Isabella Santos Foundation Announces 2019 Board of Directors

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – May 13, 2019 – The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) announced today its slate of 2019 Board Members. 

  • Neil Aldridge, Global Channel Partnerships, Gold Group Enterprises
  • Meredith Dean, Seacrest Studios Program Coordinator at Levine Children’s Hospital & Founder at the Dean’s List
  • Matt DuBois, Owner, Centurion Entertainment
  • Suzie Ford, Owner, NoDa Brewing Company
  • Charlotte Guice, Owner, Charlotte Guice Designs, LLC
  • Jay Levell, Partner, White Point Partners
  • Jacob Lewison, Marketing Manager, QCarolina Restaurants, LLC
  • Jonathan McFadden, Content Strategist/CopyWriter, Lending Tree
  • Tim Miner, Co-Founder, Charlotte is Creative, Co-Host Creative Mornings
  • Barbara Morgan, Owner, Brixx Pizza
  • Jennifer Pope, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology MD, Atrium Health
  • Blair Primis, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Talent Management, OrthoCarolina
  • Sandra Szoke, Partner, Impact Marketing Partners
  • Jacob Virgil, Senior Associate & SEO Lead, Red Ventures
  • Matt Yarmey, Owner, Pure Intentions Coffee

“We are very grateful for our incredible board of directors who bring amazing talent and experience in serving our organization and in impacting our local pediatric cancer community,” said Erin Santos executive director and president of the Isabella Santos Foundation. “Their dedication personally and through their respective companies is one of the reasons why Charlotte is the best city with the most giving community. We are proud to have them behind us.”  

About Isabella Santos Foundation

The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) is a 501(c)3 childhood cancer foundation dedicated to raising funds for research for rare pediatric cancers, and charities that directly impact the lives of children with cancer. ISF was founded in honor of Isabella Santos from Charlotte, N.C. who lost her battle against neuroblastoma. ISF is committed to improving rare pediatric cancer treatment options in an effort to increase the survival rate of kids with cancer so they can live their dreams. ISF has donated over $3 million to date to expand the scope of pediatric cancer research and treatment, and to fill various needs surrounding childhood cancers. 

For more information, visit https://isabellasantosfoundation.org/ or follow ISF on Facebook (www.facebook.com/IsabellaSantosFoundation), Instagram (www.instagram.com/theisfoundation), Twitter (www.twitter.com/TheISFoundation) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/isabella-santos-foundation/)

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CONTACT:

Jenni Walker – Walker PR Group – 980-339-8041-office/704-649-6571-cell

jenni@walkerprgroup.com

Isabella Santos Foundation Announces Board Members (Charlotte Weekly)

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CHARLOTTE – The Isabella Santos Foundation announced its slate of 2019 board members.

The childhood cancer foundation raises money for research for rare pediatric cancers and charities that impact the lives of children with cancer.

Board members are as follows: Neil Aldridge, Gold Group Enterprises; Meredith Dean, Levine Children’s Hospital; Matt DuBois, Centurion Entertainment; Suzie Ford, NoDa Brewing Company; Charlotte Guice, Charlotte Guice Designs LLC; Jay Levell, White Point Partners; 

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Jersey Mike’s Raises Over $167,000 for Isabella Santos Foundation

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Record-breaking year for 9th Annual “Month of Giving” in greater Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – April 4, 2019 – Jersey Mike’s Subs served up record-breaking fundraising for its “Month of Giving” campaign in greater Charlotte. Jersey Mike’s Subs 9thAnnual March “Month of Giving” and “Day of Giving” campaigns raised more than $167,000 for the Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF).

During the month of March, 39 Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants throughout the greater Charlotte area collected over $13,750 in customer donations and cookie sales. The campaign culminated with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on March 27, when eight local Jersey Mike’s owners and operators donated 100 percent of the day’s sales – totaling over $153,500 – to the Isabella Santos Foundation. In addition, over 8,000 Giant 14” subs were served by more than 550 team members in the greater Charlotte area on “Day of Giving.”

“As a brand, Jersey Mike’s is very passionate about giving back. We don’t give to get, we give to give. With that being part of our culture and being a dad myself, it was a natural fit for the greater Charlotte franchisees to partner with the Isabella Santos Foundation,” said Nick Smith III, a local franchise owner of Jersey Mike’s Subs. “Erin [Santos] and her amazing team’s commitment to finding a cure for pediatric cancer is so contagious. We are honored to be part of that team and look forward to many years of partnering with them during the ‘Month of Giving’.”

Last year’s “Month of Giving” campaign raised more than $6 million for 170 local charities nationwide.  Since 2010, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country have raised more than $34 million for worthy local charities and distributed more than 2 million free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes. For more information, visit https://www.jerseymikes.com/mog or https://isabellasantosfoundation.org/jersey-mikes-mog/.

“We were blown away by all the support from the community. It really is incredible to see how this campaign can bring a community together for something bigger than us,” said Erin Santos, executive director and president of the Isabella Santos Foundation. “We are honored to be the charity partner for this campaign and greatly appreciate our partnership with Jersey Mike’s, the greater Charlotte franchise owners and amazing team of employees. The efforts and generosity of everyone involved will make a huge impact on our local pediatric cancer community.”

About Isabella Santos Foundation

The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) is a 501(c)3 childhood cancer foundation dedicated to raising funds for research for rare pediatric cancers, and charities that directly impact the lives of children with cancer. ISF was founded in honor of Isabella Santos from Charlotte, N.C. who lost her battle against neuroblastoma. ISF is committed to improving rare pediatric cancer treatment options in an effort to increase the survival rate of kids with cancer so they can live their dreams. ISF has donated over $3 million to date to expand the scope of pediatric cancer research and treatment, and to fill various needs surrounding childhood cancers.

For more information, visit https://isabellasantosfounda][=tion.org/ or follow ISF on Facebook (www.facebook.com/IsabellaSantosFoundation), Instagram (www.instagram.com/theisfoundation), Twitter (www.twitter.com/TheISFoundation) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/isabella-santos-foundation/)

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CONTACT:

Jenni Walker – Walker PR Group – 980-339-8041-office/704-649-6571-cell

jenni@walkerprgroup.com

Executive Director of Isabella Santos Foundation Receives National Award

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Erin Santos honored with America’s Blood Center’s “Larry Frederick Award” 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – April 1, 2019 – Erin Santos, executive director of the Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) has received the “ABC Larry Frederick Award” from America’s Blood Centers (ABC) for her commitment to raising awareness of the need for blood donation.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition from America’s Blood Centers,” said Erin Santos, executive director and president of the Isabella Santos Foundation. “Community Blood Center of the Carolinas has been near and dear to our hearts since Isabella received numerous blood and platelet transfusions to help her stay strong and fight neuroblastoma. I am deeply committed to raising awareness about the importance of platelet and blood donation to honor Isabella’s legacy and to support local patients who need these lifesaving products.” 

Santos was presented the award on Monday, March 25 at the ABC Awards of Excellence ceremony in Arlington, Va. The award honors an individual for their community leadership in raising awareness of the need for blood donation. It is named after Larry Frederick, a former Oakland, Calif. police officer who was struck by a DUI driver and received 110 units of blood and nine major surgeries to repair extensive injuries. He has made it his personal mission to thank blood donors and help raise awareness of the need for blood through a nationwide blood drive called Life Across America. America’s Blood Centers created this award to honor the advocacy work of Frederick and all the others who support its mission.  

In addition to Erin Santos being a regular platelet donor and a donor advocate, ISF hosts an annual blood and platelet drive with Community Blood Center of the Carolinas in memory of her daughter, Isabella Santos, and to support local patients. Santos was also the first official platelet donor at CBCC’s newest donation center that is named in Isabella’s honor. Isabella Santos passed away at age seven from a five-year battle with neuroblastoma, a rare type of pediatric cancer. During her treatment, she received several blood and platelet transfusions. According to CBCC, cancer patients are the No. 1 recipients of blood products. One local children’s hospital alone requires nearly 300 units of red blood cells and more than 100 units of platelets each month. 

“Erin [Santos] is an advocate, through and through and is truly deserving of this accolade,” said Martin Grable, president and CEO of Community Blood Center of the Carolinas and president of the board of America’s Blood Centers. “We can’t thank her enough for her unwavering support and dedication. She not only advocates for blood and platelet donations, but also for childhood cancer research and the families experiencing it. She believes in those causes with every fiber of her being, and it’s impossible to miss her passion and dedication to these causes. Donor community advocates, such as Erin [Santos] and Larry [Frederick], play a vital role in the world of blood donation.”

About Isabella Santos Foundation

The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) is a 501(c)3 childhood cancer foundation dedicated to raising funds for research for rare pediatric cancers, and charities that directly impact the lives of children with cancer. ISF was founded in honor of Isabella Santos from Charlotte, N.C. who lost her battle against neuroblastoma. ISF is committed to improving rare pediatric cancer treatment options in an effort to increase the survival rate of kids with cancer so they can live their dreams. ISF has donated over $3 million to date to expand the scope of pediatric cancer research and treatment, and to fill various needs surrounding childhood cancers. 

Community Blood Drives to Honor Isabella Santos – March 9

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In partnership with the Isabella Santos Foundation and Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Feb. 26, 2019 – The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) and Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) will be teaming up to host several community blood drives in memory of Isabella Santos on Saturday, March 9.

The following blood drives are being held on what would have been Santos’ 14th birthday to honor her life and legacy:

  • Isabella Santos Center in Ballantyne

12239 N. Community House Road, Charlotte

7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

*There will also be a bloodmobile parked in front of the Isabella Santos Center

  • Overture Cotswold

4830 Randolph Road, Charlotte

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

*Hosted by the mother (Stephanie Forman) of Isabella’s best friend

  • Firebirds/Jersey Mike’s (Stonecrest)

7716 Rea Road, Charlotte

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

*Two bloodmobiles will be located in the parking lot across from Firebirds and Jersey Mike’s

  • At Four of CBCC’s Donor Centers from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
    • Charlotte Center: 4447 South Blvd.
    • Concord Center: 363 Church Street North, Suite 170
    • Gastonia Center: 2524 East Franklin Blvd, Suite E
    • Hickory Center: 2217 Highway 70 SE

CBCC will also be raffling off $100 gift cards to donors who schedule their March 9 appointment prior to the day of the drive. For questions or to make an appointment for any of these blood drives, visit here or call 1-888-59BLOOD.

Isabella Santos passed away at age seven from a five-year battle with neuroblastoma, a rare type of pediatric cancer. During her treatment, she received several blood and platelet transfusions. According to CBCC, cancer patients are the No. 1 recipients of blood products. One local children’s hospital alone requires nearly 300 units of red blood cells and more than 100 units of platelets each month.

“Community Blood Center of the Carolinas has been an incredible partner and supporter throughout Isabella’s cancer journey and with our efforts to carry on her legacy to impact the lives of children with cancer,” said Erin Santos, executive director and president of the Isabella Santos Foundation. “We appreciate the community coming together on March 9 in memory of Isabella and to support local patients who need life-saving blood.”

All donors at these March 9 blood drives will receive an Isabella Santos Center logo purple blanket, Lifesaving Journey shirt, a Cancer Messed With discount card and a Jersey Mike’s cookie. In addition, donors will be entered to win the following giveaways: Wells Fargo Championship Weekly Ticket Book gift certificate for two; John Hardy earrings in 8K yellow gold and sterling silver; Nothing Bundt Cakes; American Girls Doll (two winners); Firebirds gift card; $100 iTunes Gift Card; Y2 Yoga Gift Card and more.

“We value our relationship with the Isabella Santos Foundation, which is the manifestation of Isabella’s legacy of community support and caring,” said Martin Grable, president and CEO of CBCC. “It is very rewarding to partner with such an ambitious and highly successful group of people dedicated to raising awareness of rare childhood cancers. We encourage the public to make a difference by rolling up their sleeves and giving blood in memory of Isabella [Santos] and to save local lives.”

About Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is the local nonprofit, community-based blood center and the primary blood supplier to the region’s hospitals. CBCC collects blood and blood products from volunteer donors in the community to return to the community at the lowest possible cost consistent with the highest possible standards. CBCC is a member of America’s Blood Centers, North America’s largest network of community-based, independent blood centers that provide more than 50 percent of the nation’s blood supply. For more information, visit oneblood.org/cbcc/.

For more information on hosting a blood drive or donating blood in your area, visit www.cbcc.us or call 1-888-59BLOOD. Follow Community Blood Center of the Carolinas on Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/BloodCenter, on Instagram https://instagram.com/cbccarolinas/ and on Twitterwww.twitter.com/CBCCarolinas.

About Isabella Santos Foundation

The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) is a 501(c)3 childhood cancer foundation dedicated to raising funds for research for rare pediatric cancers, and charities that directly impact the lives of children with cancer. ISF was founded in honor of Isabella Santos from Charlotte, N.C. who lost her battle against neuroblastoma. ISF is committed to improving rare pediatric cancer treatment options in an effort to increase the survival rate of kids with cancer so they can live their dreams. ISF has donated over $3 million to date to expand the scope of pediatric cancer research and treatment, and to fill various needs surrounding childhood cancers.

For more information, visit www.isabellasantosfoundation.org  or follow ISF on Facebook (www.facebook.com/IsabellaSantosFoundation), Instagram (www.instagram.com/theisfoundation), Twitter (www.twitter.com/TheISFoundation) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/isabella-santos-foundation/)

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CONTACT:

Jenni Walker – Walker PR Group – 980-339-8041-office/704-649-6571-cell

jenni@walkerprgroup.com