More than 400 guests attended the "Open Your Hearts" reception organized by Contractors For Kids (CFK), one of the largest Long Island charities supported by the construction and real estate community. CFK, which assists families struck by a serious childhood illness, raised $165,000 during the event held at The Atlantis Marine Aquarium. CFK president Frank Strcich thanked the attendees. "We are very grateful for the continued support of Long Island builders and real estate professionals. The funds raised tonight will go a long way towards helping children suffering from serious illnesses, parents faced with healthcare expenses, and local hospitals striving to provide our children with the best medical care available today." Founded in 2005 and based in Islandia, N.Y., CFK has attracted enthusiastic support from over 300 local builders, architects, engineers, real estate firms, and other businesses. In the first three years of existence, CFK has raised $1.5 million from its supporters. This generous funding by Long Island businesses and individuals has allowed CFK to financially assist over 150 families of children in need of surgeries, long-term medical care, and therapy. According to Kevin Harney, CFK co-founder and principal of Stalco Construction, Inc., the organization offers help extending beyond payment of medical bills. "We have reimbursed travel costs related to cutting-edge treatments unavailable locally and provided aid to families unable to submit mortgage payments due to healthcare-related expenses. We also assist parents faced with the heartbreaking task of making funeral arrangements for their children," he said. The stories of families in crises helped by CFK vary as much as serious illnesses that assail children. In a recent case, the organization helped a family of a young boy suffering from seizures caused by Rasmussen's Syndrome. The health insurance company refused to pay for the brain surgery suggested by the boy's doctor, considering it an experimental procedure. CFK funded the entire $90,000 cost of the treatment. The child is currently doing well and no longer has seizures. In another example, CFK assisted a family of a young cancer patient. The mother quit her job to care for the child full time. Even though the father worked several jobs, the family fell behind in mortgage payments and eventually received a foreclosure notice from the bank. The desperate parents contacted CFK, which expeditiously submitted the mortgage payments in order to prevent the foreclosure. The organization is supported by individual and corporate donations, and holds frequent corporate and family fundraisers. CFK's events include black-tie dinner dances, walk-a-thons, golf outings, concerts, and annual family picnics. More than 2,000 families attended last year's Contractors For Kids Family Picnic, which was held at Southaven County Park in Brookhaven. The next major event, the 2009 CFK Golf Outing, will take place on June 15 at Stonebridge Golf Links & Country Club in Smithtown, NY, and will bring together the region's business, community, and political leaders. To support CFK and learn about the organization's activities and upcoming events, please visit www.contractorsforkids.org.