A recent carnival-themed party at Once Upon a Time, a party venue and store in the Clintonville Plaza in Whitestone, raised $3,500 to benefit The Lexiebean Foundation.
The foundation was formed last year following the passing of Alexandra, also known as Lexie, Falabella, who had Medullablastoma. The Falabella family said the foundation helps keep their daughter’s memory alive while also enabling them to help other families with sick children. The foundation provides financial and emotional support to families and sends care packages.
“The Falabellas are a great family,” said Once Upon a Time owner Patricia Miranda-Papataros.
Miranda-Papataros said that she had done Lexie’s third and fourth birthday parties and had become friends with mom LeaAnn. Because of this, she decided to hold the April 20 fundraiser, which included a clown, face painting, a magic show, food and drinks, inflatable games and raffles.
About 120 children attended the party, and $3,500 was raised, Miranda-Papataros said.
“It’s amazing. The turnout was unbelievable,” Miranda-Papataros said. “I think everything was great.”
The Falabellas also attended the event.
“I was very touched by it,” LeaAnn said. “It was very touching because she just took it upon herself to do that for us. It really meant a lot.”
Miranda-Papataros said she plans on making the fundraiser an annual event and that it will take place around the same time each year. People can keep updated about it by visiting www.onceuponatimeparties.net.
For more information about the Lexiebean Foundation, including how to get involved, visit www.lexiebeanfoundation.org.
