LA PLATA, Md. – On Wednesday, July 17th, diners at local Italian eatery Rucci’s Italian Kitchen and Grille in White Plains, Maryland were treated to fun and festivities that brought several prominent local realtors and community members together to raise funds for Children’s National Hospital.
The event was held from noon to 8:00 pm and featured food and drink specials, a raffle with multiple prizes, and a 50/50 drawing. Organized by Re/Max One (La Plata, MD) agents Lisa Wills and Candy Meyers, the event is part of a series of annual fundraising events organized by the duo dating back to 2010.
According to Ms. Wills, last year the group was able to raise $306,000 for Pediatric brain cancer treatment efforts, and this event at Rucci’s on Wednesday was part of their 2024 series of events. These ongoing efforts which the two realtors organize informally with their extensive connection of local business contacts, are coordinated on a Facebook group page called “Bears of Love“.
According to Meyers, this year’s raised funds will be used to support the Pediatric Brain Cancer/Oncology Department and the NICU at Children’s National Hospital in the fight against DIPG, a form of inoperable brain cancer.
Ms. Wills, who has been with Re/Max since 2005, was quick to point out that many of their business contacts all throughout Southern Maryland were big supporters as well. “Many of our peers and contacts, including many from Century 21 New Millennium are always very supportive of these fundraisers too.” said Wills.
“In fact, Rucci’s (where the event was hosted on Wednesday) donates a percentage of sales from the day as well, and we must mention Mark Davis of Re/Max One for generously supporting our efforts” Wills continued.
Ms Meyers was quick to point out that there are more “Bears of Love” events listed on their Facebook page coming up, including a sold-out event at the Mechanicsville Moose Lodge on August 16 called “A Night of Motown Magic”, as well as a Golf Tournament scheduled for October 11. at White Plains Regional Park.
There were two raffle drawing winners announced at Wednesday’s event. The first was Donna Retzlaff, who won the “Crabtastic” prize pack, which included a bushel of Maryland crabs, a Cheer-in Yeti Cooler, a Deluxe steam pot/crab cooker, among other handy items for a crab feast.
The second prize package, called “Pink Palooza” was won by Sue Greer which included Beach chairs, Lilly Pulitzer beach towels, a floating bar, and all kinds of accessories for a day of sun and fun. There was also a 50/50 drawing at 8pm, where Julie Luppino won $160, and her attitude after winning captured the spirit of the event, when she announced immediately upon being handed the money, that she was donating the full amount back to the fundraiser.
In the wake of the successful day, when asked how members of the community could best get involved or help, Ms. Meyers stated that “we do this for the cause, not for the applause, this is our motto. The best we could ask is for our neighbors and friends to please check out our Facebook group for Bears of Love, and spread the word about our upcoming events.”
Contact our local news desk at news@thebaynet.com
