Bellmore Resident to Star in 'The Odd Couple'

Join the Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer, Inc. as it presents The Odd Couple, its first theatrical fundraiser.

The fun and family-oriented show will feature Bellmore's own Mike Cipriano in the role of "Murray."

The benefit production is based on Neil Simon's Broadway play about two men – one a neat freak and the other a slob – attempting to share an apartment despite their lifestyle and housekeeping differences.

Performances will take place on Friday, June 24, and Saturday, June 25, at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium of Maria Regina R.C. Church, located at 3945 Jerusalem Avenue in Seaford. Tickets are $10 per person with proceeds benefiting the Sarah Grace Foundation For Children With Cancer. Inc.

Proceeds will benefit Sarah Grace Foundation For Children With Cancer, Inc., an all volunteer, non-profit corporation dedicated to improving the quality of life of children with cancer while at the same time offering comfort and support to their families.

In 2003, Matt and Marissa Weippert established the Foundation in memory of their daughter, Sarah Grace who lost her battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 12. Over the past eight years, the Weipperts, along with their son James, have dedicated themselves to keeping Sarah's memory alive while helping other children and their families facing the financial and emotional challenges and hardships brought upon by childhood cancer.

To do so, the Sarah Grace Foundation depends on donations from the community and proceeds raised through fundraisers, such as the Annual Night of Laughter and this, its first theatrical fundraiser, which was James Weippert's idea.

"Our son James, a theatre major at Adelphi University, presented us with the notion of doing a production some months ago," Matt Weippert said. "He and his former theater teacher David Coonan researched shows that would be cost-efficient to produce while providing clean, family entertainment."

"As an all-volunteer organization we rely heavily on the proceeds from fundraisers as our primary source of income," he added.

The foundation works directly with social workers and staff members from the Pediatric Oncology Departments at various New York hospitals to help meet children's wishes. And, because cancer impacts the entire family, the services offered by the Foundation are extended to both the child undergoing treatment as well as their siblings. Additionally, the Foundation provides financial support and other assistance to help families offset medical costs and other related expenses.

"Without these fundraising events, we would not be able to continually sponsor The Bead Program, The Escape Hatch, books, parties, outings and other requests for assistance."

Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.thesarahgracefoundation.org or by calling the Foundation at (516) 433-9745; tickets will also be for sale at the door. For additional information, email Matt.Weippert@thesarahgracefoundation.org.