Nouveau RicheThanks to The Frank Edward Piccolo Foundation, more than 130 seriously ill children and family members had the chance to experience a “Best in the West Carnival” at MacDonald’s Ranch in Scottsdale.

The Frank Edward Piccolo Foundation sponsored the Great Escape, a Starlight Children’s Foundation program designed to give families with seriously ill children a chance to have some fun and recharge outside of the hospital environment while meeting others who are facing similar challenges. Volunteers from the Frank Edward Piccolo Foundation and Nouveau Riche Corporation came from all over the United States to help. Attendees participated in hayrides, square dancing, face painting, caricature drawings, pony rides along scenic trails, races, lasso roping, penny pitching, cowboy-hat toss and stick-horse racing. The children were also entertained with live performances by Maricopa Mike, the magician; a strolling cowboy singer; and Earl Grey, the trick pony. In addition, the group enjoyed a cowboy cookout, snow cones and cotton candy.

Nouveau Riche“The daily emotional and financial struggles that come with caring for a sick child are often so overwhelming that the thought of leaving the house for a family event seems impossible,” says Jo Ann Yeo, community development officer for Starlight Children’s Foundation. “But Starlight understands what families go through when a child is sick, and the importance of breaking the cycle of depression and loneliness.”

Jim Piccolo, co-founder and chief executive officer of the Frank Edward Piccolo Foundation and Nouveau Riche Corporation, said working with Starlight Children’s Foundation has proven to be a wonderful way to fulfill children’s dreams of hope.
For more about the Frank Edward Piccolo Foundation, visit: www.FrankEdwardPiccolo.org.
To learn more about the Starlight Children’s Foundation Arizona, or to volunteer, visit www.starlight.org/arizona or call (480) 280-5289

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