Mark The Shark – His Burger and Legacy Live on

In 2012, Monica from The Ashley Lauren Foundation shared with me the story of a local family that had lost their son to cancer. He was only 9.

Although I never met Mark Levine, everyone who told me about him talked about a boy full of life. He was a kind soul with a unique personality. In April of 2009, Mark was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone tumor that usually develops during the rapid growth stage of adolescence.

This, however, didn't stop Mark from living life, or seeking out the next great burger. Mark was quite the hamburger connoisseur. So much so, that he even came up with a burger recipe of his own. It was called "The Mark The Shark Burger." Mark "The Shark" was his nickname.

Throughout his battle, Mark and his family benefited from The Ashley Lauren Foundation. The goal of the foundation is to ease the journey when pediatric cancer is diagnosed by providing direct financial and material assistance. They were there every step of the way.

Sadly, Mark lost his battle with cancer on May 30th, 2010.

Monica from Ashley Lauren told me about the recipe and the fact that the burger had never been made! I reached out to my friend and community leader Chef Mike Jurusz to see if I could get him to prepare this burger to surprise Mark's parents, Howard and Tracey. He agreed without blinking an eye.

Little did I know that the events that would follow would be easily be the highlight of my career.

Monica setup a catch-up lunch with Mark's parents who thought they were grabbing a quick bite. Monica, Mike and myself coordinated ahead of time. I made special menu inserts for Mark's parents while Mike prepared the burgers.

I watched as parents who lost their precious little boy would be reunited with him in a most unique way, a hamburger.

Chef Mike hosted a benefit night where the sales from all of the burgers benefited The Ashley Lauren Foundation. Tens of thousands of dollars were raised. But that was just the beginning.

Chef Mike is adding "The Mark The Shark" burger to his menu PERMANENTLY! You will be able to feast on this incredible burger anytime you visit Chef Mike's ABG in South Seaside Park. Plus, for every burger purchased, a portion of the proceeds will go directly to The Ashley Lauren Foundation.

The launch is Friday April 10th and Chef Mike is hosting the Mark The Shark Burger Bash at his restaurant. Friday April 10th from noon-10 p.m. only, purchase a Mark The Shark burger and all of the proceeds will benefit The Ashley Lauren Foundation.

I've had it and trust me, this burger is even more delicious than it looks.

Join us at this special event that will honor a brave boy and cement his legacy!