Santa Pictures to Benefit Emmanuel Cancer Foundation

Online, November 2, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The Ocean & Howell Gymboree Play & Music Centers today announced its commitment to support the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation with Santa/Holiday Pictures. "Supporting local charities is an important priority for us because it directly affects the lives of the families in our community," said Kathy Froelich, Owner of the Ocean & Howell Gymboree. "We chose to work with Emmanuel Cancer Foundation because they are committed to being the beacon of light for New Jersey families of children diagnosed with cancer

No worries about waiting in a long line at the mall to see Santa! Just come to Gymboree of Ocean on Saturday, November 13th, anytime from 1-4pm and Gymboree of Howell on Saturday, November 20th, anytime from 1-4pm. Enjoy an Open PlayGym time, light refreshments and a personal visit with Santa! Photographer Colette from Forever Young (foreveryoungpics.intuitwebsites.com) has graciously partnered with us for this fundraising event. Colette will be providing 5x7 prints of your child(ren). A minimum $10 donation will be collected to benefit Emmanuel Cancer Foundation. Please call to schedule an appointment time.

"We are honored and thrilled that Gymboree Play & Music has chosen Emmanuel Cancer Foundation to benefit from this wonderful event." commented Joann Passantino, the Regional Director for Monmouth and Ocean counties for Emmanuel Foundation. "Children helping other children is a fantastic idea and helps to teach children to be philanthropic early in their lives."

About Gymboree Play & Music Programs

Gymboree Play & Music offers children ages newborn to 5 years the opportunity to explore, learn, play, and have fun in an innovative parent-child program. Classes were developed by early childhood experts and include an array of early learning choices that encompass physical, cognitive and social skill development. Gymboree is the pioneer and worldwide leader of parent-child play and movement classes and has over 550 sites in 30 countries. Classes include Play & Learn, Music, and Art. www.gymboreeclasses.com

About Emmanuel Cancer Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation (ECF) serves New Jersey's children with cancer and their families by providing emotional, material and emergency financial support.
ECF kids and their families receive a comprehensive package of:
• Emotional support, counseling, and advocacy services through ECF's team of professional Caseworkers.
• Material assistance, made available through the four Regional Centers. Regional Directors coordinate the collection and distribution of food, toys, new clothes, and household items to families. In addition, Regional Directors serve as a major fundraising arm for the foundation.
• Emergency financial assistance for families in a crisis situation.
Major hospitals all over New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and even Delaware refer their pediatric oncology patients to ECF so that we may begin to address the overwhelming consequences associated with cancer.
ECF is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization privately funded by individuals, corporations, foundations and community groups. Our mission is to provide a variety of specialized services, at no charge, to any New Jersey family facing the challenges of caring for a child with cancer.