Help Mend Broken Hearts is an annual fundraiser in support of the Vanek Angel Fund. The fundraiser was first established in October 2007 by Nicole Vanek after losing her daughter, Kasey Marie, to complications related to a congenital heart defect. All contributions to the fund are donated to various charities related to children with and families affected by CHD. Please visit the links page for more information about the charities.

October 2007 - Kasey's Heart Gallery

Thank you to all who donated. We were able to raise $2,500 at the event plus an additional $9,500 from various other donations bringing the total to $12,000 raised. All funds were donated to Sibley Heart Center for 10 heart patients to attend "Camp Brave Heart" and the remainder was donated to research.

October 2008 - Dance to Make a Difference

This year we have raised over $3,500. Thank you to all those who donated, especially Near Westside Reunion of Italians, who has chosen Help Mend Broken Hearts as the recipient of their annual charity event.

Funds will be allocated to the following charities:

Faith's Lodge - "A place where hope grows" - A retreat in Wisconsin for families that have lost a child that provides them a place to come together and find hope and strength for the future.

Congenital Heart Information Network (CHIN) - A non-profit organization that provides information support services and financial assistance to families of children with congenital heart defects.

Some of the funds will also be set aside for a future College Scholarship fund for a child with CHD.