A Night of Generosity and Community:
On September 26th, Italianissimo Restaurant, South Beach hosted The 26th Annual Christopher Whitehouse Foundation Fundraiser Dinner for over 100 donors and supporters. The evening was a heartwarming success, filled with connection, celebration, and purpose.
Guests were welcomed at 6:00 PM for mingling and snacks before being seated for a delicious dinner at 7:00 PM. Our supporters are special people. Amid the laughter and conversation, their evident commitment to making a difference in students’ lives, was part of their interactions.
Since its founding in 1999, the Foundation has worked to honor Christopher Whitehouse’s legacy by providing grants that open doors to education for students in need. This year alone, more than 150 grants were awarded—nearly double a typical year—demonstrating just how vital its community support is.
Speaker Highlights of the Night:
Heartfelt memories shared by Christopher’s friend and foundation treasurer, Joey Marotta, recalled Chris’s character and values. Later, Chris’s favorite high school math teacher Greg DiStefano spoke fondly of Chris as always uplifting, and adding humorously, “ if not the best math student.”
Impact:
A moving account was offered by Mary Anne Seery, a family friend of one of this year’s grant recipients. In this case a foundation grant literally allowed this college student to continue her studies. This gift underscored how life-changing the foundation often can be.
Honoring:
For every year of the foundation’s existence, Pam Olson, Christopher’s aunt, generously created quilts as raffle gifts for the fundraiser. A video prepared by her son Michael and his wife Nikki showcased Pam’s sewing machine and her beautiful work. In celebration of her 80th birthday, Pam retired from quilt-making—leaving a legacy of love and dedication.
Remembering:
Suzanne Poplin, the night’s featured speaker, shared poignant memories of Jack Minogue, who passed away this year. Jack was a close friend of Foundation president Peter Whitehouse and Suzanne. He was a steadfast supporter of the CWF and helped amplify the Foundation’s mission through numerous articles he wrote for the Staten Island Advance. Suzanne’s presentation was a master work in oral journalism, heart rending, loving and penetrating.
Gratitude:
Foundation President Peter Whitehouse spoke of other foundation supporters that were recently lost, including George Kochman, George Kaplan, and Frank Minero MD. Peter’s childhood best friend Frank was recalled as a lifelong inspiration. After relocating to the west coast and beginning a career in child psychiatry, Frank and Peter stayed in contact, enjoyed trips to Europe and often talked about the problems of young people.” I often said Frank and I were a kind of bi-coastal team where he took care of the kids emotionally and I financially”. In closing Peter thanked attendees for their kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment, and reminded them that the foundation is their handiwork and their shinning achievement.
Raffles
At the end of the night, guests enjoyed raffle prizes and the satisfaction of giving back, together.
