Fall 2010 Newsletter

Powered by Professionals
Fall 2010 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

It is an exciting time for Powered by Professionals (PBP), and we wanted to say hello and share some of the highlights and successes of the year with you.

Many of you know that after eight years, the Co-Founder of PBP, Ken Grosso, decided to embark on a new opportunity, and, though we were sad to see him go, we amicably parted ways. We wish Ken all the best of luck and thank him for all he did to help build PBP.

We have expanded our client base throughout the Mid-Atlantic by adding my Alma Mater, the University of Maryland, and holding the first annual major fundraiser of its Alumni Association in New York City. We are also working with a Philadelphia non-profit, the Jewish Relief Agency, which helps fight hunger. We are proud to have helped the Sarcoma Foundation of America raise a record-breaking amount of $1 million! We are thrilled to continue working with Turn the Corner Foundation, Voices Against Brain Cancer, R Baby Foundation and the Melanoma Research Foundation, and to reconnect with Comunilife. With a great staff including several new and exciting team members, we are looking forward to raising more funds for these great causes!

I hope to see many of you at some of our upcoming fall events! For more information or to get involved as a volunteer, please click here.

Thank you!

Best,

Darren Port
Powered by Professionals

PBP’s SPRING 2010 EVENTS!

Sarcoma Foundation of America
With a mission to promote education, public awareness and research, the Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) celebrated the success of its 8th Annual Fundraising Gala last spring. Held on April 26, 2010 at the prestigious Pierre on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the gala honored seven inspirational survivors of Sarcoma and leading physicians in the field, and enabled the foundation to raise a record-setting amount – just under $1 million dollars of financial support to further its invaluable cause.

A special conference, which took place on April 25 at the Helmsley Park Lane Hotel, preceded the gala. Panelists included esteemed physicians, surgeons and researchers from around the world in the field and focused on emerging therapies, research, and advances in cancer treatment. For more information on the Sarcoma Foundation of America, please visit www.curesarcoma.org.

SFA’s 2010 Courage Award Recipients (from left to right): Alex Burdo, Nadia Hannan, Mark Herzlich, Ashleigh Lau, Candance Sue, Susan Rose (Presenter) and in front: Luke Weber and Kaitlyn Liotti.

R Baby Foundation
Last Mother’s Day, May 9, 2010, the R Baby Foundation held it’s 2nd annual Mother’s Day Run/Walk. R Baby, the first and only not-for-profit foundation focused on improving pediatric emergency care, gathered over 9,000 participants in Central Park to raise awareness about infant mortality. Participants were able to enjoy live performances by The Raggs and Songs for Seeds as well as Nike Sports activities, Kids’ Races, arts and crafts, massages for Moms, food, music, giveaways and of course, the opportunity to walk or run together to make a difference. The event helped the R Baby Foundation raise close to $600,000, allowing this important organization to continue to educate, advocate, and, most importantly, save babies’ lives. For more information on R Baby and any upcoming events, please visit www.rbabyfoundation.org.

Participants in R Baby’s 2010 Mother’s Day Run/Walk Kids Fun Run. Races were held for children ages 2-12.

Voices Against Brain Cancer
Voices Against Brain Cancer was established by the Lichtenstein family to find a cure for the disease that effected their and so many others’ families profoundly. In 2010, they continued their dedicated work to increase brain cancer awareness and support patients and families by holding its 5th annual Sounding Off For A Cure gala on June 8, 2010 at The Hammerstein Ballroom. The gala aimed to raise funds to support the mission of VABC and to celebrate both those who have made an impact in the field and those who have courageously battled with this disease. Generating close to $700,000, the night proved to be one that was memorable not only for its festivity, but also for the tremendous strides those generous participants undoubtedly took to support finding a cure. For more information on Voices Against Brain Cancer, their existing grants and initiatives, and ways you can get involved, please visit www.voicesagainstbraincancer.org.

The Lichtenstein Family (from left to right): Mario, Founder; Dora, Dana, Adam, Deborah and Eric, 2010 Honoree.

University of Maryland Alumni Association
One of the newest additions to the Powered By Professionals family, the University of Maryland Alumni Association (UMDAA), supports the mission of the University by fostering the life-long commitment of its graduates and promoting the future of its academic pursuits, including teaching, research, and public service. On June 17, 2010, local alumni came together at the Metropolitan Pavilion to reconnect with former classmates and honor their peers at the Alumni Association’s 1st Annual Fundraising event in New York City. The event grossed over $250,000 in financial contributions to support the University at large, and hosted over 500 members of the alumni community. Powered by Professionals looks forward to a bright future with the UMDAA in which we can continue to build off of the momentum of this exciting event. For more information on the University of Maryland Alumni Association and events in your neighborhood, please visit www.alumni.umd.edu.

2010 Entrepreneur of the Year, William Greenblatt ’79, CEO and Founder of Sterling InfoSystems accepts his award with Special Guest Albert King , ACC Men’s Basketball Player of the Year: 1979-1980 Maryland Terps and 10-year NBA Player.

PBP’s EXCITING FALL 2010 EVENTS!

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) held their 9th annual fundraising gala, Wings of Hope for Melanoma, on Thursday, October 7 at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. The evening’s festivities included tasting stations from a variety of elite restaurants and spirit companies, a silent auction and live entertainment provided by The Nerds! The evening honored Jedd D. Wolchok, MD, PhD of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Rachel W. Humphrey, MD of Bristol Myers-Squibb. Awards were presented to three individuals who have displayed tremendous strength in their battles with melanoma: Peter Biagiotti, Tom Chiusano and Thelma Siben. Proceeds from the gala will enable the MRF to continue to fulfill their mission to support medical RESEARCH for finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma; to EDUCATE patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma; and to act as an ADVOCATE for the melanoma community to raise the awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. For more information about MRF, please visit www.melanoma.org.

2010 Courage Award Recipients (from left to right): Peter Biagiotti, Thelma Siben and Tom Chiusano & David Abrutyn, 2010 Courage Award Presenter & 2009 Courage Award Recipient.

Comunilife will hold their 21st Anniversary Breakfast, All Lives are Precious, on Friday, October 29 at 230 Fifth Avenue in New York City. The breakfast will honor four individuals whose work and dedication to the citizens of New York City embody the ideals and vision of Comunilife: Frank Branchini, President & COO of EmblemHealth, Inc.; Jacqueline Hernandez, COO of Telemundo Communications Group; Wayne Keathley, President/COO/EVP of Business Development of Mt. Sinai Hospital; and Glen Wakeman, President & CEO of Doral Financial. The breakfast will provide Comunilife with the necessary funds to continue to serve as a leading provider of mental health, housing, healthcare management and social services to New York City’s homeless living with HIV/AIDS and mental illness. This event supports Comunilife’s “Life is Precious” program which aims to reduce suicide risk in Latina girls, ages 12-16. For more information about Comunilife, the event, to purchase tickets or to make a donation please visit www.comunilife.org.

Turn the Corner (TTC) will hold its fifth annual fundraising gala Unmask A Cure on November 3, 2010 at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. TTC is dedicated to the support, research, education, awareness and innovative treatments for Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Come to this event to try samplings from a variety of New York’s elite restaurants, sip cocktails from various sprit companies, take part in silent and live auctions full of great items and enjoy the NERDS! Last year, the gala raised close to $500,000 toward several grants and initiatives, including TTC’s innovating Physicians Training Program, which allows medical professionals to have the opportunity to train with a designated ILADS Lyme-literate doctor. This year, TTC will be honoring Gerry Simons, PA-C at the Morrison Center with the 2010 Humanitarian Award, as well as seven patients who have shown great courage in their fight against Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses – Ben Ahrens, Adam Harrison, Teri Raser, Duane Buoniello, Patrick Olah, Susan Wolfson and Mark Conese. For more information on Turn the Corner’s event and cause, please visit www.turnthecorner.org.

Turn the Corner Foundation’s 2009 gala.

The Jewish Relief Agency (JRA) will be holding its fourth annual fundraising event and 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY celebrationJRA@10 on Tuesday, November 17, 2010 at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia. JRA, whose mission is to assist families according to their individual need and help needy families by delivering monthly food packages, will be affirming their commitment to continued growth and innovation and celebrating their incredible community of volunteers. This year’s event, which is the first event in which PBP and JRA are working together, will honor Kimby and Wayne Kimmel for their steadfast commitment to JRA and to helping those in need. JRA provides a unique volunteer experience, allowing people of all backgrounds and religions to come together as a community and work for the benefit of those less fortunate. JRA@10 will mark the official launch of JRAID, JRA’s next generation of volunteerism which utilizes web-based technology to match needs in the local community with JRA’s incredible army of volunteers. For more information on JRA and their cause and event, please visit http://www.jewishrelief.org/.

POWERED BY PROFESSIONALS IS PROUD TO HAVE WORKED CLOSELY WITH THE FOLLOWING OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE HONORED IN 2010.

Sarcoma Foundation of America

2010 8th Annual Fundraising Gala

Murray F. Brennan, MD, Vision of Hope Award
Director of the International Center and Vice President for International Programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Paul A. Myers, MD, Nobility in Science Award
Vice Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Professor of Pediatrics at the Weill Cornell Medical College

2010 Annual Patient Educational Conference

Jean-Yves Blay MD, PhD
Professor of Medical Oncology, University Claude Bernard Lyon
President of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer

John S. J. Brooks, MD
Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Pennsylvania Hospital

George Demetri, MD
Director, Ludwig Center at Dana-Farber/Harvard and Sarcoma Center Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Paul Meyers, MD
Vice Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Shreyaskumar Patel, MD
Deputy Chair, Sarcoma, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Jeffrey Toretsky, MD
Associate Professor, Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University

Voices Against Brain Cancer

Henry S. Friedman, MD, 2010 Gary Lichtenstein Humanitarian Award
James B. Powell, Jr. Professor of Neuro-Oncology at Duke University Medical Center

Eric Lichtenstein, 2010 Voices Award
Managing Director, Knight Capital Group and Voices Against Brain Cancer Co-Founder

The Roth Family, 2010 Vision of Hope Award
Founders of Have A Chance, Inc.

University of Maryland Alumni Association

Harvey Sanders, New York Alumnus of the Year Award
CEO (retired) Nautica Enterprises, Inc.

William Greenblatt, Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Founder/CEO of Sterling Infosystems

Jason Finger, Technology Industry Impact Award
Founder Seamless Web

Ali Hirsa, MS, PhD, Finance Industry Impact Award
Partner & Head of Analytical Trading Strategy at Caspian Capital Management, LLC

Avis Richard, Non-profit Industry Impact Award
Founder and CEO Birds Nest Productions

Melanoma Research Foundation

Jedd D. Wolchok, MD, PhD, Wings of Hope Humanitarian Award
Director of Immunotherapy Clinical Trials and Associate Attending Physician and Associate Director of the Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Rachel W. Humphrey, MD, Vision of Hope Award
Vice President of Global Development, Immunoncology, Ipilimumab at Bristol-Myers Squibb

Comunilife, Inc.

Frank J. Branchini, Corazón Award
President & COO of EmblemHealth, Inc.

Jacqueline Hernández, Corazón Award
COO of Telemundo Communications Group

Wayne E. Keathley, Corazón Award
President, COO & EVP Business Development at Mount Sinai Hospital

Glen Wakeman, Corazón Award
President & CEO of Doral Financial

Turn the Corner Foundation

Gerald T. Simons, PA-C, Humanitarian Award
Physician’s Assistant at The Morrison Center

Jewish Relief Agency

Wayne Kimmel
Managing Partner, Seventy Six Capital

Kimby Kimmel
Co-Founder, Paper Hearts

The following individuals were also recognized at this year’s spring events for displaying tremendous strength in their own individual battles with sarcoma, brain cancer, melanoma and lyme disease.

Sarcoma Foundation of America
Alexander Burdo
Nadia Hannan
Mark Herzlich
Ashleigh Lau
Kaitlyn Liotti
Candace Sue
Luke Weber

Voices Against Brain Cancer
Todd Allan
Henry Arnberg
Robert Bernstein
Rochelle Gutman
Jon B. Kushner
Susan Lemkuil
Freddy Lugo
Patricia Munjack

Melanoma Research Foundation
Peter Biagiotti
Tom Chiusano
Thelma Siben

Turn the Corner Foundation
Ben Ahrens
Duane Buoniello
Mark Conese
Adam Harrison
Patrick Olah
Teri Raser
Susan Wolfson

MADE FOR YOU BY PBP:
CREATE FOOTPRINTS

Create Footprints is an innovative program developed by Powered by Professionals to give non-profit organizations the ability to raise money and awareness beyond the area in which they are based. Individuals can support causes that are meaningful to them by utilizing the step-by-step Create Footprints kit to organize walks in their own neighborhood. Create Footprints was designed to help PBP clients extend their reach and plant themselves in the neighborhoods and communities of the people who believe so strongly in an individual cause.

This fall, PBP helped facilitate two very successful Create Footprints walks! R Baby Foundation’s Colorado Chapter held their second annual walk on Saturday, September 25 and Voices Against Brain Cancer held their first annual walk in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, October 2.

To find out more about PBP’s Create Footprints program, or to organize your own Create Footprints walk, please click here  or contact Jenna Bradley at jenna@poweredbyprofessionals.com or 646.723.1269.

PBP is pleased to present VOLUNTEER, ADDIE TOMEI
GALA COMMITTEE MEMBER, SARCOMA FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

When Addie and Gary Tomei’s son, Adam, was diagnosed with Sarcoma in early 2002, they searched for help and support on the web. They weren’t interested in organizations that offered palliative solutions; they wanted an organization that was fighting and working for treatments that offered a cure. The Sarcoma Foundation of America was the one. They spoke with the heads of SFA and ultimately volunteered to organize a gala in New York. They enlisted many of their friends and family and chaired both the first and second galas, ultimately raising thousands of dollars.

Addie has been on the gala committee and Gary has been the Vice President of SFA ever since. Addie’s function on the committee, like all the other members, is to raise money for research. They do this by getting people to come to the gala and working hard to secure auction items, as well as much more behind the scenes action to ensure a wonderful gala. She says that it takes a lot of effort, but loves working with the other committee members and looks forward to seeing them at their meetings. Through their hard work, they have enabled SFA to give dozens of grants to researchers.

Adam, Addie and Gary’s son, has now been cancer free for almost nine years and they are very grateful for the personal relationships they have with many of the Board and Committee members who have always been available to discuss various issues regarding treatment. Addie goes on to say that it is a great feeling to know that you have people in your corner who are helpful and caring.

Addie is a graduate of Brooklyn College, and taught English in middle school for over 30 years. She retired in 1995, and started her own business: Savory Sojourns, a company that offers walking tours of delicious neighborhoods in New York. Every year Addie graciously donates a tour to SFA’s auction.

There are many wonderful memories of working with SFA, but Addie remembers one as the best – the evening of the first gala at Laura Belle Supper Club in the Theater District of Manhattan. She was thrilled to see the expression on the faces of the guests as they walked into the room – “we had indeed pulled it off!” she says. It was spectacularly beautiful and wonderfully entertaining – they were able to have Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli perform at the event! What a night!

Addie says, “We’ve come a long way since then, but it was a stunning start. I plan on continuing to be a part of our gala planning committee; there’s still a lot more work to do.”

Gary and Addie Tomei at SFA’s 8th Annual Gala in Spring of 2010.

GET INVOLVED!

One of the most remarkable and outstanding aspects of Powered by Professionals is the incredible network of volunteers that consistently come out and help us plan, prepare and promote our fundraising events. The wonderful thing about being a volunteer for PBP is the huge variety of causes and the different levels of volunteering and commitment you can choose to work with. Our non-profits are always looking for new and dedicated members for the Board of Directors and Event Committees to help plan and fundraise for their respective causes and events. PBP is also always looking for exciting individuals to participate and help out in various roles at our events, such as registration, live and silent auction, sweepstakes and fund-a-grant. This is a great way for someone to get involved in more then one specific non-profit and learn a lot about how fundraising galas and other events work!

Please consider making an impact with Powered by Professionals! If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, please contact Emily Neufeld at 646.278.6737 or emily@poweredbyprofessionals.com and we will find the right fit for you!

PBP WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE
SOME OF THEIR INCREDIBLE PARTNERS

VINTAGE IRVING, an upscale eatery in Union Square, Manhattan featuring international small plates and fine wines, has been a staple at recent Powered by Professionals events. The restaurant generously presented food and wine pairings at some of last year’s festivities, such as the gatherings hosted by VABC and the University of Maryland Alumni Association, and will be featured at both the Wings of Hope for Melanoma gala for the Melanoma Research Foundation and Unmask A Cure gala for the Turn the Corner Foundation this fall. The excellence of Vintage Irving’s offerings results in rave reviews from guests and clients alike, and Powered by Professionals is proud to continue to work with this stellar company.

RHYTHM IN MOTION, a professional entertainment company based in New York that specializes in DJing, is a continual supporter of Powered by Professionals and their numerous charities. Rhythm In Motion’s owner, Matt Bonavita, has DJ’d at nearly all of PBP’s events and his charisma and enthusiasm, not only about music, but about bringing his talents to non-profit events, make he and his company an integral part of each of our events. We are so appreciative of Rhythm In Motion’s unwavering presence and are truly grateful to be able to call them a partner of Powered by Professionals. For more information about Rhythm In Motion, or to book them for one of your events, please visit http://rhythminmotion.biz/.

Rhythm In Motion DJing at the University of Maryland, Maryland in Manhattan event.