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Concert for COURAGE

June 5, 2025 in News

On Friday, May 30th at Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, an enthusiastic group of “companions in courage” joined Pat LaFontaine to welcome Al DeGregoris and his band to a “Concert for COURAGE.” They enjoyed the vibe of an accomplished band – several of whom have played with Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Kahn and Etta James.

LaFontaine said, “we’ve hosted many events over the years in support of pediatric patients. Our executive board decided it would be worthwhile to host an event that specifically was geared to a ‘couples night’ in support of the foundation.”

A native Long Islander, DeGregoris graduated from Hofstra and has a loyal local following. He sprinkled several original compositions with standards such as Wonder’s “I Wish,” and Sly Stone’s, “Every Day People.” He had the audience grooving to his contemporary jazz sounds and enthusiastic to support LaFontaine’s charity.

DeGregoris band included musical director Mark Schnurman – a multi-instrumentalist and friend of LaFontaine’s. He was primarily responsible for bringing the evening together. Neil Edwards (sax & keys), Dave Brown (lead guitar), Jack Knight (bass) and Scott Foley (drums) formed a tight unit that brought DeGregoris’s music to life.  Special guest Paula Atherton – an accomplished sax player and flutist added a terrific vibe to the night.

Audience participation was strong and the attendees also had the chance to bid on raffle prizes that included a LaFontaine autographed jersey and an autographed magnum bottle of his Pinot Line wine.

Heisman “Visit” Call is an Audible

December 18, 2024 in News

For the last decade, the winner of the Heisman Trophy has visited patients at Kravis Children’s at Mount Sinai in New York City, and provided a shout-out from their Lion’s Den Room to patients across the country.

However, this year, the NCAA expanded the college football playoffs to 12 teams, and that sent the schedule by the Heiman Trust into an audible. Instead of hosting a gala dinner to celebrate the winner’s success, the Trust had to move to a Sunday Brunch. That meant the hospital visit had to be amended.

When Travis Hunter of the University of Colorado was named the 2024 winner, the consolation would be that he’d sign a couple of dozen footballs for the patients at Kravis. To complete the hospital event, COO of the Mount Sinai Hospital, Jonathan Kyriacou hosted CiC Executive Director Jim Johnson in the hospital’s KidsZone for a Heisman Trivia broadcast.

Patients texted and called in their answers to questions like, “How much does the Heisman Trophy weigh?” “Who was the first winner of the Heisman Trophy?” “What Heisman winner is a two-time MVP in the NFL?”

Guesses and footballs were flying through the studio as the patients vied for the prized balls (even if they didn’t guess correctly, they still got a football!) Johnson said, “This was a great job by the Heisman Trust, Travis and Kravis Children’s to make this unusual year work. Our relationship and events with the Trust is one of the favorites of the year. Good luck to all the Heisman finalists as they head into this new playoff format, and may all the children be able to head home for the holidays healthy and happy!”

Super Bowl Champ Visits Patients

December 13, 2024 in News

Two-time Super Bowl champ Perry Williams from the NY Giants recently paid a visit to Kravis Children’s Hospital at Mount Sinai to read from his new children’s book, “Little Perry and the Race to Friendship.”

The book is a semi-autobiographical tale of a young boy who feels lonely because he is the fastest kid in his neighborhood. Little Perry works with his friends to help them all get faster so they can run together. The heart-warming tale celebrates the power of assisting others.

The Companions in Courage Foundation recently purchased 150 copies of the book and distributed them to 20 children’s hospitals, including Kravis Children’s. Perry was kind enough to autograph every copy of the book!

During his visit to Kravis, Perry participated in their live KidZone Studio midday BINGO game! He also connected with other hospitals on the COURAGE Network.