Lymphoma Research Foundation’s Annual Gala Raises Nearly $1 Million for Blood Cancer Research
New York, NY (PRWEB) October 24, 2013 -- The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) – the nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted exclusively to funding innovative research and serving the lymphoma community through a comprehensive series of education programs, outreach initiatives and patient services – held its annual gala on October 8, 2013 at New York City’s Chelsea Piers. More than 300 guests celebrated the contributions of the evening’s honorees in advancing the Foundation’s mission of eradicating lymphoma and serving those touched by the disease.
Sotheby’s C. Hugh Hildesley served as the gala’s auctioneer. Following a moving personal reflection from LRF Board of Directors’ member and non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor, Jerry Freundlich, Hildesley returned to the stage to conduct the Foundation’s signature Raise it for Research auction. During this unique and exciting auction, attendees pledged funds for lymphoma research ranging from $100,000 to $500. In minutes, supporters of the Foundation invested more than $335,000 in lymphoma specific research.
“Investing in lymphoma research is critical to discovering improved therapies and ultimately a cure,” said Steven J. Prince, LRF Chairman of the Board. “The outpouring of support during Raise it for Research highlighted our shared commitment to eradicate lymphoma and underscored the important role the Foundation plays in funding the promising research that our Scientific Advisory Board recommends.”
The evening’s honorees included Dr. Bruce Cheson, former Chair of the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board and Deputy Chief, Division of Hematology-Oncology and Head of Hematology at the Lombardi Comprehensive Care Center at Georgetown University Hospital, and his wife Christine. The Chesons received the Distinguished Service Award in recognition for all that they have done to advance lymphoma research, most notably the founding of the Lymphoma Research Ride in Montgomery County, MD which has raised more than $3 million for lymphoma research over the past seven years. Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company received the Corporate Leadership Award for its generous support of educational programs and services for patients, continuing educational programs for healthcare providers, and lymphoma research programs. The 2013 Gala was co-chaired by Barbara & Jerry Freundlich and Susan & Jeffrey Sussman.
“The Lymphoma Research Foundation’s Gala was truly a celebration of all of our partners in hope,” said Elizabeth Thompson, LRF Chief Executive Officer. “Thanks to the leadership of the Freundlichs and Sussmans, the dedication of the evening’s honorees, and the generosity of all of the Foundation’s supporters, the Gala was able to raise nearly $1 million for life-changing lymphoma research.”
For more information about the Foundation’s 2013 Gala, including photos from the event, and/or for information about lymphoma, please visit the LRF website at lymphoma.org.
About the Lymphoma Research Foundation
The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is the nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted to funding innovative research and serving the lymphoma community through a comprehensive series of education programs, outreach initiatives and patient services. To date, LRF has awarded more than $54 million in lymphoma-specific research.
For additional information on LRF’s research, education and services, visit lymphoma.org.
Peggy Ann Torney, Lymphoma Research Foundation, http://lymphoma.org, +1 646-465-9109, [email protected]
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