October 13, 2021

Dear Friends, Family, Past & Future Supporters,

Here we are, more than a year and a half since the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic. I don’t think that any of us thought that it would still be having the impact that it is at this point.

Last year we were not able to hold our 7th Annual Sinderella’s Ball at the Stone Pony. We held a virtual event thanks to Strumberry Pie and were still able to raise a significant amount of money for the Joan Dancy & PALS (People With ALS) Foundation which brought the total amount of money raised over the last 7 years to over $700,000.

Unfortunately, due to the uncertainties around COVID 19, we have decided that we will not hold an in-person event this year.

With that said, those living through the nightmare of ALS still need our help. They still need equipment, assistance and support. The pandemic has not lessened their needs. In fact, it has increased the needs of PALS. This year alone, 29 PALS within the Joan Dancy family lost their battle with ALS.

Today, October 13th, marks 4 years since my wife Sindy lost her 7-year battle with ALS. It’s as fresh as it was then and only makes me feel stronger about the need to help support the Foundation.

This year’s campaign is very special as we are remembering Danny Mellaci. On February 4, 2021, Danny, 30 years old, lost his battle with ALS. Danny was a Firefighter and EMT in several Townships of Monmouth County, a Tele-Communications Operator for the Monmouth County Sheriff's Department, and a Fire Investigator for the Manasquan Fire District. Danny was a loving husband, son, brother, grandson and friend. You could always find him at a Giants tailgate, watching the Yankees, enjoying a day in the ocean, sitting by a fire, or tasting a craft beer or fine bourbon. Danny was a fighter; he bravely faced his diagnosis of ALS and chose to live every moment to its fullest. Danny chose to do so much good with his life. In his final hours, he continued to do so by being an organ donor and giving the gift of life to save others. Danny leaves behind a legacy of love.

The fundraising efforts are something that my family and I are incredibly proud of, and we are thankful to all of you who helped make it happen. Your individual effort and energy is what has made Sinderella's Ball so successful in the past - and for that we are eternally grateful.

Please know that we still fervently believe in the cause and we will continue to do what we can to support Joan Dancy and PALS. I ask each of you, if you are able, to do the same by making a donation - no matter how big or small it may be, so that we can continue to help assist the PALS and their families.

We can only hope that, in the not too distant future, scientists around the world will develop a treatment and/or cure for ALS. Until then, all we can do is remind ourselves to Always Live Smiling.

To make your donation today, click the link on this page and review the site to learn more about our mission.

Thank you in advance for anything you are able to do!

Best Regards,
Louis Weiner