon Investments

Gold:  Community Blood Center of the Carolinas, Morgan Property Group, Charlotte Swim Academy, CharlotteSmartyPants.com, Professional Computer Resources, Providence Eye & Laser Specialists, Tom Bush Law Group, Aspire Wealth Management

Silver:  Susan Hockaday DDS, PA, Ballantyne Pediatric Dentistry, CityGrid, IAC, Arborscapes, The Blackmer Family

Bronze:  Small Hands Big Art, Zachry Engineering, YMCA, ValueBiz, The Pourbaba Family, Tastefully Simple (Danny & Beth Rivera Ind. Consultants), Pure Barre, MetroTech Automotive, Kiddie Academy of Charlotte-Blakeney, Harris Teeter, Farm Bureau, Extreme Multisport, DAS Group, Custom Recycling, Cardinal Health, ACD Construction, A New You, Smart Business Systems

Supporters:  Chick-Fil-A Stonecrest at Piper Glen, TrySports, Flywheel Sports, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Big View Diner, Jason’s Deli, TPM, M&M Awards, BrandRPM

ABOUT ISABELLA SANTOS FOUNDATION

The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) is a 503(c) nonprofit that raises funds for Neuroblastoma research, pediatric cancer and local children’s charities in memory of Isabella Santos who lost her 5 year battle with Neuroblastoma on June 28, 2012.  Since their conception five years ago, ISF has raised over $300,000.  Recently $180,000 was raised in September during their 5th Annual 5K for Kids Cancer and 1 Mile Kids Fun Run. For more information on ISF, visitwww.isabellasantosfoundation.com(http://www.isabellasantosfoundation.com)

ABOUT MEMORIAL SLOAN-KETTERING CANCER CENTER

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is the world’s oldest and largest private institution devoted to prevention, patient care, research, and education in cancer. Our scientists and clinicians generate innovative approaches to better understand, diagnose, and treat cancer. Memorial Sloan-Kettering specialists are leaders in biomedical research and in translating the latest research to advance the standard of cancer care worldwide. For more information, go to www.mskcc.org

ABOUT LEVINE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Levine Children’s Hospital is a 234-bed hospital and the most comprehensive facility of its type between Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC. Since its opening in 2007, the hospital has grown to include more than 30 pediatric specialties. Levine Children’s Hospital has twice received national distinction by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals,” and is the only facility of its kind in North Carolina to receive the gold seal of approval from the Joint Commission for its High-Risk Neonatal Program.  For more information on LCH, visitwww.levinechildrenshospital.org(http://www.levinechildrenshospital.org)

ABOUT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE® OF CHARLOTTE

The RMH of Charlotte opened in May 2011 and serves the families of children being treated at Levine Children’s Hospital and Hemby Children’s Hospital. Located on the 1600 block of East Morehead Street on land donated by Carolinas Medical Center, the House features approximately 35,000 square feet of living space complete with 28 bedrooms (one family per bedroom/suite), providing more than 10,000 nights for the families. It also has a community kitchen, great room, learning center, playground and sitting porch. The RMH of Charlotte is an independent 501 (c) (3) charity managed by a local board of directors which oversees operation of the home. RMH of Charlotte is funded and operated by the Charlotte community. The mission of the RMH of Charlotte is to provide the families of children being treated in area medical facilities with a safe, affordable and caring “home away from home.” For more information on RMH of Charlotte, visitwww.rmhofcharlotte.org (http://www.rmhofcharlotte.org). 

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH® CENTRAL AND WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western North Carolina serves 51 counties in North Carolina from Burlington (Alamance County) to the west, with regional offices in Charlotte, Asheville and the Triad. The Foundation has granted over 2,500 wishes since 1985 and has never turned down a wish for an eligible child. Donations can be to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Western North Carolina, 212 S. Tryon St., Suite 1080, Charlotte, NC 28281. For more information, please visitwww.ncwish.org (http://www.ncwish.org).