News about making a difference

Wings For Families Offers Safety Net During Crisis

By ROBERTA E. CANNON

A new foundation has been established to help Falmouth families cope with financiaL needs that can arise when a member suddenly experiences a devastating illness or health problems from a car accident.

The Wings for Falmouth Families, a nonprofit organization, founded by Lisa P. Deyo and S. Eric Asendorf of North Falmouth, has been set up through the Community Foundation of Cape Cod.

Ms. Deyo who is a Falmouth native and an investment associate with Mr. Asendorf, a senior vice president with Advest Inc., thought of the idea after seeing the devastation families have to deal with when one of her daughter's classmates, and a skating friend both died of leukemia.

"When cancer, an accident, or other severe illness suddenly strikes a child or a family provider, the financial Impact on the entire family can be tremendous," said Ms. Deyo.

Creating this foundation comes from a personal feeling of wanting to help the families, she added.

The aim of the Wings for Falmouth Families is to provide a financial safety net.

The money can be used, by the family for whatever needs they have whether it be daycare, mortgage or rental payments, food, and clothing, or trips to the hospitals.

Ms. Deyo said that parents can use the money for children's activities such as sports, if necessary.

To help the foundation get started, the organization will host its first annual fundraiser at the Portuguese American Association's function hall on 55 Ashumet Road, East Falmouth, on October 25 from 7:30 to 11:30 PM.

Music will be provided by the GraceNotes, a sextet of musicians who created the Musicure Foundation and donate their music to raise awareness and research funds for diseases.

The event is a casual gathering to kick off fundraising efforts, raise the level of awareness of the foundation and provide a fun time, said Ms. Deyo.

Refreshments will be served. There will also be a photo mural where families can post pictures of loved ones.

Tickets can be purchased for a minimum of a $50 donation at Eight Cousins on Main Street in Falmouth, Uncle Bill's Country Store, Route 28A in North Falmouth, and Family Foods on Route 28 in East Falmouth.

Further information about the fundraiser is available by calling 508-457-7934.

Those interested in making a tax deductible donation any time of the year can do so by making their check payable to Wings for Falmouth Families and mail it to: The Community Foundation of Cape Cod, PO Box 406, Yarmouthport, MA 02675.

All funds, less the Community Foundation's one percent annual fee, will go directly to supporting qualified families.

Families needing financial assistance can apply after October 25 by contacting the Community Foundation at 508-790-4069.

WFFF is a non-profit organization set up through the Cape Cod Community Foundation. Founder and Chairman, Lisa Deyo Asendorf, can be reached for interviews and comments at (508) 548-1147.

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