Fundraisers + Events
Michael's Cause fundraising events include a Spring Dinner Dance Gala which plays host to over 800 attendees. An annual fall time Step for a Cure 5k Run and walk as well as being a sponsor in the TCS NYC Marathon. In addition, several other smaller community based events take place throughout the year.
Please join the Michael’s Cause team and run in the 2023 NYC Half Marathon on Sunday March 19, 2023 . Michael’s Cause raises awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and directs all proceeds to the best medical and scientific research to find better treatments and a future cure. Those suffering with Duchenne lose usually lose the ability to walk between the ages of 8 and 12. Join our team in 2023 and run for the boys who have trouble running and walking. This is the 5th year in a row Michael’s Cause is a proud sponsor in the race. Runners will gain entry into the race. In addition you will receive the NY Road Runners online training program as well as Michael’s Cause running apparel. You will be required to raise $1000 by May 1, 2023, through social media and other donations.
In addition we will hold a raffle to help in your fundraising efforts. Clothing will be supplied to you by Michael's Cause to be worn on race day.
Please contact me at 917-443-5384 if you are interested in joining the 2022 marathon team.
Past events
2022 NYC Marathon
November 6, 2022
On November 6, 2022 Michaels Cause has 14 runners complete the race. Collectively over 60k was raised to help fund a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Michael's Cause - 5k Run & Walk
September 18, 2022
On September 18, 2022 Michael's Cause held the 10th annual Step for a Cure 5k run and walk. The event played host to over 2000 walkers and runners. Michael's Cause is now the 3rd leg of the Staten Island 5k race series. The event had a tremendous amount of support from sponsors and local schools.
The 7th Anual Summer Winestock
June 30, 2022
We kick off the summer with a fun filled event supporting Michael's Cause. Plenty of food and drinks to go around. Raffles, 50/50 and much more.
Leo completes the David Goggin challenge for Michael’s Cause
March 5-7, 2021
We would like to congratulate Leo Acquatico on the completion of the 2nd annual David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge. Leo successfully ran 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours totaling 48 miles!! He did this to help raise awareness for Michaels's Cause. In the process, he has now raised over $6,500. We want to thank all of you who have supported Leo on this unbelievable feat.
2019 TCS NYC Marathon
Sunday, November 3, 2019
The 2019 NYC Marathon had 10 runners. The runners that year were: Ralph Apraio, Robert Capolongo, Toniann Cianci, Nick Como, Vincent Como, Luis Delgado, Chis Rizzo, Maureen Rexer, Robert Russo and Eddie Scalzo. Thanks to the runners and supporters, our participation in the marathon allowed us to raise $43,102 for DMD!
8th Annual Step for a Cure Run and Walk
September, 2019
Blessed Sacrament Fundraiser
March 2019
Evening of Dreams Dinner Dance
March 2019
UFCW Tee Up for a Cure 7th annual Golf Outing Benefitting Michael’s Cause
April 29, 2019
On Monday April 29, 2019, the UFCW held the 7 th annual Tee Up for a Cure Golf outing benefitting Michael’s Cause. The outing was once again a complete sellout with 144 golfers. A beautiful dinner followed at the Richmond County Country Club. The 2 honorees, Joseph Lehane and Carlos Ferrandiz were humbled and appreciative of the honor. The outing raised over $50,000 for Michael’s Cause. Over the 7 years the outing has brought in over $200K to the foundation.
St. Charles Cheer Program Wreath Sale
December 2018
Michael’s Cause would like to thank the St. Charles Cheer Program for the annual Christmas wreath sale with the proceeds going to Michael's Cause. Over 500 were sold and $1000 will be directed to the best medical and scientific research. A big thanks to Beth Helm McGovern for organizing the event.
Angelina's 8th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
December 2018
On behalf of our family and Michael’s Cause we would like to thank Angelina’s Ristorante for allowing Michael to light the Christmas tree yesterday. We are truly humbled by your support. Thank you to all who donated we are truly humbled by the continued support.
Angelina Ristorante Annual Pumpkin Harvest
October 29, 2018
On October 29, 2018, Angelina’s Ristorante held their annual Pumpkin Harvest with donations going to Michael’s Cause. It was a fun filled day with rides, raffles and pumpkin painting as well as pony rides. Michael’s Cause collected $1124 in donations. A big thanks to the volunteers and the Malerba family for always supporting Michael’s Cause.
IS 75 Halloween Bake Sale
October 26, 2018
On October 26, 2018, IS 75 held their annual Halloween party in the gym. Each year Grace Como does an unbelievable bake sale with the proceeds going directly to Michael’s Cause. This year every item was sold and $240.50 was raised for Michael’s Cause.
Monsignor Farrell Football Bake Sale
September 2018
In September 2018 the entire Monsignor Farrell Football program consisting of the Freshman, JV and Varsity got together to host a bake sale with all of the proceeds going to Michael’s Cause. Awareness of Duchenne was raised and over $1000 was given to Michael’s Cause to help fund research.
Thank you to Anthony Garafola and the coaches players and all who purchased the delicious items.
2018 NYC Marathon for Michael's Cause
2018
We would like to thank the 7 runners , Dina Russo, Nicole O’Donnell, Kerry Wanglund, Phil Lopa, Kevin Berge, Jen Torino and Marissa Gigliotti, who trained so hard and completed the NYC Marathon on behalf of #michaelscause. Phil Lopa, Kevin Berge, Marissa Gigliotti, Jennifer Torino, Nicole O'Donnell, Dina Russo and Kery Wanglund. Your determination and drive led you help raise awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and raise funding to help save Michael's life. We also would like to thank all of you who supported the team. Together the team raised over $30,000 to help fund the best medical and scientific research to find better treatments and a cure in order to save Michael's life and the other boys affected with Duchenne!
7th Annual Step For A Cure 5k Run & Walk
2018
On behalf of our son Michael and Michael's Cause we would like to thank all of you for all of the support on Sunday at the 7th annual Michael's Cause Step for a Cure 5k run and walk.
This year Michael's Cause walked along side with Pietro's Fight to raise awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and direct all proceeds to the best possible research to find better treatments and a future cure. Over 1100 attended this event to show support for all of the boys suffering with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy! The event raised over $49,000 to help fund research!
We were proud to have the support of US Congressman Dan Donovan and newly elected Assemblyman Mike Reilly.
Our colors were presented by Troop 132. Beautiful renditions of our National Anthem were sung by Tatiana Santos and Sophia Orrico. Entertainment was provided by Partners In Sound.
We were truly humbled by the support we received from many of the High Schools, elementary and intermediate schools that participated some of which, included Monsignor Farrell, New Dorp, Notre Dame Academy, St. Joseph by the Sea, Tottenville as well IS7, IS34 and IS75 as well as teams from Our Lady Star of the Sea and St. Patrick's and the Seahawks for the Next Level football league and many others.
We thank the support of all of the event sponsors for the event, Bayridge Honda, Investors Bank, Stavros Niarchos, Titanium Construction, SI Honda, Quantum Facilities, UFCW Local 1D/2D. Vincent Fyfe of the UFCW presented Michael's Cause with a check in the amount of $75,000.
Our racing bib sponsor was the Richmond Country Savings Foundation. Our Water Bottle Sponsors were TeamLogic IT and Eltingville Florist. A big thank you to all of the mile marker sponsors and t shirt sponsors as well as food donations from numerous Staten Island restaurants and bakeries including Alfonso's Pastry Shoppe. Thank you to Pinot's Palette, Costco and Orange Theory.
Kreischer Mansion Concerts
August 2018
Michael’s Cause would like to thank Rick Risp Productions and Fenix Studios for allowing us to be part of a great day of music at The Kreischer Mansion. Much awareness was raised and over $1200 in donations received. A special thanks to Brian Sullivan the winner of the 50/50 raffle for donating the proceeds back to Michaels Cause.
UFCW Local 1D/2D 6th Annual Golf Outing
June 5, 2018
On June 5, 2018 Michael’s Cause was once again the recipient charity at the 6th annual UFCW golf outing held at the Richmond County Country Club. The outing was once again completely sold out with 144 golfers and over 200 at the dinner that followed. This year Tom Fandel of Allied Beverage group and Richie Klein of K & D Wine and Spirits were the honorees. With their support they helped raise over $75,000 for Michael’s Cause to help us fund research. A big thank you to Vincent Fyfe and George Orlando the local 1D/2D presidents and Antonio Coppola for running and organizing the outing. Most of all we would like to thank all who participated and donated that day.
DJ Got Me Fit
July 18, 2018
On July 18, 2018 the team at DJ Got Me Fit held a Fit Fest for Michael’s Cause. The night proved to be a great success with much awareness and over $800 raised for research. A big thanks to John Lamberti and the entire team at DJ Got Me Fit for the support to Michael and Michael’s Cause.
Winestock at Stonehouse Restaurant
June 28, 2018
On June 28, 2018 the Stonehouse Restaurant was the scene for the annual Winestock event benefitting Michael’s Cause. Several hundred were in attendance and much awareness and over $4,000 was raised to help us fund the best medical and scientific research. Thank you to restaurant owner Peter Botros for your continued support of our son Michael and Michael’s Cause!
Staten Island Yankees Fundraiser
June 23, 2018
On June 23, 2018, Michael’s Cause was at the Richmond County Ballpark for a fundraising event. Michael had the honor of throwing out the 1st pitch. Much awareness was raised and over $1100 in donations was received.
Tottenville HS Softball Fundraiser
June 22, 2018
On June 22, 2018 the Tottenville HS Baseball, Soccer, Lacrosse and Volleyball teams squared off in a softball game for Michael’s Cause. The kids played great and Michael had the chance to hit and field as well. A big thanks to Brian Fourman, Demetrois Haroitis, Ron Nathanson and Steve Caruso for organizing the event. Much awareness was raised as over $1,100 towards Michael’s Cause.
Long Island Muscle Car Show Fundraiser
April 22, 2018
A truly amazing day in Farmingdale at the Long Island Muscle car show. A lot of awareness about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy was raised and $6,392 was collected for #michaelscause. This funding will be directed in full to the best medical and scientific research to save Michael’s life and all the other boys affected by Duchenne. Thank you Steve Opalek for the continued support.
Tottenville HS Junior ROTC
March 14, 2018
On Wednesday March 14, the Tottenville HS Junior ROTC held an evening of skating at RollerJam to benefit Michael’s Cause. Several hundred students from Tottenville attended the event which was a great success with awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy raised!
2018 Dinner Dance
March 2018
Angelina's 2017 Christmas Tree Lighting
December 2017
We would like to thank the Malerba family from Angelina’s Ristorante for having our son Michael be a part of the annual Christmas tree lighting. Your support to our son and Michael’s Cause has been nothing short of remarkable. Thank you for helping us raise awareness of Duchenne and fund research. Merry Christmas Angelina's.
Christ Lutheran Church Halloween Haunted House Fundraiser
October 2017
We would like to thank Karen Spreen and the children's youth group of Christ Lutheran Church in Great Kills for their unbelievable haunted house fundraiser they hosted. Over $1400 in donations was collected for Michael's Cause! We are truly humbled by your support!
Joyce's Tavern Fundraiser
October 22, 2017
On Sunday October 22, 2017, a day filled with awareness was held at Joyce’s Tavern on Staten Island. The O’Toole family welcomed Michael’s Cause to their tavern as part of their giveback Sunday’s to local charities. Joyce’s has taken against the NFL and players kneeling during the national anthem. They vowed not to show the NFL games on Sunday’s and instead would use the day to give back to charities. A special thanks to Raul Fuentes and Tom Michetti for their performance and volunteering their time to sing for Michael. At the end of the day over $900 was raised and much awareness of spread. Thank you to the O’Toole family!
IS 75 Halloween Bake Sale
October 2017
A special thanks goes out to Grace, Jenna and Vincent Como for running a bake sale at the IS 75 Halloween party. The Como family continues to support Michael and Michael’s Cause by hosting different events throughout the year. This event raised awareness and over $252 for Michael’s Cause. They have raised thousands of dollars hosting bake sales over the past 6 years! Thank you to the Como’s!
911 Flag Football League
October 2017
We would like to thank Rich Milo, Mike Fidanza and everyone at the 911 Flag Football league on Staten Island for the Michael's Cause Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy awareness weekend at all of the fields. We were able to spread much awareness of this dreaded disease and collected over $3100 in donations from the players, parents and spectators. Thank you 911FFl for helping us save Michael's life and the other boys affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy!
Italian Cars and Cannoli Car Club Fundraiser
September 23, 2017
We would like to thank Matteo Ligotti and the Italian Cars and Cannoli Car Club for donating $2,000 to #michaelscause helping us to fund research and find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Stonehouse Restaurant BBQ Fundraiser
August 10, 2017
On August 10, 2017, the Stonehouse Restaurant at Clove Lakes Park hosted it’s 2nd annual BBQ Festival for Michael’s Cause. Over 300 guests attended the event. The event was covered by NY1 and the Staten Island Advance. Much awareness and $6,000 towards funding was raised. Thank you to Peter Botros and everyone at the Stonehouse for the support!
PS3 Blue Heron's Duchenne Awareness Day & Tree Planting
June 22, 2017
On June 22, the PS 3 Blue Herons held a Michael’s Cause Duchenne Awareness Day and tree planting. Children purchased Michael’s Cause tote bags to help support the cause and help fund research. $2000 was collected by the student body. Michael’s 5th grade class along with principal Elmer Meyers planted a beautiful tree which was donated by Umberto’s Nursery to symbolize growth and health in an effort to show how they supported Michael’s Cause and our efforts to fund scientific and medical research. We would like to thank Principal Meyers, the PTA, Students, Staff and families who have helped raise awareness and funding for research.
Pinot’s Palette Painting for a Cause Event
June 23, 2017
On June 23, 2017, Michael’s Cause held it’s 1st annual Painting for a Cause event at Pinot’s Palette on Staten Island. Sixty-five Painters were in attendance and proceeded to paint for Michael’s Cause to help raise awareness and funding for research. Over $4,000 was raised at the event.
Miss Caroline's Dance Elite - Dance Recital
June 24-25, 2017
Miss Caroline’s held its annual dance recital on June 24 and June 25 with 5 beautiful shows. They once again selected Michael’s Cause as the recipient charity for the event. This gave Michael’s Cause an opportunity to raise awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and raise over $2600 for the weekend in donations and raffles. Thank you Caroline Orlando and Duke Spellacy and the entire family at Miss Caroline’s for the support!
Long Island Muscle Car Show
June 25, 2017
On June 25, 2017, the annual Long Island Muscle Car show was held at Hooters in Farmingdale, NY. Hundreds of beautiful cars were displayed. Raffles and donations totaled $3100 to Michael’s Cause to help fund research to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. A big thanks to Steve Opalek for once again organizing the event.
Crossfit 103 Fundraiser
February 2017
We would like to thank Crossfit103 gym for selecting Michael's Cause as their charity for the month of February. Today they presented Michael's Cause with a check for $529 from donations received. Thank you Gil, Chris and Sal for thinking of Michael in his battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy!
Angelina’s Ristorante Italian Car Show
April 2017
We want to thank Angelina's Ristorante for supporting Michael's Cause at the Italian Car Show on Sunday. We completely sold out the box board for the Vespa Scooter in 4 hours. Thank you to Matt Ligotti for organizing the show and to everyone at Angelina's for a great day of awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
St. Joseph by the Sea Lacrosse Fundraiser
April 25, 2017
We want to thank Victoria Lomagno and the St. Joseph by the Sea varsity lacrosse team for the fundraiser for Michael's Cause tonight. We had a great turnout despite the rain. There were raffles and a great bake sale as part of the night. Congrats to St. Joseph by the Sea in winning the game and raising awareness and funding for Michael's Cause.
UFCW Local1d/2d Annual Golf Outing
April 2017
We would like to thank UFCW Local 1D/2D for supporting Michael's Cause at the 5th annual Tee up for a Cure golf outing at the Ricmond County Country Club on Monday!! Vincent Fyfe, George Orlando, Frank Cognetta, Vincent and Sal D'Acunto thank you for supporting us each year!! A special thank you to Antonio Coppola for organizing and running this outing each year. Congratulations to this year's honorees Don Leone and Isaac Marten. In the past 5 years $100,000 has been directed to Michaels Cause for research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Your continued support will lead us to better treatments and a future cure for this disease in time to save Michael and the other boys affected by Duchenne.
2017 Evening of Hope Dinner Dance
April 2017
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended and participated in the 6th annual Michael's Cause Evening of Hope Dinner Dance this past Saturday at the Hilton Garden Inn. We are overwhelmed by the support from the 740 guests who attended the event! The love for our son was overwhelming to say the least! Your dedication to Michael's Cause will lead to better treatments and a future cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy! Thanks to all of you Michael's Cause has successfully funded over $1 million dollars towards the best medical and scientific research!
Our mission was and will always be to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in time to save Michael and all of the other boys that share this devastating disease!
A big thank you to the Michael's Cause committee and Board of Ambassadors and volunteers for making this night a complete success!
We are extremely humbled by the support that you have shown us over the past six years. Your love and dedication to our family truly helps us get through each day! We will continue to fight for Michael and all of the boys with Duchenne!