As one of the largest fundraising events in the country, the 23rd Annual Leukemia Ball is held to benefit the National Capital Area Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Joining Lilly as co-chair is Ed Offterdinger, Regional Managing Partner of Baker Tilly.

Lilly has been actively involved in the National Capital Area Chapter for the past 12 years, has previously co-chaired the Leukemia Ball in 2003 and 2004 and in 2005 was awarded the Dr. McCredie award for his efforts in securing over $1.5 million in sponsor support. In addition, Lilly serves as a director on the National Board of LLS.

“It is an honor to again be serving as the co-chair for the Leukemia Ball for the third time,” said Lilly. “Our successes year after year would not be possible without the outstanding support of our generous sponsors, valued donors and dedicated and passionate volunteers and staff. My involvement with LLS both on the local and national levels has afforded me the opportunity to watch our fundraising dollars turn into research and cures, however, the fight is not over yet.”

Funds raised go directly to research, patient and community services, advocacy and education. Continued funding of cutting-edge science has contributed to an unprecedented rise in survival rates for some blood cancers.  Thanks in part to research funded by LLS, survival rates of those with blood cancers have doubled or even tripled. For example, today more than 90% of children with the most common form of leukemia will be cured - a great leap from just 3% in 1964.

“It’s incredibly gratifying to witness this team of more than 60 talented, committed business leaders and volunteers working together to champion an important community need,” said Offterdinger. “And, with the addition of 15 new committee members joining us for the first time this year, we are optimistic we can continue our success despite the economy.”
 
The Ball attracts about 2,000 of DC's business and community leaders. This year’s event features top name entertainment and is expected to raise $3M for blood cancer research, education and patient services. 

“Year after year, I continue to be amazed and  humbled  by the exceptional efforts of DC-area business leaders and  our devoted,  compassionate volunteers,” said Donna McKelvey, Executive Director of the National Capital Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “The Ball has raised more than $37 million since its inception in 1988 thanks to these extraordinary individuals.”

In addition, the event boasts one of the area’s largest silent auctions, featuring a variety of travel packages featuring American Airlines air travel. In addition, two brand new vehicles have been donated by the Washington Area Mercedes-Benz dealers for the Ball’s annual raffle. Tickets are $100 and only 6,000 tickets are printed.  
 
The event’s unwavering popularity over the past two decades is also largely due to the featured headliner entertainment. Past headliners include Bill Cosby, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Ray Charles, The Fifth Dimension, The Four Preps, Frankie Valle & The Four Seasons, Hootie & the Blowfish, Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind &  Fire, Jay Leno, Dennis Miller, John Mellencamp, Larry King, Jerry Seinfeld, Dana Carvey, Frank Caliendo, Reba McIntyre, Jim Belushi amd Dan Ackroyd,

For more information visit www.leukemiaball.org.

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About The Leukemia & Lymphoma   Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)  is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS  mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s  disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and  their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.   
 
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White  Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and  Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to  6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.

About the National Capital Area Chapter
LLS has 64 chapters, and the National Capital Area Chapter is one of the highest revenue-generating chapters in the nation. The  National Capital Area Chapter serves  Washington DC; the Maryland counties of Prince George and  Montgomery; and the Virginia Counties of Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria and Prince William. More than 2,500 patients and families are served b the chapter each year.