A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT
Claudia and Peggy are doing something.
Like so many of us, Claudia Amboss and Peggy Theiss have been deeply impacted by cancer. Peggy lost her beloved husband, Cliff, in 2009, and Claudia has seen multiple loved ones undergo treatment, recently losing her dear friend Frederico “Dico” Kowarick. Both Peggy and Claudia also knew and loved young Elizabeth Minter, who lost her life to a rare and incurable pediatric brain tumor called gliomatosis cerebri.
Seven years ago, Claudia and Peggy decided to do something about it, and they haven’t stopped since. Working together, they have planned and executed a flawless Bridge and Tennis fundraiser at the Bronxville Field Club every year, known as the BFC Round Robin for Cancer Research. In recent years, the annual event has paid tribute to Elizabeth Minter by designating Elizabeth’s Hope as the beneficiary for the third year in a row.
Elizabeth’s Hope was founded in 2011 by Elizabeth and her parents, Mike and Emmie Minter, in order to exclusively fund the research underway at the Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM), and it provided the cornerstone for the launch of the Children’s Brain Tumor Project. Their fundraising initiatives enabled the Children’s Brain Tumor Project at WCM to open its own lab designated to pediatric brain tumor research, which continues to grow in size year-over-year.
The event theme, Liz Laugh Love, was beautifully depicted on the invitation and décor, photographs of Elizabeth were placed throughout the club, and countless local businesses generously contributed to the corresponding auction that took place during the luncheon. Every event detail was beautifully designed and flawlessly executed, right down to the napkins.
The luncheon was attended by more than 100 people, including Bronxville resident and supporter, Patrick McEnroe, who generously donated tennis lessons during the live auction.
“I am deeply touched by how incredibly supportive my friends have been, and the entire Bronxville Community for that matter, for embracing our cause in memory of Elizabeth,” said Emmie. “They did such a beautiful job.”
Not only was the event a success, but Claudia’s outreach while planning the event led to additional support and fundraising opportunities with esteemed shoe designer Alexandre Birman and the Frédéric Fekkai Salon at the Mark Hotel.
The efforts of Claudia and Peggy are an incredible example of two individuals who recognized the tremendous unmet needs facing children with brain tumors, and decided to do something about it.
You can do something, too. Consider attending or sponsoring the “Liz Laugh Love” Round Robin for Cancer Research on October 8, 2020. Email info@childrensbraintumorproject.org if interested in more information.