Greetings on a Sunday night. I am still buzzing from our Lombardi Gala, which was held on Saturday evening at the Anthem on the Wharf. It was a simply marvelous event, with great energy, a fabulous venue and a program that was moving and inspiring. We honored Ellen Sigal and Marlene Malek, the co-founders of Friends of Cancer Research, a pioneering and highly effective advocacy organization for new cancer treatments. We also recognized the efforts of Lombardi supporters Scott LaGanga and Tim Lawrence, who organize our wonderful annual golf tournament to benefit the Ruesch Center, and our very own rising stars, Alejandra Hurtado de Mendoza and Sreejith Nair, who were introduced by Vince Lombardi II, grandson of the legendary coach for whom we are named. We also had the privilege of hearing from this year’s co-chairs, Bud Hawk and Cindy Stark, and their spouses, and Laurie Lapeyre, daughter of Margaret Hodges, the founder and inspiration of our Gala. A particular highlight was a video about one of our patients, Jaime Posada, and his fight against lung cancer with the help of his oncologist, Stephen Liu. Watch his story, and prepare to be moved.
We even hyped the 2024 BellRinger ride! Never in my life did I ever think I would mount a bicycle while wearing a tuxedo!
We raised a lot of money and had a wonderful time doing it. More importantly, that money will save lives, and that is what this event is all about. I am deeply grateful to everybody who made this event a success, with particular thanks to Kim Grassia and Alana Cassidy Bateman, who in just a few months since their arrival as our events team engineered a flawless event, supported by a small army of volunteers.
I would be remiss if I did not recognize the tireless work of Bud Hawk and Cindy Stark, who introduced many friends to Lombardi, plus the Auction Committee, led by Carolyn Kolben, with support from Jaimie Garvey. I actually got into a bidding war over a bottle of 15-year Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, but got outbid after a vigorous contest with one of our attendees! Just as well, I suppose. Last, but certainly not least, Donald Dunn and Justine Weissenborn worked their usual magic to make this event possible. It was a great, great night.
No rest for the weary; we drove to Philadelphia this morning to help out while our son Ken has shoulder surgery. I’ll be back in town on Wednesday.
Make the world a better place this week.
Lou
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