Local wine and food patrons gather in support of the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s mission
Chicago, IL (June 8, 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 – hosted its second Swirl: A Wine Tasting Event in Chicago on Thursday, June 1, 2017. The second annual event, hosted in partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits at the Lakeview home of LRF Board Member Joseph Ferraro, drew over 200 attendees and raised $105,440 in support of LRF’s mission to eradicate lymphoma and serve those impacted by this blood cancer.
Serafin Alvarado, Master Sommelier and Director of Wine Education at Southern Wine and Spirits of Illinois, who presented a special selection of Napa Valley wines, was joined by award-winning restaurant RPM Italian, who also served as the evening’s in-kind catering partner.
“Today was a special opportunity for supporters of food and wine culture throughout Chicago to come together in support of such an important cause – improving the lives of those impacted by lymphoma,” said Alvarado. “For the second year in a row, Swirl: Chicago was a tremendous success and one that we at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits are proud to support.”
Each year, more than 1,700 people in the state of Illinois alone are diagnosed with lymphoma – the most common form of blood cancer. Last year’s Swirl: Chicago raised more than $105,000 in support of the Lymphoma Research Foundation. The second annual Swirl: Chicago event was held the eve of the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO’s) Annual Meeting, held each year at McCormick Place.
“Given the incredible success of last year’s Swirl: Chicago, we were thrilled to see the city’s philanthropic community return in such tremendous numbers in support of our mission and commitment to a cure,” said Meghan Gutierrez, LRF Chief Executive Officer. “It is clear to see that Swirl: Chicago is truly becoming a ‘can’t miss event’ for enthusiasts of the wine and food culture in Chicago; we are incredibly thankful to Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits for making it possible for LRF to expand this successful fundraising event nationally and raise critical funds to advance our mission.”
Sheyla Conforte & Joseph Ferraro and Laura & Michael Werner served as this year’s presenting sponsors, in addition to serving on the evening’s Host Committee. The Host Committee also included Eric Cohen, LRF Board of Directors, and Leo I. Gordon, MD, FACP, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chair of the LRF Scientific Advisory Board, Thomas M. Habermann, MD, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Chair-elect of the LRF Scientific Advisory Board, John P. Leonard, MD, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, Immediate Past-Chair of the LRF Scientific Advisory Board, and Sonali M. Smith, MD, the University of Chicago Medicine, Member of the LRF Scientific Advisory Board.
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