Purpose & Impact Report 2025
The Mission
The Sinderella’s Ball Team began its journey in 2014, three and a half years after our hero, Sindy Weiner, was diagnosed with ALS. Since then, we have held annual events to raise money for the Joan Dancy and pALS Foundation (“Foundation”). Our first three events were held at the Wonder Bar, in Asbury Park, NJ. In 2017, we moved to the Stone Pony to accommodate more supporters. To date, we have raised over $1,000,000 for the
Foundation.
All the money raised through Sinderella’s Ball is directly donated to the Foundation. The Foundation is proud to announce that 96 cents of every dollar received is utilized for patient services. The stories we hear from ALS-affected families about the benefits these resources offer inspire us and our supporters to continue our efforts to alleviate the immense struggle and burden of this incurable disease.
The Foundation’s mission is to provide services and programs that support ALS patients and their families in local communities. These programs aim to enhance the quality of life for patients with ALS, considering their unique circumstances. The Foundation offers various assistance, including loans of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), communication and speech-generating devices, and resources for in-home care, home modifications, and social services. As a registered 501(c)(3) charity, the Foundation also has an approved New Jersey Charity Registration.
ALS FACTS: A HARD - HITTING DISEASE
What is ALS?
ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease, affects nerve cells in both the spinal cord and brain. This causes motor neurons to degenerate and eventually die, leading to muscle paralysis.
What causes ALS?
There is currently no known cause for the disease.
Is ALS a rare disease?
It is more common than you might expect. About 6,000 people in the US are diagnosed with ALS each year and it is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time. In fact, ALS is as common as multiple sclerosis.
Can ALS be cured?
Currently, there is no known cure. However, because of advances in research and medical care, many ALS patients are living longer, more productive lives.
The Founder: Terry Magovern (1940-2007)
In 2005, Terry McGovern founded the Joan Dancy & pALS Foundation in memory of his fiancé Joan Dancy, who lost her battle with ALS. One of Joan and Terry’s frustrations was that there was no organization that could help those patients with ALS obtain direct assistance with wheelchair access to their homes, lowering cabinets, accessible vehicles and ramps while making life easier for those suffering with this disease. When Terry unexpectedly passed away on July 30, 2007, his son, Sean took over the reigns as the Executive Director of the Foundation, to continue his father’s legacy of loyalty and love, and to provide a better quality of life for ALS patients and their families.
WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP
The impact of this support is a lifeline of hope to those fighting a heroic battle against this awful disease. Simply stated, ALS warriors need our support, concern, and compassion to shine a light during this all-consuming time. We are working diligently this year to raise as much as possible for the Joan Dancy and pALS Foundation. Sinderella’s Ball is an opportunity to help provide the required resources to bring smiles to those who need them now more than ever.
IMPACT OF SUPPORT: YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE
15 - 20
The impact of this support is a lifeline of hope to those fighting a heroic battle against this awful disease. Simply stated, ALS warriors need our support, concern, and compassion to shine a light during this all-consuming time. We are working diligently this year to raise as much as possible for the Joan Dancy and pALS Foundation. Sinderella’s Ball is an opportunity to help provide the required resources to bring smiles to those who need them now more than ever.
700+
The number of pALS and their families the Foundation has helped since inception.
$25,000 - $30,000
The amount of money the Foundation issues in grants to pALS families each month. This money is used for Home Health Aides and medications not covered by insurance. For example, $1000 can only provide about 25 hours of care, which equates to three 8 hour shifts. So you can see why your support is so important.
$300
The amount of money the Foundation provides up to (per month) for rental costs for handicapped accessible vans needed for access to and from doctor appointments.
100%
The percent approval of all funding requests made to the Foundation
All money raised through SINDERELLA'S BALL goes directly to Joan Dancy and pALS.
All donations help provide services and support for ALS patients and their families. We are proud to say that 96¢ OF EVERY $1.00 received is used for patient services!
When we hear stories from people who have truly benefited from the resources provided by JOAN DANCY AND pALS it motivates us to continue the fight.
WE INVITE YOU TO HELP US HELP THEM
This year’s Sinderella’s Ball event will once again be held at the Stone Pony on Saturday evening, December 6, 2025. The evening will feature rock n’roll performances by The Tones, The Strumberry Pie Trio, and our musical headliner, the Moroccan Sheepherders. As we celebrate the 12th anniversary of Sinderella’s Ball, our goal is to raise the second million dollars to support ALS patients, their caregivers, and their families. We aim to provide them with unconditional support and care that will always be available.
$1,000,000+
Money raised to date as we embark on the next million dollars and another million ways to help ALS patients.
To support The Joan Dancy & pALS Foundation in the name of Sinderella's Ball.