Nov 9, 2009 8:37 am US/Eastern
"Mikey's Cause" Raises Funds For Burned Teen
Click Here For A Slideshow Of The Evening.
Event Was Sponsored By Neighbors 4 Neighbors
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
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CBS4 personalities Natalia Zea (right) and Jeff Berardelli at Mikey's Cause.
CBS
Neighbors 4 Neighbors would like to thank all those who packed a South Beach fundraiser for the Broward teen set on fire.
Fifteen-year old Michael Brewer suffered burns over two-thirds of his body after five other teens held him down set him on fire in a dispute over money, according to BSO detectives. Brewer remains at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Hospital officials say despite the fact that Brewer's family has insurance it will not cover many expenses.
CBS4 meteorologist Jeff Berardelli helped with the fundraiser at the Mondrian on South Beach, called Mikey's Cause, along with Cynthia Demos and Lissette Gonzalez. Neighbors 4 Neighbors, which sponsored the event, brought in an army of Bank Atlantic volunteers who helped out.
To view a slideshow of Friday's event,
click here.
For a $25 donation guests were treated to an open bar provided by Grey Goose vodka, Dziaq Liquer & Conjure Cognac from 8 – 10 p.m. There was also a silent auction and raffle with prizes that included a 7-night Royal Caribbean Cruise, an autographed Dolphins football, tickets to various sporting events & concerts and various other valuable prizes.
Early counts show the event raised more than $14 thousand in cash and checks. Credit card donations and bar proceeds will be tallied on Monday. One donor, Andrew Fredman a friend of Neighbors 4 Neighbors, donated $75 thousand; he's already written the check. Also a representative from the Shriners organization announced the Shriners would be willing to take care of Brewer's medical care until he is 18-years-old at their hospital in Cleveland. Rick Shaw and Magic 102.7 attended the event donating various prizes as well as a check for $1,300.
"All combined what Neighbors 4 Neighbors & the CBS4 team have done in helping to rally our community should make a big difference in the life of this family," hoped Berardelli. "This is a testament to our unique ability to lead as well as serve."
Neighbors 4 Neighbors would like to thank everyone who helped put the event together including Mirs Guazzini, President of For a Cause LLC, who generously donated countless hours and expertise to help make this successful. Other members of the host committee who helped publicize the event and gather raffle items include Carmel Dubuque, Amy Rosenburg, Tiffany Rosen, Hassan Radouane, Fabiola Castro Robles & Aaron Resnick.
If you would like to help you can, donations can be made at
Neighbors 4 Neighbors Family Fund for Michael Brewer.
This isn't the only fundraiser for the teen. There have been several held already and others still set to take place.
Next weekend, on Sunday November 15th, the Booby Trap will host its Inaugural Poker Run with all proceeds benefitting the Brewer family.
The Poker Run starts around 10:00 a.m. at the Booby Trap in Doral and ends at the Booby Trap in Pompano Beach.
Click here to print directions and get a map of the Poker Run stops.
Friday, November 20th:
Firefighters, who are part of the organization 'South Florida F.O.O.L.S.' (Fraternal Order Of Leatherheads Society) will host a benefit that not only raises money for Michael Brewer's family, it also benefits 'Feeding South Florida', formerly known as the Daily Bread Food Bank.
The event will be held at America's Backyard in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Friday, Nov. 20th from 5:00 p.m. to midnight.
Entrants are asked to bring non-perishable food items and tax-deductible cash donations. There will be a live band, DJ, drink and food specials and a raffle.
Saturday, November 21st:
Galuppi's Restaurant in Pompano Beach will also host a fundraising benefit for Michael Brewer. The event includes a silent auction with items that include autographed sports memorabilia , a Good Year Blimp ride, professional guided fishing and hunting trips, a 2-night stay at the Hard Rock and even sky boxes for both a Florida Panthers game and a Miami Hurricanes game. There will also be a raffle with hundreds of prizes; Grand Prize is a 7-day Norwegian Cruise Line cruise for two. There's also a bicycle, a flat-screen TV, Pro-Bowl tickets, restaurant gift certificates and more.
Galuppi's Restaurant is located at 1103 North Federal Highway. The fundraiser is Saturday, November 21st from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If you can't make it to any of these events
, CBS4's Neighbors 4 Neighbors is also collecting donations through the Family Fund for Michael Brewer.
Go to
www.cbs4.com/neighbors or
www.neighbors4neighbors.org. and click the Donate Now link to make online donations or call
305-597-4404.
CBS4's Lisa Cilli contributed to this report
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Burned Teen's Family Staying Positive
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