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 support services – held its Annual Gala at the historic Plaza Hotel in New York City on Thursday, September 27, 2018. The record-setting Gala raised $2.3 million in support of LRF’s mission to eradicate lymphoma and serve all those impacted by this blood cancer and served as an ideal culmination to Blood Cancer Awareness Month.
The evening’s program honored those whose contributions to LRF and the broader lymphoma community have made a significant impact. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. John Leonard, the Richard T. Silver Distinguished Professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Executive Vice Chair of the Weill Department of Medicine and Associate Dean for Clinical Research at Weill Cornell Medicine; Past Chair (2012-2015) and current member of LRF’s Scientific Advisory Board; and a current member of LRF’s Board of Directors, for his longstanding support of the Lymphoma Research Foundation, his dedication to lymphoma patients and their loved ones, and his achievements in lymphoma research and clinical care. The Lymphoma Research Foundation honored Seattle Genetics with the Corporate Leadership Award in recognition of their unique commitment to adolescent and young adult patients and their continued dedication to advancing therapies for lymphoma patients.
“We are honored to partner with and humbled to be recognized by the Lymphoma Research Foundation,” said Clay Siegall, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle Genetics. “Seattle Genetics’ mission and passion to help cancer patients aligns with LRF’s commitment to improve the lives of all those impacted by lymphoma. We look forward to our continued work together and to the day that we can eradicate this blood cancer.”
This year’s Raise it for LRF segment, presided over by Sotheby’s C. Hugh Hildesley, raised more than $500,000 in just a matter of minutes. During this unique and exciting portion of the evening, individual attendees pledged from $500 to $100,000 to support LRF’s mission.
“We are incredibly grateful to all those who helped make this year’s Gala the most successful in the event’s history,” said Meghan Gutierrez, LRF Chief Executive Officer. “Thanks to the generosity of all those involved in this event, the Lymphoma Research Foundation can continue to expand its efforts to invest in promising lymphoma research and improve patient care through education and support services.”
The Annual Gala was chaired by Laura and Lloyd Blankfein. The Connors Family; Friedman Family Foundation; Goldman Sachs Gives, at the request of R. Martin Chavez; and Jerry Speyer & Katherine Farley served as the event’s Presenting Sponsors. Guests and honorees at this year’s Gala were encouraged to wear red in recognition of Blood Cancer Awareness Month, held each year during the month of September to raise funds and awareness for blood cancer. Culminating with the 2018 Annual Gala, this year’s Blood Cancer Awareness Month boasted approximately 100 buildings that lit red as a part of LRF’s signature Light it Red for Lymphoma initiative.
For more information on this year’s Gala please visit, lymphoma.org/gala.