A Fernandina Beach charity named after a local 10-year-old girl who died of leukemia recently raised about $250,000 for childhood cancerresearch and programs for children and families affected by the disease.
The Addy’s Army Fund — founded in memory of Addison Tomberlin — staged the After Addy Party at The Preserve at The Amelia River Club. Proceeds went to CURE Childhood Cancer, which advances childhood cancer research and supports children undergoing treatment, their siblings and families experiencing grief and bereavement.
Addy died on Sept. 26, 2023, two months shy of her 11th birthday.
"One of Addy’s greatest gifts was bringing people together, so seeing our community show up in her honor and for this mission is incredibly meaningful to our family,"
said Stephanie Tomberlin, Addy’s mother and a founder of Addy’s Army. "We’re grateful to everyone who supported this cause so generously. Every contribution helps us work toward what every child with cancer deserves: more time, more birthdays, more family dinners and more memories with the people they love."
The 300 guests enjoyed dinner and dancing, a silent auction and entertainment by The Ramblers, a strolling band.
"I believe this will be one of those evenings our community remembers for a long time," said Nicki Korman, owner and creative director of Collins Korman Events. “It was special seeing so many people come together to celebrate Addy and support her family and Addy’s Army. We were proud to help bring the evening to life, and even more grateful to be part of a community that showed the impact we can make when we rally around something that matters.”
For more information, go to curechildhoodcancer.org/about-cure/named-funds/addys-army-fund.
Beth Reese Cravey has been a reporter for The Florida Times-Union for 45 years, currently specializing in nonprofits and health. She can be reached at bcravey@jacksonville.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Nassau event raises $250,000 to fight childhood cancer
