Lymphoma Research Foundation to Host Annual Gala at New York’s Historic Plaza Hotel

A Night “Powered by Innovation” Set to Culminate Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September

New York, NY (September, 2017) –The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) – the nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted exclusively to funding innovative lymphoma research and serving the lymphoma community through a comprehensive series of education programs, outreach initiatives and patient services – is set to host its 2017 Annual Gala in New York City on Wednesday, September 27, 2017.

Held for the second year in a row during Blood Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), LRF will host its 2017 Annual Gala at the historic Plaza Hotel in its famed Grand Ballroom. LRF’s Annual Gala brings together hundreds of leaders from across the lymphoma community, including members of LRF’s Scientific Advisory Board, Board of Directors, corporate partners, clinicians, researchers, healthcare providers, patients, survivors, and volunteers to raise essential funds to support LRF’s critical mission of eradicating lymphoma and serving those impacted by this blood cancer. Last year’s Annual Gala raised more than $1 million toward LRF’s research programs and support initiatives.

The Lymphoma Research Foundation will honor partners and volunteers whose support has enabled progress in research and service throughout the years. This year’s Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Nancy & Oliver W. Press, MD, PhD of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and past-Chair of LRF’s Scientific Advisory Board, for their commitment to advancing lymphoma research in the lab, in the clinic, and in the community. Longtime LRF volunteer and supporter Ben Haines will be presented with this year’s Freundlich Leadership Award for his leadership throughout the Midwest and advocacy efforts in support of the University of Iowa and Mayo Clinic SPORE Grant, and Bristol-Myers Squibb will be honored with this year’s Corporate Leadership Award in recognition of their trailblazing research approach to enhancing the immune system to fight cancer, as well as their years of continued charitable support of LRF’s efforts to provide patient communities with premier resources and services.

“‘Powered by Innovation’ is an ideal theme for this year’s Gala in which we will honor leaders committed to impacting change for the benefit of today’s lymphoma community,” said Michael Werner, Chair of the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s Board of Directors. “As we continue our investment in the promising field of immunotherapy and novel treatment development, tonight’s Gala is an opportunity to thank our partners for their continued support in helping us to make these research and patient support programs possible.”

“As someone who has dedicated his life to the study of hematologic malignancies, it is an honor to be recognized by an organization on the forefront of lymphoma research like LRF,” said Dr. Press. “I have been honored to help steer LRF’s cutting-edge research portfolio over the years, and my family and I could not be more proud tonight to be a part of this organization.”

Renowned Sotheby’s auctioneer C. Hugh Hildesley will once again serve as the evening’s auctioneer for both the live auction, as well as the Foundation’s signature Raise it for LRF segment in which attendees pledge funds to support LRF’s mission. Last year’s attendees raised more than $325,000 for LRF’s innovative research portfolio and support programs in just minutes during this unique and exciting portion of the evening. For more information about the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s Annual Gala or to purchase tickets to the event, please contact Taylor Zitay Kahn at (646) 465-9103 or visit lymphoma.org/gala.

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 nearly $60 million in lymphoma-specific research.

For additional information on LRF’s research, education and services, visit lymphoma.org.

Contact:
Jake DiGregorio
508-414-8853
jdigregorio@lymphoma.org