Hollywood’s finest show up and show out to support a great cause at the Good Fortune Gala!
Rhonda’s Kiss, a national non-profit organization created to help cancer patients in need, focuses on the non-medical expenses associated with cancer. By implementing fundraising initiatives and programming efforts year-round, the organization is able to provide financial assistance to cancer patients and their families suffering from the immense costs associated with the disease. The costs of cancer can be insurmountable. Bankruptcy rates among cancer survivors are 260% higher than households without cancer. While most people are aware of the costs of diagnosis, the cost of treatment, and the cost of therapy, many are not aware of the hidden costs that equally impact a patient’s wellness.
Executive Director, Kyle Stefanski has always been passionate about philanthropy, however, his interest peaked after his family lost their mother and wife, Rhonda Stefanski, to a rough and shockingly quick battle with pancreatic cancer. Stefanski states that their family was fortunate enough to be able to provide their mother with every possible thing needed to keep her alive longer and ensure she was as comfortable as possible. However, they quickly realized that not every family has the means to be able to afford care for their loved ones as they fight for their lives. The family banded together and through persistence and building, strong relationships have been able to start Rhonda’s Kiss and watch it flourish. The Stefanski family won’t stop fighting for those in need as Kyle Stefanksi states, “my honest goals for Rhonda’s Kiss is that everyone, at least in my lifetime, in the United States has access to our patient assistance programs which we start at the hospitals. We won’t stop, as I said, we are persistent.” Currently, they are in Cleveland Clinic, Cedars Sinai and just recently the City of Hope.
Marc and Kyle Stefanski
Family, friends, celebrity guests and supporters of the foundation such as Robin Thicke, David Arquette, Leonardo DiCaprio, P.J. Byrne, Kevin Connolly, Emile Hirsch, Peter Facinelli and more came out to celebrate Rhonda’s Kiss and raise funds for cancer patients in need. The evening took place at the dynamic, two-level restaurant, TAO in Hollywood, CA. Guests trickled in as they enjoyed cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres provided by TAO’s diverse menu. Program host and Wolf of Wall Street actor, P.J. Byrne began with a brief speech as he introduced the Stefanski family and the mission of Rhonda’s Kiss. Shortly after, a live auction commenced, raising over 20 thousand dollars for unique items and packages such as a Prisma color drawing of Snoop Dogg, an acrylic painting by Dan McCarthy, a luxurious weekend in New York, along with several priceless pieces. As the night progressed, attendees were serenaded by the lovely tunes of Frank Sinatra performed by actor, singer and entertainer, Robert Davi. Davi got the crowd warmed up as Grammy-nominated singer, Robin Thicke took the stage and got guests up on their feet as he performed his hit song, ‘Blurred Lines’.
The evening was certainly a success as thousands of dollars were raised allowing Rhonda’s Kiss to continue in its efforts as well as keep Rhonda Stefanski’s legacy alive! For more information about Rhonda’s Kiss, or to donate directly go to www.rhondaskiss.org.
