Annual benefit held in memory of Jillian Daly

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Jillian Daly’s family, from left, Ryan, Casey, Virginia and Bob, hosted the ninth annual fundraiser in memory of her.
Jillian Daly’s family, from left, Ryan, Casey, Virginia and Bob, hosted the ninth annual fundraiser in memory of her.
Christina Daly/Herald

Community members joined family and friends of the late Jillian Daly at Kasey’s Kitchen and Cocktails on June 1 for the ninth annual benefit for autoimmune disease research.

Bob Daly and his wife, Virginia, started the Jillian E. Daly Foundation in 2011 in memory of their daughter, Jillian, who died in 2010 from an autoimmune condition: warm hemolytic anemia. She was 24, and just one year into her nursing career.

The event earlier this month featured raffles, door prizes and silent auctions, and raised money for autoimmune disease research and young students entering nursing programs. More than 180 people attended, Bob said, and more than $13,000 had been raised, with several more donations on the way.

“As always, it is a great night of seeing everyone, catching up on life and making new friends,” Bob and Virginia wrote in an email. “Something Jillian would love.”

Since its first benefit in 2011, the foundation has gathered about $225,000 and donated to the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in Manhasset. Additionally, the charity supports the nursing program at Jillian’s alma mater, Sacred Heart University, as well as Winthrop University Hospital, Nassau County Girls Gymnastics and a few awards given in her name to South Side High School students.