The Heroes Art Ball is Connor's Heroes signature fund raising event. It raises more than 25% of the money we use to reach out to the children who are in treatment for childhood cancer with our Heroes Bags and Backpacks, Helping Heroes and room decorations. Last year, it reached the important milestone of netting more than $100,000. Its success is due to a dedicated committee of volunteers. Brooke shares why she volunteers behind the scenes for our hero families, even when she was thousands of miles away.

After graduating college, I felt a void in my volunteer obligations to the community. I was determined to find a way to connect my two passions, children and cancer research. A quick google search led me to Connor’s Heroes Foundation, where I have been an active volunteer for almost five years. I started helping with the Heroes Art Ball in 2012, and have participated on the planning committee for four years. This past year, I served as the event Co-Chair. I made wonderful friends through the process and I love giving my time to Connor's Heroes – an organization who is making a difference in the lives of children battling cancer.

My commitment to Connor's Heroes and the families we support can be shown by this example. In 2013, my husband and I set out on an adventure to Idaho, thankfully for just a year. I made him promise me that I could fly back to Virginia in May for The Heroes Art Ball. Not only that, but while in Idaho, I became determined to stay connected to my Connor’s Heroes “family” regardless of the 2,400 miles between us. Believe it or not, I assisted the Silent Auction Committee with gathering donations for the 2014 Heroes Art Ball. I was so happy to come back to the event that started my involvement with Connor’s Heroes. When each young Hero proudly walked across the stage carrying his/her masterpiece, and when the auctioneer shouted “Sold” to the highest bidder, the look the child's face is priceless. The dedication, hard work, and countless hours that the volunteers of Connor’s Heroes put into making the Heroes Art Ball a success is worth it for moments like that!

Connor’s Heroes welcomed me as a volunteer five years ago, helped me find a way to make a difference, and truly values my involvement. I can’t think of any organization I’d rather be involved with and I can’t wait to continue my efforts as Co-Chair for The Heroes Art Ball 2016, which will kick off Connor’s Heroes’ 10th anniversary!

The Heroes Art Ball isn't the only fund raising gala benefitting Connor's Heroes. On November 21, at the Science Museum of Virginia, area young professionals will celebrate The Ultimate 80s Bash. A night of live music from The Breakfast Club, open bar and dinner. Proceeds benefit Connor's Heroes. The invitation links you to all the details and tickets.