The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Black Tie Event to Honor Olympic Gold Medallist
Client: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Sample: Black Tie Event to Honor Olympic Gold Medallist
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Speed skater Dan Jansen, Olympic Gold Medallist, will receive The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Illinois Chapter’s Humanitarian Award at this year’s Dream for a Cure Gala, Friday, May 2.
Jansen’s sister Jane died of leukemia while he was competing in the 1988 Olympics in Calgary. Just hours after hearing of his sister’s death, Jansen fell in both the 500- and 1,000-meter races. He returned in 1994 to win the gold in the 1,000-meter, set the world record and skate a victory lap with his baby daughter Jane in his arms.
An estimated 450 Society supporters from the top ranks of business, medicine and Chicago politics are expected to attend the second annual event at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago. Last year’s premiere gala raised more than $167,000 for research and patient support.
The event will begin with a private VIP party and continue with a cocktail reception, dinner and awards presentation. Ballroom dancing to the Peter Hennes Orchestra will top off the night.
Event Chair Kim Carney and her committee have also gathered an impressive array of goods for a high-end auction, including a professional skater’s jacket, signed by gold medal Olympic skaters (donated by Discover), a VIP train ride with dinner (donated by Burlington Northern) that opens with a $12,000 bid, 10 rooftop tickets to a Cubs game and more. The Society is also raffling off a Philips digital wide-screen TV.
“We’re very excited,” said Carney, who has chaired the event both years. “More than 300 tickets are already gone. We expect to sell out.” The Chicago sports media community is expected to join in the fun, with CBS Sports Director Mike Adamle announcing Jansen and emceeing the event.
Jansen continues to be a strong national supporter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, donating his time, name and resources to promote the organization and raise funds for a cure.