White Light White Night Gala To Shine On Kids' Mentorship

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The 15th annual Walk With Sally White Light White Night event will once again shine a light on those children traumatized by the loss of a parent, guardian, or sibling to cancer. This year, the locally renowned gala will be a hybrid of in-person and online entertainment and fundraising, according to Walk With Sally Development & Communications Associate Melissa Ostrowski.

"We're very excited that our organization is turning sweet 16 this year and that we continue to raise funds and awareness for children who need mentorship following such tragic circumstances," Ostrowski told Patch.

When founder Nick Arquette's mother, Sally, died of cancer when he was only 16, he longed for someone who could relate. By the time he reached his early 30’s, Nick realized that who Sally was, and her spirit was no longer alive. Though she had succeeded in making sure that he grew up to be okay, her memory was fading around him.

Thinking back on those days in his early teens, he started diving into the world of mentorship, wanting to create an opportunity to give hope to children who have been in a similar place as he was. There was nothing available in the community like this, so his creative instincts kicked in, and after extensive research, and with the support of friends and family, he started the Walk With Sally mentoring program in 2005.

Walk With Sally was born out of that isolated feeling, ensuring kids in our community would never walk alone in the face of a loved one's cancer.

"Our mentoring community platform is fueled by volunteerism through shared experiences with cancer," Ostrowski said.

These relationships improve health outcomes, specifically psychological well-being, for cancer-affected people. Cancer changes everything for families and can have a significant impact on children and teens.

High rates of post-traumatic stress among siblings included emotional reactions such as fear, worry, sadness, helplessness, anger, guilt, and school & academic difficulties. Stress in our youth can be furthered by economic challenges, leading to extreme lifestyle changes such as housing loss or transportation.

WWS demonstrates profound impact through art healing, mindfulness, enrichment programs, and deepening mentor relationships through activities, roundtables, and workshops. "We have a hub of resources to wrap our arms around families when they are diagnosed," Ostrowski said.

"Our White Night is our biggest event of the year," Ostrowski said. "But our many peer-to-peer fundraisers also make a big impact. Our last event, Walk With Sally's 14th Annual Friendship Bowl, raised just over $100,000."

Ostrowski relates the following statistics:

• 150 - Friendships supported in 2020
• 1,000+ - Friendships supported since 2005
• $4,000,000+ - Raised since 2005 to benefit children impacted by cancer
• 182 - Hours of support per child a year
• 2.9 - Years, average length of a friendship
• $10,000+ - Given to families in need during COVID
• 46 - Cities supported throughout Southern California
• 78 - Schools through Los Angeles County

The White Light White Night is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 21st, and organizers are currently scouting locations, two of which are in Manhattan Beach. "We are also seeking sponsors, as well as participating restaurants, wineries, and auction donations," Ostrowski said.

In keeping with CDC COVID regulations, the in-person, outdoor event will host 100-300 people, unless restrictions loosen. Those participating online will receive access to special streaming programs and packages.

To learn more, go to the organization's White Light, White Night Event page.