Press release

May 5, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact Kerry Burns, finnzfundz@gmail.com. (401) 527-1773



Local Couple Who Lost Son to Cystic Fibrosis Launch Non-Profit Organization



Coventry, RI – Kerry and Patrick Burns know the difficulty of fighting Cystic Fibrosis and want to use their experience to help other families going through similar struggles. Finnz Fundz, the 501(c)(3) non profit organization the Burns’ founded in memory of their son, Finnegan, is holding an official launch party on Saturday, June 4th, from 4-8pm at Indigo Pizza (599 Tiogue Avenue in Coventry, RI). The event will feature “kid’s karaoke”, a raffle and local musicians.

Finnegan Burns was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth. Finnegan thrived in all areas until hospitalized in intensive care in February 2008. For the duration of Finnegan’s 13 month hospitalization, his parents were by his side. Through the kindness of friends, family and strangers, they received much needed financial and emotional support. Kerry Burns, Executive Director of Finnz Fundz, states, “No family should have to decide whether or not they can be with their child at their most needy and vulnerable time due to financial worries.”
The goal of Finnz Fundz is to provide direct financial support to children and families fighting Cystic Fibrosis and facing the often common long term hospitalizations that occur in fighting the disease. Ms. Burns states, “While there are organizations that provide excellent funding for research into the disease and the development of new treatments, we were unable to find an organization that provided direct financial contributions to families; we hope to fill that gap.” Finnz Fundz will outreach families through an already established network of Cystic Fibrosis care centers, focusing initial efforts in the New England Region.



For more information or interviews, contact Kerry Burns at (401) 527-1773.

The launch party is taking shape!

We have officially booked Larry and the Reverbs as one of our entertainers...working on a second group!

The donations for the raffle are coming in fast and furious! Thanks Anne Marie Archambault Teixeira for the massive amounts of liquor (oh yeah, kids! liquor baskets!!!); Alice Morey for Red Sox tickets (YES!); Amy Bonin Wyman for offering her talents with a handmade felted clutch; Jennifer Hartman Cohn for the kids karate birthday party (valued at $200!); Valdeva Ives Crema for free website design; Jane A Mclellan for a gift certificate to the fabulous Salon Jaz AND Martha Hart Reed, Mariah Capurso and Tara Albrecht Roddick for offering to make some amazing jewelry....we are always accepting more donations, so keep them coming!  :)

I have written and released an official press release about the foundation and the event--really hoping for some media coverage!


Thanks to everyone for spreading the word and supporting our event--it looks like we are more than halfway to venue capacity for the 4th!

If you want to reserve tickets, please click on the donate button on the blog, "donate" $10 X the number of tickets you want, and please put in the notes section that the money is for tickets.  You'll go on a list and be all set at the door.

A huge thanks to Mary Day and Indigo Pizza (599 Tiogue Ave, Coventry, RI) for not only donating the space for the event, but for closing to the public during that time.  We SO appreciate it!

Let's party! Our official launch...

We are planning to (finally!) officially launch Finnz Fundz, our 501(c)(3) non profit that was founded in honor of our son, Finnegan. Our mission is to help children and families fighting Cystic Fibrosis and coping with the long term hospitalizations that occur in fighting this insidious disease. Our goal is to provide direct financial assistance to families, as well as a sympathetic and understanding ear.
Event is on June 4th from 4-8pm at Indigo Pizza (599 Tiogue Ave, Coventry RI).  We are planning kids karaoke from 4-5pm, some great live music, and an awesome raffle (some Alex and Ani will be included!). Oh, and PIZZA! :)
Tickets are $10 per person. Reserve your ticket now as space is limited!
If you are unable to attend, we hope you will consider helping us by making a direct monetary donation (via paypal or checks can be made payble to Finnz Fundz and mailed to 162 Custer Street, Warwick, RI 02889), or by donating goods or services to our raffle. Please share this event, our website and information about us with your Facebook friends.

All donations are tax deductible.

A big thanks to all those who have continued to support us on this journey!