Queen Latifah addresses the guests at The Ashley Lauren Foundation’s Children’s Christmas Party held at the Colts Neck Inn on Dec. 15. More than 100 children with cancer and their families were treated to a special visit from actress, singer and entrepreneur Queen Latifah at The Ashley Lauren Foundation’s annual Children’s Christmas Party at the Colts Neck Inn on Dec. 15.
Each family had their pictures taken with Queen Latifah, a New Jersey native whose given name is Dana Owens, and enjoyed an evening of food, fun, entertainment, a visit from Santa, and lots of presents.
Monica Vermeulen, founder/executive director of the foundation, said, “This is a time for creating special memories for the children — a time away from their daily battle with cancer. Queen Latifah brought smiles to the children that lit up the room. Our passion is to do all that we can for the children in order to ease their burden and bring happiness into their lives.” The Ashley Lauren Foundation’s programs include direct family financial assistance, emotional support, material needs, parties and outings for the children, advocacy, birthday gifts, holiday gifts, “Making Dreams Come True” and anything else that is needed to make their lives easier as they battle pediatric cancer, according to Vermeulen.
Vermeulen knows firsthand what families go through. Her daughter, Ashley, now a healthy young adult, battled a form of kidney cancer for years starting at age 3.
For more information about the programs of The Ashley Lauren Foundation or to volunteer, call 732-414-1625.