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Friends of Karen, which was founded in the 1970s, provides free emotional and financial support to families of children battling life-threatening illnesses from diagnosis through treatment. In 2016, Friends of Karen helped 1,508 children and their families across 22 counties in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. "I started volunteering with Friends of Karen in 1991and I have had the opportunity to help children and their families during extremely trying times ever since," said Gwen Salmo, special events coordinator for Friends of Karen.
Coldwell Banker's Yorktown Heights agents and staff organize and run the event each year in memory of Erin O'Connor, whom Friends of Karen helped care for during her battle with a brain tumor in 1999. Erin's father and Coldwell Banker's own Mike O'Connor started the event in memory of his daughter and to help raise awareness for Friends of Karen.
"Our organization helped the O'Connor's during a very difficult time, so the family wanted to give back and raise money so we could help more children like their daughter, Erin," said Salmo. "The visibility that this event creates and the money that it raises is truly amazing. Coldwell Banker does a great job of hosting an event that positively impacts our cause."
For nine consecutive years, Charity Navigator, an independent organization that evaluates more than 8,200 national charities, has given Friends of Karen a 4-star rating, their highest award. While the organization has helped thousands of families since 1978, they strive to help even more children in the future. "Going forward, I hope we can raise more money to help more children," said Salmo "This event is a great way to get the word out that Friends of Karen really does amazing work in the community."
For more information about the Eleventh Annual Golf Tournament in Memory of Erin O'Connor, click here.
