The Island Gift of Life Foundation

The Ram's Head Inn cocktail lounge

The 18th Annual Cheryl Hannabury Memorial “Celebration of Life” community cocktail party took place on Saturday, March 3rd from 6-9pm at the Ram’s Head Inn, Shelter Island for The Island Gift of Life Foundation.

In the years that Cheryl Hannabury, a Shelter Island resident endured her illness, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, she dreamed of creating an organization that would help those with collateral expenses incurred such as travel, lodging and more for the family and support team. She also dreamed of creating situations where the bone-marrow donor registry would increase. In 2001, the foundation became a non-profit and a blood /bone marrow drive was created increasing the odds of those in need finding a match. This drive added 100 additional people to the registry. Cheryl Hannabury succumbed to her illness in 2002.

The Island Gift of Life Foundation
The Island Gift of Life Foundation
Island Gift of Life Foundation
Island Gift of Life Foundation

In 2014 “My gratitude today is the same as Cheryl expressed after the first Gift of Life Celebration,” Charlotte her daughter said.

There are so many people who have worked so hard to make this evening a success and I want each of you to know how much it is appreciated.

All of you who coordinated this event: the cooks, the clammers and ticket sellers. Those who collected the raffle prizes and everyone who donated prizes, the decorators, the musicians, the bartenders and the “cleaner uppers.”

To everyone on the team who has worked to make this night possible, a heart-full thanks!

And especially to Ed Brown, who organized and put the team together, you’re the best! Eddie, you have been a true friend since Billy and I were kids. You’re like family and I love you very much!

To my brother Bill and sister-in-law Casey and the rest of the gang who worked together with Ed and Cheryl Brown to organize things: Tom and Diane Walsh, the Graffagninos, Terry Tybaert … a huge hug and many thanks!

And to everyone who bought tickets, sent donations, supported the raffle and for all the cards and prayers …

Thank you and I love you,

Cheryl

The Ram's Head Inn
The Ram's Head Inn

Cheryl’s dream was for family members to concentrate on their loved ones, not bills, insurance or other problematic issues not directly related to caretaking.

Today, the Island Gift of Life  Foundation provides financial aid to East End residents and designates $10,000 yearly to Be the Match, a bone marrow registry. Residents also have access to assistance with the insurance process, medical expense coverage, direct monetary grants and travel expense coverage. There are two events yearly to promote the foundation. However, checks may be sent directly to Island Gift of Life Foundation, PO Box 532, Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965 or by calling 631-774-0110.

The Annual Cheryl Hannabury Memorial- $50 for lite bites, cocktails and buffet dinner from 6-9pm. Generous raffle baskets are found in the cocktail area and tickets are 5 for $20. Raffle basket highlights included 4 for lunch at the American Hotel, The Hunting Inn two night stay, Bostwick’s Chowder House, 6 person Rafael vineyard tasting, Noah’s Greenport Restaurant $50, Village Cheese Shop fondu, assorted spirits by Ed Mazzeo.

The Ram's Head Inn at night
The Ram's Head Inn at night

The Ram’s Head Inn is a delightful venue for any event, weekend getaway or romantic dinner. The sunsets are beautiful year round. See more about the Ram’s Head Here.