EDISON — A day of fun and fundraising slated for July 12 has several beneficiaries, but they all share a common thread — they are children grappling with life-changing challenges.
“Our goal is to provide a day filled with fun, happiness and worry-free joy to children who may otherwise not experience this feeling on a regular basis, while bringing awareness to the community about paralysis and childhood cancer,” said Destiny Hilliard-Thomas, who founded the host organization, Chuckie’s Angels.
The event, We [R] STARS (Seeking to Acknowledge Real Strength), is the first fundraiser for Chuckie’s Angels. Set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Sunfield Avenue, it will be held in conjunction with the Team LeGrand chapter of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
Based in Baltimore, Md., Chuckie’s Angels is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help homeless children in Maryland.
According to Hilliard-Thomas — who grew up in Piscataway and attended Rutgers Preparatory School in Somerset, where she befriended many people from the Edison- Metuchen area — a portion of the proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
Those at the hospital took care of her friend Charles Barnes of Perth Amboy when he was diagnosed with childhood leukemia at age 9. He died when he and Hilliard- Thomas were 15, she said. The event by the organization that bears Charles’ nickname will mark the 10th anniversary of his death.
Part of the proceeds will also be donated to Team LeGrand, which helps individuals living with spinal-cord injury, along with their families. Eric LeGrand
The chapter is named for Eric LeGrand, a Rutgers University graduate and football team member who was left paralyzed from an injury he suffered during a football game in 2010. Hilliard- Thomas said LeGrand continues to inspire others with his positive attitude, despite all he has endured.
Walter Thurmond Hilliard- Thomas’ father, Bishop Donald Hilliard Jr., is a pastor at LeGrand’s church, Cathedral International in Perth Amboy.
LeGrand is planning to attend the fundraiser.
“When Destiny came up with [the idea of] having an event, I thought it was a great idea to raise money for both of our causes, and I was happy that she wanted to get me involved and have part of the proceeds go to my foundation because she believes in what I am doing,” LeGrand said.
Chuckie’s Angels will also benefit from the fundraiser. Hilliard-Thomas, who works in the education field, ultimately hopes to raise funds to purchase a home for homeless children in Maryland. This would give them a place to feel safe and be guided to make wise choices in life.
We [R] STARS will celebrate children living with terminal illnesses, including cancer, HIV/AIDS and sickle-cell anemia, with a day of live entertainment by musical artists Leah Joy, JT Cotton, Vincent Walker and the Forgiven
Experience, and Tajah. The event will also feature special guests, including LeGrand and New York Giants player Walter Thurmond.
A giveaway will send a winner home with tickets to see Beyonce and Jay Z in concert.
Chuckie’s Angels is seeking additional sponsors and vendors, and invites everyone to attend to help raise awareness and funds for the causes. For tickets and more information, visit www.ChuckiesAngels.net.