Local Updates 

Campaign 2011

Each year, in communities across the country, dynamic, passionate candidates engage in a spirited ten-week fundraising competition to earn The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Man & Woman of the Year" titles, by raising funds for blood cancer research. Our exciting 2011 campaign will start with a fun Kick Off event on Tuesday, March 1 at the New Haven Lawn Club. The fundraising competition will culminate with a celebration of everyone's efforts at the black-tie optional Grand Finale on Saturday, May 7 at Amarante?s Sea Cliff New Haven, with reception, dinner, and fabulous silent and live auctions. Last year Bernie Ramos and Michele Frankie, were named The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Connecticut Man & Woman of the Year. Since its inception here in Connecticut, Candidates have raised over $1 million for blood cancer research and patient services. In 2011, the fundraising goal is set for $250,000!

The Candidates

The ideal candidates are community and business leaders who are philanthropic, ambitious, socially active, resourceful and passionate about making a difference in the lives of people suffering from blood cancers. Their unstoppable ambition drives them to fundraise in a very large-scale capacity with record-breaking results.

Honorees

All participants raise funds in honor of the Girl and Boy of the Year, local leukemia survivors. The 2011 Girl of the Year is Jenna age four. The 2011 Boy of the Year is Grant age eight. History

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man & Woman of the Year campaign began in 1990 in San Francisco to honor John Spencer, a valued employee at Hastings Clothier in San Francisco and a Society volunteer. Spencer died of leukemia at the age of 39. It was in John's memory that Hastings began supporting the Society's Northern California Chapter with the San Francisco Man & Woman of the Year event. Now, more than 40 Man & Woman of the Year campaigns occur across the nation, making this a highly visible fundraising program.

The Reason

Although someone new is diagnosed with a blood cancer every four minutes, there is great hope for the future. LLS is the world's largest national voluntary health organization dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin?s disease and myeloma, and to improving the quality of life of patients and families.

The Other Reason

FUN! Everyone involved with the Man & Woman of the Year campaign is surrounded by diverse people, a dedicated staff, and a supportive committee. Additionally, there are a number of fantastic parties, including the Grand Finale which provides candidates the opportunity to gain new friends and contacts. 2010 Woman of the Year, Michele Frankie, summed it up by saying, "the opportunity to run for Woman of the Year was an honor and a very rewarding experience."