BennettStrong Foundation Set to Host 2nd Annual Gala

The BennettStrong Foundation is set to host its second annual gala on Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Northampton Valley Country Club in Richboro, Pa. The gala is a black tie optional event and will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception.

The gala will once again support the BennettStrong Foundation’s N/IICU project at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.  All proceeds raised will go towards providing N/IICU parent survival kits for all inpatient families in the N/IICU at CHOP. Through the CHOP Foundation, BennettStrong is committed to a $25,000 five-year plan to support parents and families experiencing neonatal intensive care.  BennettStrong is hoping to provide tools to help parents strengthen their abilities to bond with their baby and advocate for their child with the child’s medical team.

This year’s keynote speaker is a former N/IICU parent, Brian Tretola. Brian and his wife, Rachael, spent nine months at CHOP’s N/IICU with their daughter Harper who is now five years old. After losing their son, Jameson, in utero with the diagnosis of Fetal Hydrops, Rachael and Brian discovered they were pregnant with a baby girl with a similar diagnosis.  Harper’s diagnosis was Fetal Hydrops due to an absent thoracic duct. Her diagnosis was so extremely rare that Harper was given a zero chance of survival. Rachael underwent two surgeries while Harper was still in utero at 21 and 22 weeks to help drain fluid in Harper’s chest. Rachael and Brian are the ninth documented couple in the world for Fetal Hydrops to occur in consecutive pregnancies.

Marisa Pilla, Sports Broadcaster and Philly Native, will serve as emcee.  Pilla is in her second season as the pregame and halftime host for Philadelphia Union home broadcasts.  She also serves as the sideline reporter during broadcasts.  Since February of 2017, Pilla has also been working as a correspondent for CSN Philly’s The 700 Level Show.

Also, New Solution Entertainment will provide the musical entertainment for the evening.  NSE is based out of Bucks County and is made up of seasoned performers, music educators, and outstanding musicians. Gala attendees should expect a lot of dancing and great music throughout the night!

Throughout the evening gala attendees will have the opportunity to win a variety of raffle baskets given by generous donors within the community. Baskets include tickets to sporting events, memorabilia, hotel getaways, and much more.

The BennettStrong Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and its mission is to provide support to families of medically complex children.

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