Wantagh Charity Honors Jill Nicolini at Casino-Themed Fundraiser

The Wantagh-based hosted its ninth Annual Casino Royal fundraiser last Thursday at Woodbury Country Club in efforts to raise money for the 2011 Back to School Program.

PIX Morning News anchor Jill Nicolini was honored at the annual fundraising event for her support of the foundation, which was established 19 years ago, after founder, Theissen, overcame a long bout with a brain tumor. Since his initial recovery, which still remains a constant battle, Theissen has made it his mission to help sick and underprivileged children all across Long Island.

The Back to School Program benefits children of all ages whose families cannot afford school supplies and clothing. Theissen stressed the importance of Thursday night's event and this particular program.

"We've had kids who told us they were too embarrassed to go back to school with old clothes or without new supplies," said Theissen.

Volunteers at the fundraiser collected additional donations of $149 to sponsor a child and provide them with all the necessities to head back to school in the fall.

At Thursday's event, Theissen and his colleagues recognized the support of Nicolini and invited her to join their team as a member of the foundation's Board of Directors.

"When we honor people, it is not only the support that they bring to our foundation," said Theissen."Jill is very involved with different animal shelters, and every time we have an event she lends a hand and her support to us."

Nicolini, a Long Island native who now resides in Whitestone, Queens, has been working with the John Theissen Children's Foundation for seven years.

"I met John when I was working for the New York Islanders," she explained. "He became a great friend, and I have been coming to all of his events religiously for the past seven years. I always try to help him because it's such a great cause. It was so sweet of him to honor me."

Theissen presented his guest of honor with a bouquet of flowers and a plaque to express his appreciation.

"We present this to you in grateful appreciation of your endless love and support for sick and underprivileged children," he said. "Thank you for making a difference."

Theissen also thanked longtime sponsor Local 338 who could not be in attendance, and The Whalen Foundation, who stepped up to a platinum sponsorship when they heard funding was a little low.

In recent months, Theissen's Family Fun Center was in danger of closing due to a lack of donations. The foundation's last December shed light upon the situation, raising thousands of dollars for the charity, but the fight was not over.

This past Saturday, Roberto Friedlander presented Theissen with a check of $150,000 on behalf of Lazard Capital Markets. Friedlander is a long time friend of the Alini family, who has worked with Theissen for over two years now since their son Danny was diagnosed with cancer.

"That check helped save the Theissen Foundation," said Tommy Alini, Danny's father, who feels truly blessed to have the foundation's support in this time.

John Theissen Children's Foundation has several upcoming events that will be raising money for their Back to School Program as well.

On May 22, the foundation will host Strides for Students, a  starting at Gerard R. Claps Career & Technical Center in Levittown. On June 4, a MacArthur High School graduate and friend of Theissen's will be running 100 miles from the Family Fun Center to Montauk in support of the foundation's 2011 program.

To make a monetary donation checks can be sent to: John Theissen Children's Foundation 1881 Wantagh Ave. Wantagh, NY, or you can donate online.