Simon’s Soiree to Benefit Simon’s Fund
Simon’s Fund was established in 2005 in memory of Simon Sudman, son of Phyllis and Darren Sudman, who died of a heart defect called Long QT Syndrome. Simon was one of thousands of kids — ranging from babies to high school athletes — to die of sudden cardiac arrest in 2005.
In Simon’s memory, the family started an organization that provides free heart screenings to children in the Philadelphia area, sponsors medical research projects, hosts awareness events, works with major medical institutions and promotes legislation.
Nearly 500 people turned out for the 5th Annual Simon’s Soiree at the Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel. The evening began with a cocktail party, and a silent auction. Then the guests entered the ballroom for an awards program, dinner and dancing to The Nerds.
Additional funds were raised in a live auction featuring auctioneer Josh Katz. Emcee for the evening was Michael Barkann. The 2015 Protect Your Heart Award Honorees were Frank Marchilinski MD and Allan Chaney, whose promising basketball career was ended by a heart defect. Melissa Fair, who had attended a Simon’s Fund heart screening for students where it was discovered she had a Partial Anomolous Pulmonary Venous Return and Atrial Septal Defect, was also there. She had open-heart surgery on January 24, 2008, exactly two years after Simon died. The Simon’s Fund screening saved her life.
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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.