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(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080403/NYTH072 )
"Each year we are astonished at the fundraising success that this eventaccomplishes for our mission," says Donna McKelvey, Executive Director for theNational Capital Area Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. "Thecommitment shown tonight by such an extensive network of Washington businessleaders is making a tremendous difference for patients and their familiesacross our area. This is an especially critical time to support our mission,as the research we support is making tremendous strides towards finding acure."
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One of the highlights of the night was the recognition of the 2008 Titanof Business and Philanthropy award winner, Ronald M. Bradley, co-founder andformer CEO and President of BRADSON Corporation and current President of theRonald M. Bradley Foundation, Inc., a private foundation focused to supportvarious charitable and educational activities.
"This is an exciting time for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society," saysBradley. "The dedication this group has achieved has led to dramaticimprovements in childhood cancer death rates over the past 21 years. Byparticipating in tonight's Leukemia Ball, everyone in this room is helping tosupport the groundbreaking research funded by this outstanding organization."
"We are so grateful for all of your support in making this evening such anoverwhelming success," says event Co-Chair Fernando Murias, Partner withPricewaterhouseCoopers, upon hearing of the amount raised. "The Leukemia &Lymphoma Society is well on its way to finding a cure for leukemia, lymphomaand myeloma, while continuing to set a high standard for patient services. Wethank you for your support this evening and applaud your support for finding acure."
The black-tie crowd started the evening bidding on hundreds of silentauction items that ranged from trips to world-class destinations toautographed items from celebrity athletes. Many guests were also eager topurchase one of 5,000 Mercedes-Benz raffle tickets, which together with theevening's silent and live auctions ultimately raised a total of $3.3 millionfor blood cancer research, education, patient services and. Entertainment forthe evening included a comedic performance from Tonight Show host, Jay Leno,and musical entertainment provided by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.
Murias went on to thank this year's Leukemia Ball sponsors, including theRaffle Presenting Sponsor, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC; Official Airline Sponsor,American Airlines, Congressional Honors Sponsors, Virginia Sheldon JeromeFoundation, Laborers' Charitable Foundation and Eli Lilly and Company; andFounding Sponsors, Hargrove, IEP/MPG, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and UnitedFood & Commercial Workers.
"I would like to recognize the many individuals and organizations whoserved on our committee, says Joe Kelley, event Co-Chair and Vice President ofGovernment and Public Affairs for Eli Lilly and Company. "Our team of morethan 60 individuals from the DC business community was critical to the successof tonight's program."
Celebrating Commitment to Defeating Blood Cancers
The evening featured a special tribute to Congressional Honors recipients,Senator Michael Enzi of Wyoming and the Congresswoman Doris Matsui ofCalifornia's 5th District. The Congressional Honors awards recognize membersof Congress for outstanding achievements in increasing awareness of bloodcancer issues on Capital Hill.
About the Leukemia Ball
The Ball began in 1988 as a way for the
