Buddies Share!

Our Buddy Program was the impetus for Tony’s Gang. This concept of one-on-one companionship to enhance socialization for children battling life-threatening illness remains our ultimate goal.

Much like a Big Brother, Big Sister program, our Buddies enter a child’s life bringing friendship and a chance to get away from it all. Other Tony’s Gang programs, like Peanuts and Cracker Jacks, help supplement the Buddy’s resources to entertain their child.

As we continue our work to make our vision a reality, we are proud to announce that our first Buddy, Amanda, was matched with a very special buddy in the Virginia area in March 1999. Amanda and her buddy share a love dancing and pizza.

Read Amanda's Message

Tony’s Gang is“Making a Difference” in the lives of children battling life threatening illness has been part of Amanda’s platform in several pageants over the past two years. She will carry our message that “Friends make it better.” again in the Miss Virginia pageant this June in her platform, “Making a Difference”. The Miss Virginia pageant is preliminary to the Miss America pageant. Good luck Amanda!

Amanda really is taking her platform seriously. She is making a big difference in the lives of children that battle life threatening illness throughout Virginia. In addition to her special work as Tony’s Gang Buddy, this busy lady also serves as Tony’s Gang Program Coordinator in Virginia.

Amanda has rounded up Teddy Bears, delivered Cozy Quilts, Pillow Buddies and is promoting our Heroes Recognition in Virginia. She is also working on a Tell Me a Story event this spring.

Mary Kay Buddies and Clinic Buddies
Mary Kay Buddies is part of Tony's Gang Buddy Program. The program was started by Anne Ward, Independent Sales Director, Mary Kay, in Atlanta in September 2000. The program was piloted by Tony's Gang Foundation, Inc. at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Eggleston and then expanded to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Scottish Rite in December 2000. The program has received rave reviews by hospital staff, patients and parents and Mary Kay Buddies.

As all of Tony's Gang programs, the Mary Kay Buddies program is intended to "make it better" for children battling life-threatening illness. Specifically, this program supports pre-teen and teen girls undergoing bone marrow transplant for life threatening illness, and the mothers of these children. Mothers of children and girls who experience long-term stays in hospitals or hospices, or who undergo treatment for life-threatening illness and are isolated at home can also benefit from the program. Thus far, most of our sessions have had a large group of mothers attend, and one or two of the patients.
We also have other Clinic Buddies who volunteer at hospitals to support parties and activities in the Child-Family life areas.

What is a Tony's Gang Mary Kay Buddies Event?
A Tony's Gang Mary Kay Buddies Event is a facial and makeover session that is held for mothers and children in the hospital. Facials and makeover sessions are hosted in an appropriate hospital meeting room or can be held for an indvidual in their room. The sessions are coordinated between hospital, hospice or clinic social workers or staff and Tony's Gang Foundation or the designated Mary Kay Buddies representative. Depending on the situation, Mary Kay Buddies may bring refreshments and provide token gifts to the attendees to keep.

How can you help?
You can volunteer to be a Mary Kay Buddy in any area or sponsor our Mary Kay products. Contact Tony's Gang at info@tonysgang.com for further information.

Click on How to Help for more information.