RUMSON — The Salt Creek Grille raised nearly $115,000 for pediatric brain cancer research at its annual Wine and Martini Tasting on April 16. The sold-out event benefited The Kortney Rose Foundation (KRF), which helped it reach the $1 million mark in cumulative donations for The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
A highlight of the evening was KRF founder Kristen Gillette’s induction into CHOP’s Chairman’s Circle. During formal remarks, she was presented with an honorary brick for the hospital’s wall of million dollar donors. More than 95 percent of each dollar donated to the foundation goes directly to the life-saving research at CHOP and its Children’s Brain Tumor Tissue Consortium, according to the foundation.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by both the generosity and professionalism of everyone involved in this fine event, which was pivotal to our organization,” Gillette said. “We thank Steve Bidgood for this opportunity and for his commitment to helping children’s charities. Children are very underrepresented in the cancer research universe, so they have to rely on private foundations and generous individuals to fund research that could save their lives.”
“It was a great night for a great cause,” said Steve Bidgood, co-owner of Salt Creek Grille. “We are so thankful to all of our vendors who have donated to our event each year; and through this annual event, we recognize the important roles that our local charities play within our community. It was wonderful to see how supportive everyone was and that the Kortney Rose Foundation reached its $1 million mark.”
For more information, visit www.thekortneyrosefoundation.org.