You thought you had a busy Fall? While most people were getting ready for the holidays, Jose’s Angels were working tirelessly on not one, but two fundraising events to support the Hirshberg Foundation.
Jose’s Angels are the friends and family of Jose Huerta, who passed away from pancreatic cancer last June. Championed by Jose’s sister-in-law, Christine Huerta, and Jose’s best friend, George Piantka, the group raised more than $12,000 for the Hirshberg Foundation in 2007 by organizing both a Golf Tournament and creating a team at the LA Cancer Challenge.
Held on November 1, 2007 at Western Hills Country Club in Chino Hills, CA, the 2nd Annual Jose’s Angels Golf Tournament was a huge success. The 72 golfers and 125 banquet attendees raised $5,200 for the Foundation and an additional $2,500 for the college savings plans for Jose’s two young children, Emily and Joseph. According to Piantka, the greatest reward from the tournament was not the money raised. “More importantly, we honored Jose and embraced Gina (Jose’s widow), Emily, and Joseph. The kindness those who supported us and the high regard of Jose was felt, especially by the family and friends of Jose. “
The inaugural tournament was held November 2, 2006 as a fund raiser for Jose and his family to help with medical costs, loss of income, and college savings accounts. Reflecting back, Piantka said, “Jose loved the tournament in 2006. His energy was apparent, especially since his health (diagnosed June 2006) had improved by November 2006. His gratitude to each and everyone in attendance was expressed in his address at the tournament banquet…..where he vowed to attend in 2007. I am sure he is proud that we have pressed forward with the tournament since his passing in June 2007; and that the tournament will continue to benefit pancreatic research and his children.”
The golf tournament was just the start of Jose’s Angels busy fall. Christine Huerta organized the Jose’s Angels Team for the Hirshberg Foundation’s 10th Annual L.A. Cancer Challenge 5k/10k Run/Walk. Donning shirts, ribbons and keepsakes made by Chris in memory of Jose, the team members held a banner as they walked along the course at the VA grounds. Through her organization and collective support, $6,915 was donated to the Hirshberg Foundation through the LA Cancer Challenge website in honor of Jose.
Piantka added, “I am proud of our association with the Hirshberg Foundation and especially proud, in Jose’s honor, of our collective efforts in supporting research and improvements in quality of life in the battle against this seemingly insurmountable disease. As the Hirshberg Foundation’s motto goes, ‘You Can Hope or You Can Help™;’ and we are both hoping and helping. What it comes down to, is, as I have realized, you are never more alive than when you are helping.”
Jose’s Angels does not plan on slowing down their fundraising efforts anytime soon. They again will have a team at the LA Cancer Challenge, on Sunday, October 26, 2008. And this year, the Jose’s Angels Golf Tournament will be held the day after the LACC, on Monday, October 27, 2008. For more information about Jose’s Angels or their Golf Tournament, please email George Piantka at [email protected] or call 760-707-6833.