Toyota of Huntington Beach Grants Wishes to Children Battling Cancer
High-energy event to raise money for unforgettable experiences for ‘Ballers,’ several young cancer patients.
Ballsfest second annual fundraiser was held on Sunday, March17 at Mountain Shadows Resort. The uplifting nonprofit, founded by testicular cancer survivor and Scottsdale resident, Frank DeBlasi, raises money to provide unforgettable experiences for young cancer patients, who are affectionately called “Ballers.”
Emceed by local television personality, Vanessa Ramirez, Ballsfestwill treat guests to an afternoon of food, entertainment and various fundraising opportunities. “This isn’t your typical fundraising gala,” said DeBlasi. “Everything about Ballsfest is uplifting and whimsical; and this event reflects that spirit and we could not be more excited to bring this event back to Arizona and gift incredibly courageous kids.”
Ballsfest brings over 10 successful years of development and growth through fundraisers in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and Las Vegas. to its annual event in Paradise Valley. Through relationships with local resource and treatment centers, including the Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Banner Cardon Children’s Medical Center, eight Arizona Ballers have been selected to be honored at this year’sevent. They include four-year-old Kylah Mugwagwa from Gilbert, Ariz., seven-year-old Bridget Korn from Scottsdale, Ariz., nine-year-old Justin White from Casa Grande, Ariz.,11-year-old Isaac Overson from Peoria, Ariz., 15-year-old Sheryn Ybasco from Glendale, Ariz., 17-year-old Chase Sazone from Surprise, Ariz., 17-year-old Julio Camacho from Phoenix, Ariz., and 18-year-old Melia Teofilo from Phoenix, Ariz.
Ballsfest has amassed an impressive roster of sponsors for its inaugural event, including: Mountain Shadows Resort, Fox Restaurant Concepts, Right Toyota, Right Honda, Toyota Of Las Vegas, Toyota Of Huntington Beach, Drewett Works, Manor, Phoenix Suns, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Wrigley Mansion, Garrison Capital, The DeTommaso Family, Fingerpaint, The Brimley Family, Dave and Wendy Tippett, The Miller Family, The Fijan Family, CalvisWyant Luxury Homes, The DeBlasi Family and BedbrockDevelopers.
Tickets may be purchased online, with individual tickets starting at $150. A full breakdown of sponsorship opportunities, priced between $2,000 and $5,000, is also available online. Additional information about Ballsfest Arizona is available online at www.ballsfest.org.
About Ballsfest
Organizers and supporters of Ballsfest provide unforgettable experiences for those facing obstacles with cancer. The term, "Ballsfest,” was created by Frank DeBlasi, a testicular cancer survivor and keen supporter of children living with cancer. The term is a play on words, and one that reflects DeBlasi's positive spirit during his own battle. Combining his love for the upstate New York area and the Dave Matthews Band, DeBlasi first hosted a small gathering for friends and concert goers on the grounds of Saratoga State Park in 2007. This initial gathering began a stream of annual events that has grown dramatically in size over the years, and proceeds raised at these events have benefitted a national cancer foundation.
In 2013, DeBlasi shifted the focus of Ballsfest in support of children affected by cancer. Since then, Ballsfest has honored and celebrated numerous children in Upstate New York, Arizona and Las Vegas.Ballsfest produces signature annual fundraising events, as well assolicits grants and contributions year-round from individuals, private foundations and others, for the purpose of supporting young cancer patients who are facing difficult challenges.