A Night at the Races is a winner for IDefine

Shortly after their now three-year-old son, Dominic, was identified as having Kleefstra Syndrome, his parents, Nicole Sagan and Frank Aguila attended the IDefine’s 2022 North American Kleefstra Syndrome Family Conference in Illinois. They left the event with the comfort that they had found a community of families on their same journey, and with a desire to help support IDefine’s efforts.

Fast forward to November when Nicole and Frank, led by Nicole’s mom Lynn Sagan – the event’s mastermind – hosted a fundraiser called A Night at the Races that raised more than $10,000 to support IDefine and help fund the Kleefstra Syndrome Clinic at Boston Children’s Hospital.

“Ever since we left Chicago (the conference), we thought it was important to do something because we saw all of the resources IDefine provides and how vital they are to not only helping us, but our entire community,” said Frank. “It helps us feel not so alone and we want all of this to keep going.”

A Night at the Races offered the fun and excitement of thoroughbred horse racing delivered by video and emceed live by Michigan-Night-at-the-Races.com. Funds were also raised through event tickets, a 50/50 drawing and raffle tickets to win more than 20 gift baskets.

Lynn cold called dozens of local businesses and received donations of various products and gift cards from around 50 of them. She then put together themed baskets for things like Detroit Lion’s swag, cookware, and a wine tasting tour.

A highlight was also the raffling off of a venetian pearl buckshot Reverend guitar that was donated and signed by Nicole’s uncle, Joe Naylor, the founder of Reverend Guitars.

Restaurants and family provided food for the event – which was held at a Fraternal Order of Police hall – and beer and wine sales helped raise funds.

With Lynn’s help, Nicole and Frank are already thinking about hosting another event next year, and hope their success will inspire other families to also consider hosting a fundraiser.