Orlando Charity to Present Ninth Annual Fundraiser May 18, 2019 at Rosen Shingle Creek
ORLANDO (April 2, 2019) – The Adam Michael Rosen Foundation announces that it is partnering with Central Florida’s premier pediatric cancer charity event, Runway to Hope’s Spring Soiree, to help Orlando families with children fighting cancer. The foundation honors the life and legacy of Adam Michael Rosen who passed away from brain cancer this past November at 26. The son of Trisha Rosen and Orlando hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen, Adam bravely fought a two-and-a-half-year battle against Gliomatosis Cerebri, a rare malignant brain tumor.
Runway to Hope, founded in 2010 by Orlando attorney Mark NeJame and his wife Josie, is honored to announce that its renowned premier annual event now will be known as The Adam Michael Rosen Foundation presents Runway to Hope’s Spring Soirée.
“The hope and strength Adam displayed during his battle with cancer now drives the mission of the foundation that bears his name,” said Harris Rosen. “Adam was a passionate supporter of many meaningful causes. I’m grateful that through his foundation, Adam’s legacy of courage in the face of adversity and an unbridled enthusiasm toward helping those in need will persevere through partnerships with impactful charities such as Runway to Hope.”
This year marks Rosen Hotels & Resorts’ sixth year as an event sponsor. This new initiative expands the Rosen company’s support of Runway to Hope’s mission and its commitment to help Central Florida families battling pediatric cancer. This year’s gala will be held on Saturday, May 18 at the AAA Four Diamond Rosen Shingle Creek.
Runway to Hope’s annual event welcomes a glittering assembly of local and national celebrities for a one-of-a-kind gala. The evening’s highlight is an inspiring and heartwarming fashion show, featuring more than 160 incredibly brave children, who are fighting – or have overcome – their pediatric cancer. They walk the runway in outfits donated by Bloomingdale’s, while escorted by local and national celebrities, overjoyed by the cheers and tears of an adoring crowd of 2,400 attendees. The children have the night of their lives, forgetting for a brief time about chemotherapy, radiation, daily doctor visits, surgeries and pain. It is an evening of celebration, allowing these wonderful children a night to simply be children.
Adam Rosen was a charming presence at Runway to Hope’s annual fundraiser, where he lit up the runway as a celebrity escort known for his dapper attire, stylish bowties, dazzling smile and most importantly, heartfelt devotion to the children and families impacted by cancer.
Trisha Rosen, Adam’s mother and a longtime Runway to Hope supporter, said it is fitting that her son’s legacy will benefit Central Florida families facing similar battles. “I know that Adam will be with us during this year’s Spring Soiree, and that warms my heart,” she said. “Through the support of his foundation, his fight will go on on behalf of the children helped by Runway to Hope and I can’t think of a better way to honor his life.”
In February, Harris Rosen and his foundation also honored Adam with a $12 million gift to the University of Florida, the cornerstone of an ambitious fundraising commitment to advance innovative brain tumor immunotherapy research and care at UF Health and to launch an unprecedented partnership for the development of novel brain tumor treatments.
Mark and Josie NeJame were inspired to create Runway to Hope after the birth of their two daughters. Having raised millions of dollars, the charity initially provided funding for pediatric oncology programs at the three Central Florida children’s hospitals where the programs were were absent or underfunded. Since then, the non-profit has expanded to also provide direct financial assistance to local families battling pediatric cancer through the its Family Assistance Program. Josie NeJame commented, “We are so touched that Runway to Hope was chosen by the Rosen family and foundation as a way to be able to continue to honor Adam. Together we keep his love, spirit, legacy, and courage alive through The Adam Michael Rosen Foundation presents Runway to Hope’s Spring Soiree. We believe that his contagious smile and kind heart continues to beam down upon us.”
Runway to Hope is honored to have been recognized as the “Best Charity in Central Florida” more than a dozen times in publications including Orlando Style, the Orlando Business Journal and Orlando Magazine, among others.
For more information including sponsorship opportunities with Runway to Hope and The Adam Michael Rosen Foundation presents Runway to Hope’s Spring Soirée, visit www.RunwaytoHope.org or contact Laura Lockner, Executive Director, Runway to Hope, laura@runwaytohope.com, 407-802-1544. For more information about The Adam Michael Rosen Foundation, visit www.facebook.com/AdamMichaelRosenFoundation.
