FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2026
CONTACT: Lou Chiera
Chiera Family Foundation
954-480-8809 ext. 1021
info@chierafamilyfoundation.org
Diane Diamantis
WordWork PR
561-212-2684
Dropbox link – Images of kids enjoying N.I.C.K.’s Camp:
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Chiera Family Foundation to host 33rd Annual Fundraiser to help Kids
and Young Adults Battling Cancer; Studio 54 Gala Scheduled
for May 17th, Golf Classic May 18th
BOCA RATON, FL – The shimmer of disco lights and sequins will set the stage for an unforgettable evening as The Chiera Family Foundation hosts a purpose-driven, Studio 54–inspired Gala Dinner and Auction on May 17 to benefit kids battling cancer. The 33rd annual N.I.C.K.’s (Nothing is Impossible for Cancer Kids) fundraiser will provide summer camp attendance and college scholarships for youth who are fighting this horrible disease.
The Dinner/Auction will be held at Broken Sound Country Club in Boca Raton, and will be followed the next day by the organization’s signature Golf Classic on May 18th at The Old Course at Broken Sound. Gala and golf tickets plus more information may be found at https://chierafamilyfoundation.org/events/.
Guests attending the dinner auction will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and silent auction browsing beginning at 4:30 p.m. A sit-down dinner with presentations follows at 5:30pm, with the event topped off at 7:00pm by an exciting live auction to raise funds to send children to summer camp. “Studio 54 glam” attire is requested, including bell bottoms, platform shoes and sequins.
Each year, an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents worldwide are diagnosed with cancer, with 15,000-16,000 diagnosed in the U.S. annually. Despite advances in treatments and survival rates, cancer continues to be the leading cause of death for children and teens.
To date, The Chiera Family Foundation has raised over $5.4 million for the cause, including sending over 4000 children to summer camp and over 60 to college through scholarships. The organization plans to sponsor 7 scholarships in 2026 and send 125 children to Camp Boggy Creek this summer.
Lou Chiera, Board Member and Trustee of the Chiera Family Foundation, stated, “What started as a tribute to our father who passed away from cancer has now turned into one of the largest fundraisers helping kids who are battling cancer. 100 percent of what we raise goes directly to sending kids to camp and when they get better, to college.”
The proceeds from the evening will directly support the foundation’s four programs: N.I.C.K.’s Camp at Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, FL, N.I.C.K.’s Scholarships, N.I.C.K.’s Golf and N.I.C.K.’s Ice Skating, programs that bring joy to children with cancer, their siblings and their families.
Individual tickets for the “Studio 54 Gala” are priced at $300 with tables starting at $2,800. The organization is seeking sponsors for the fundraiser, the Golf Classic, and also scholarship sponsors. Registration, tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at: https://www.chierafamilyfoundation.org/events.
This year’s sponsor list includes Presenting Sponsor Blue Stream Fiber, along with other organizations including Big Red2 Foundation, Carousel Development and Restoration Inc., NewEdge Wealth, Keyes Coverage, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Marvin Rubin Trust, The Bomar Foundation, Rubin Obstgarten Family Foundation, Frances Jingoli, Pence Financial Group, Winner’s Award Group, The Florida Panthers, Topgolf, Trifecta Wealth Management of Raymond James, and InspereX.
About The Chiera Family Foundation
The Chiera Family Foundation began as a tribute to the family’s patriarch Nick Chiera who passed away from cancer. The organization’s annual event has since evolved into one of the area’s largest fundraisers for children who battle cancer.
Each summer, the foundation helps send over 100 kids to experience N.I.C.K.’s Camp at Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, Florida while N.I.C.K.’s Scholarships offer young adults a chance to attend the college of their choice. The foundation also offers a program through The First Tee of Broward to teach kids who are undergoing chemotherapy how to golf. Through a generous grant from The Florida Panthers Foundation, the foundation offers N.I.C.K.’s Ice Skating. Taking place at the Panthers IceDen, kids fighting cancer and their siblings learn to ice skate.
For more information about the Chiera Family Foundation, please call 954-480-8809 or visit https://www.chierafamilyfoundation.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2026
CONTACT: Lou Chiera
Chiera Family Foundation
954-480-8809 ext. 1021
info@chierafamilyfoundation.org
Diane Diamantis
WordWork PR
ddiamantis@wordworkpr.com
561-212-2684
Golf and Ice Skating Lessons Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/yukua0asu75vr0grpv4u0/ADdB_vKtIhNqRSmjVysxf-w?rlkey=s52v07ds796pvju8vhttrrhrx&st=98j55f1t&dl=0
Chiera Family Foundation’s N.I.C.K.’s Golf and Ice Skating Programs
Create Fun for Kids Battling Cancer
COCONUT CREEK, FL – Four times a year, children and youth who suffer from cancer have an opportunity for sports fun through The Chiera Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises money for kids with cancer. Named after Nick Chiera, the N.I.C.K.’s (Nothing’s Impossible for Cancer Kids) Golf and N.I.C.K.’s Ice Skating programs are offered in spring and fall to bring joy to the children battling this horrible disease. When kids are undergoing cancer treatments, often the siblings and friends get left out for months at a time. Both N.I.C.K.’s Golf and N.I.C.K.’s Ice Skating give them an opportunity to just have fun.
N.I.C.K.’s Golf is a learn-to-golf program sponsored by The Chiera Family Foundation in conjunction with Topgolf and The First Tee of Broward. The program provides a chance for children undergoing chemotherapy to learn to golf as well as other important character-building and life skills. Topgolf not only donates the golf bays but also provides a wonderful breakfast for the kids, their friends, and family members. The cancer patient’s siblings and friends can join them for the four-week golf sessions. The Chiera Family Foundation recently hosted 14 children during the Spring 2026 N.I.C.K.’s Golf program, and has been offering the golf lessons for nine years.
N.I.C.K.’s Ice Skating is another program that is offered in the spring and fall. Ice skating lessons are held at the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs. The six-week learn-to-skate program is made possible in part by a generous grant from The Florida Panthers Foundation. This year marks the sixth year of the program which provides skating lessons from professional figure skaters. The oncology patient’s siblings are also invited to the skating program.
Celebrating its 33rd year, The Chiera Family Foundation began as a tribute to the family’s father, Nicholas Chiera, who passed away from cancer 37 years ago. In addition to the golf and ice skating lessons, N.I.C.K.’s provides college scholarships for young adults who have beaten cancer, and helps send kids battling cancer to summer camp.
This year, the Foundation’s signature fundraising event will be taking place on May 17th at the Broken Sound Country Club in Boca Raton, FL. The “Studio 54 Gala” dinner auction will be followed by the foundation’s annual golf tournament the next day at The Old Course at Broken Sound. Tickets for both events are available at https://www.chierafamilyfoundation.org/events.
For more information on how to help kids and young adults who are battling cancer, visit www.chierafamilyfoundation.org or call 954-480-8809, ext. 20 or 21.
Chiera Foundation raises over $275K for children with cancer
Hello everyone, I wanted to make sure all of you were able to read the article on our foundation.( see link below). The first link we sent may have asked for a subscription, so you may not have been able to read it. Mike, thanks again for your wonderful donation. You’ll also see the USA Jersey you donated in the article.
Please remember to save the Date for next year’s event at Broken Sound Club on April 28th with Golf at The Old Course on April 29th, 2024.
Thanks again for making such a difference in so many kids lives.
We could not accomplish what we do without your continued support and generosity.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2023
CONTACT: Lou Chiera
Chiera Family Foundation
954-480-8809 ext. 1021
info@chierafamilyfoundation.org
Diane Diamantis
WordWork PR
561-212-2684
KIDS BATTLING CANCER ENJOY N.I.C.K.’s ‘LEARN TO SKATE’ PROGRAM THROUGH A GRANT FROM THE FLORIDA PANTHERS FOUNDATION
CORAL SPRINGS, FL – Children undergoing chemotherapy for cancer recently enjoyed a fun time learning to ice skate courtesy of The Chiera Family Foundation. Located in Coconut Creek, FL, The Chiera Family Foundation is one of the largest fundraising organizations to support children who have cancer, through its summer camp, golf, ice skating, and scholarship programs.
The Learn to Skate Program is offered by the Foundation through a generous grant by the Florida Panthers Foundation. Children with cancer, their siblings and friends can learn to skate between hospital stays or visits.
“We are thrilled that the Florida Panthers Foundation was able to provide a donation to The Chiera Family Foundation to help make an impact by supporting kids and families battling cancer." said VP of Florida Panthers Foundation & Community Relations John Colombo. “To know that our support is helping children who face so much in their lives learn to ice skate and have fun with their friends and family while they are undergoing treatments is so rewarding. Hosting these kids at the Panthers IceDen to enjoy this positive experience is truly special.”
The Program was held June 3rd and June 10th at the Florida Panthers Ice Den, 3299 Sportsplex Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33063. Attendees included 22 children and five adults. Skaters received N.I.C.K.’s Ice Skating sweatshirts and their skate rentals. Coaching was provided by the Ice Den. The second session closed with a pizza party.
Celebrating its 30th year, The Chiera Family Foundation began as a tribute to the family’s father, Nicholas Chiera, who passed away from cancer almost 30 years ago. N.I.C.K.’s, which stands for Nothing is Impossible for Cancer Kids, provides college scholarships for young adults who have beaten cancer, and helps send kids battling cancer to summer camp. Through The First Tee of Broward, the Foundation is also teaching kids life lessons and how to golf.
For more information about the Chiera Family Foundation, please visit: https://www.chierafamilyfoundation.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2023
CONTACT: Lou Chiera
Chiera Family Foundation
954-480-8809 ext. 1021
info@chierafamilyfoundation.org
Diane Diamantis
WordWork PR
561-212-2684
Dropbox Link to Photos and Caption page:
https://bit.ly/Chiera30thAnniversaryGala
Chiera Family Foundation Raises over $275,000 for Kids Battling Cancer at
30 Year Anniversary Gala and Golf Classic
BOCA RATON, FL – Enjoying its first in-person event since before COVID-19, The Chiera Family Foundation hosted its 30th Anniversary Gala fundraiser and Golf Classic on April 23 and April 24, 2023. Over $275,000 was raised over the two days to help children fighting cancer attend summer camp and college.
The Gala, held at The Polo Club of Boca Raton, was well attended by over 350 guests who enjoyed the anniversary theme with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions. Special honored guest for the evening was Ron Assaf, former CEO of Sensormatic Electronics Corporation. Mr. Assaf helped The Chiera Family Foundation get started and was the original presenting sponsor for the Foundation’s fundraising events. Gold medalist and Olympic record holder Bob Beamon was also in attendance. Over 20 children and family members who have benefited from camp and college scholarships through the Chiera Family Foundation enjoyed the gala as well.
The Foundation’s signature Golf Classic tournament was held at Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club. 110 golfers enjoyed the challenge, prizes and camaraderie.
A former camper, counselor, and college scholarship recipient Megan Casabe kicked off the evening by recapping her experience with Chiera Family Foundation. Megan is now a social worker who helps families and children who have the same type of cancer that she had.
Proceeds from the 30th Anniversary Gala will help The Chiera Family Foundation send 150 children fighting cancer to summer camp at Camp Boggy Creek this July, and fund three more N.I.C.K.’s (Nothing is Impossible for Cancer Kids) college scholarships for young adults to attend the college of their choice. The Foundation has been active this year, completing two N.I.C.K.’s golf sessions through the First Tee of Broward for kids undergoing chemotherapy. Two N.I.C.K.’s Ice Skating programs have been scheduled for June 3rd and 10th through a grant from the Florida Panthers Ice Hockey team.
The Chiera Family Foundation began as a tribute to the family’s patriarch Nick Chiera who passed away from cancer. The organization’s annual event has since evolved into one of the area’s largest fundraisers for children and young adults who battle cancer.
This year’s sponsor list includes longtime sponsor The Rubin Family Foundation as well as other foundations and companies including The Bomar Foundation, Carousel Development Corporation, Nancy Schroeder, The Notice Family, Winner’s Award Group, The Florida Panther’s Foundation, Bacardi USA, Apogee Commemoratives, J. Charles Crystal Works, The Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, The Coral Springs Rotary, The Big Red Foundation and Minuteman Press of Coral Springs.
For more information about the Chiera Family Foundation, please visit: https://www.chierafamilyfoundation.org.
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Click Here to Download the 2019 Post-Event Press Release
Chiera Family Foundation’s N.I.C.K.’s Fiesta Gala and Golf Tournament Raises $275,000 for Children with Cancer
BOCA RATON, FL – Piñatas, sombreros, maracas, a Mariachi band and 380 guests attending in Mexican-inspired ponchos and colorful attire made for a festive night for N.I.C.K.’s Fiesta, The Chiera Family Foundation’s annual fundraiser held at the Polo Club of Boca Raton on May 5, 2019. The gala was followed by the non-profit’s annual Golf Classic held at the Old Course at Broken Sound on May 6 where 120 golfers enjoyed the day and some friendly competition.
The 26th annual gala was supported by sponsors and attendees who participated with their presence and hearts to support The Chiera Family Foundation’s mission of providing summer camp attendance and college scholarships to children and youth who are battling cancer.
The Chiera Family Foundation began as a tribute to the family’s patriarch Nick Chiera who passed away from cancer. The organization’s annual event has since evolved into one of the area’s largest fundraisers for children who battle cancer. The proceeds from the evening will directly support the foundation’s four programs: N.I.C.K.’s (Nothing is Impossible for Cancer Kids) Camp where the foundation sends 150 kids to N.I.C.K.’s Camp at Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, Florida, N.I.C.K.’s Scholarships for young adults to attend college, N.I.C.K.’s Golf, lessons through The First Tee of Broward to teach kids who are undergoing chemotherapy how to golf, and Nick’s Ice Skating funded through a grant from The Florida Panthers Foundation.
The evening was dedicated to the late Don Weidenfeld, a former Board Member and Trustee of the Chiera Family Foundation. Don’s son Justin Weidenfeld spoke and presented a check to the Chiera Family Foundation for $10,400 raised through his fraternity at the University of Florida. The Chiera Family Foundation awarded the first Don Weidenfeld Memorial Scholarship to Lauren Bendesky who is graduating this year from Washington University and will attend medical school next year.
Channing Ramsey, a former N.I.C.K.’s camper who is now a camp counselor, spoke and also sang for the crowd. Channing was awarded a scholarship in honor of Mike and Marie Bianchini.
With the proceeds from N.I.C.K.’s Fiesta, The Chiera Family Foundation has now raised over $4 million to date for the cause. Over its 26-year existence, the foundation through its supporters has helped send 3,800 kids battling cancer to summer camp, provided over 32 college scholarships, sent over 80 children to N.I.C.K.’s Golf program and 12 to N.I.C.K.’s Ice Skating.
Event sponsors included Presenting Sponsor KSM Electronics as well as other foundations and companies including Summit Brokerage, The Bomar Foundation, The Rubin Family Foundation, Carousel Development Corporation, USI Insurance, Nancy Schroeder, Winner’s Award Group, Institute of Career Development, The Florida Panther’s Foundation, and Bacardi USA.
For more information about the Chiera Family Foundation, please call 954-480-8809 or visit www.chierafamilyfoundation.org,
# # #
Media Contact:
Diane Diamantis
WordWork Writing & Public Relations
561-487-9526
561-212-2684 cell
Chiera Family Foundation’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration Scheduled for May 5th; Fiesta and Golf Classic Fundraiser to help Kids and Young Adults Battling Cancer
BOCA RATON, FL – Celebrating its 26th-year, the Chiera Family Foundation will be chipping, dipping and margarita sipping at The Polo Club of Boca Raton on May 5th. The organization is holding a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta fundraiser to help kids fighting cancer attend summer camp and college. The event’s signature golf tournament will take place the following day at The Old Course at Broken Sound Club.
Guests attending on May 5 will enjoy a real Fiesta starting at 4:30 p.m. followed by a sit-down dinner with entertainment provided by a live Mariachi Band. Silent and live auction items will also be available for bid.
The Chiera Family Foundation began as a tribute to the family’s patriarch Nick Chiera who passed away from cancer. The organization’s annual event has since evolved into one of the area’s largest fundraisers for children who battle cancer. The proceeds from the evening will directly support the foundation’s three programs: N.I.C.K.’s (Nothing is Impossible for Cancer Kids) Camp, N.I.C.K.’s Scholarships and N.I.C.K.’s Golf. Each summer, the foundation sends 150 kids to experience N.I.C.K.’s Camp at Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, Florida while N.I.C.K.’s Scholarships offers young adults a chance to attend the college of their choice. The foundation also offers a program to teach kids who are undergoing chemotherapy how to golf through The First Tee of Broward. In March of this year through a generous grant from The Florida Panthers Foundation, a new program was also started called N.I.C.K.’s Ice Skating. Taking place at the Panther’s IceDen, kids fighting cancer and their siblings are learning to ice skate.
“Seeing all of these children have fun like other kids and eventually beat cancer has been so rewarding,” said Louis Chiera, foundation board member and trustee. “As a result of the legacy of N.I.C.K.’s programs, we are now seeing our original campers and scholarship recipients graduating as doctors and social workers. Those same children we helped are now helping kids who are battling the same cancer they once had – it blows you away to see how this has come full circle.”
This year’s sponsor list includes longtime presenting sponsor KSM Electronics as well as other foundations and companies including Summit Brokerage, The Bomar Foundation, The Rubin Family Foundation, Carousel Development Corporation, USI Insurance, Nancy Schroeder, Winner’s Award Group, Institute of Career Development, The Florida Panther’s Foundation, and Bacardi USA.
Individual tickets are priced at $250 with tables starting at $2,250. For more information or to purchase tickets to N.I.C.K.’s Fiesta, please visit: https://www.chierafamilyfoundation.org/events/.
Click Here to Download the CFF Post Event Release
Florida Panthers Foundation to Award South Florida
Non-Profit $25,000 during NHL Game
Local childhood cancer survivor, Megan Hamerdinger Casabe, to be interviewed COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – The Florida Panthers Foundation will highlight their new, generous partnership with the Chiera Family Foundation at their home game on Wednesday, November 28th against the Anaheim Ducks. During an in game presentation, representatives from the Chiera Family Foundation and the children they support, will be presented with a $25,000 check from The Florida Panthers Foundation through their Community Champions Grant Program.
For more than 25 years, the Chiera Family Foundation has been helping kids battling this horrible disease. During that timeframe, they have helped send thousands of kids to a very special sleep away summer camp as well as help send over 60 young adults who have beaten cancer to college.COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – The Florida Panthers Foundation will highlight their new, generous partnership with the Chiera Family Foundation at their home game on Wednesday, November 28th against the Anaheim Ducks. During an in game presentation, representatives from the Chiera Family Foundation and the children they support, will be presented with a $25,000 check from The Florida Panthers Foundation through their Community Champions Grant Program.
An interview with childhood cancer survivor, Megan Hamerdinger Casabe, will be aired in-game and will recognize the great work the Chiera Family Foundation organization is doing in our South Florida community.
Megan was diagnosed with leukemia in 1995 and went to the camp from 1997-2004. She returned to serve as a camp counselor, and as a Chiera scholarship recipient, she earned her undergraduate and master’s degree in social work from FAU. Today, Megan’s journey has come full circle where she is able to help kids and families dealing with the same disease she once faced.
The Chiera Family Foundation is a Coconut Creek based non-profit organization that began as a tribute to the patriarch of the family, Nicholas Chiera who passed away from cancer. Today the foundation has turned into one of the largest fundraising efforts for many kids and young adults battling cancer across South Florida.
The three programs funded by their foundation are called N.I.C.K.’s CAMP, N.I.C.K.’s Scholarships, and N.I.C.K.’s Golf. The acronym N.I.C.K., stands for Nothing is Impossible for Cancer Kids and helps send over 150 kids to summer camp and five young adults to college. Their latest program, N.I.C.K.’s Golf takes children who are undergoing chemotherapy at Joe DiMaggio’s children’s hospital and gives them something to look forward to through a nine-week learn to golf program through the First Tee of Broward.
Club level and lower bowl level seats are also on sale for this game with a portion of the proceeds going towards their foundation. To purchase those tickets and for more on the Chiera Family Foundation, visit ChieraFamilyFoundation.org.
Community Champions/Grant Recipients
The Community Champions Grant Program allows charitable organizations throughout South Florida to request financial support for their programs and initiatives. Through this grant program, Panthers ownership has committed $5 million over 5 years to the local community. At each of the 41 home games throughout the season, the Foundation will recognize and award one grant for up to $25,000 to a local organization. To learn more or apply for a grant, please visit FloridaPanthers.com/GrantApplication.