March 18, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT: Rachel Harris
            Campaign Coordinator
  989-0098 Ext. 311

Inaugural Man & Woman of the Year Event Kicks Off

Birmingham’s Inaugural Man & Woman of the Year event kicked off on Thursday, March 13th with a reception hosted by St. Vincent’s Health System. Man & Woman of the Year is an eight week fundraising competition among individuals in the community that benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Candidates are judged solely on a philanthropic basis and the individuals who raise the most funds will be awarded the title of "Man of the Year" or "Woman of the Year". This year’s candidates include Katie Baker Lasker, KB Designs; Jeff Pomeroy, Bayer Properties; Marilyn Pritchard, Birmingham Hematology & Oncology Associates, LLC.; Gilbert M. Roberts, Jr., Service Construction Supply, Inc.; Jennifer Devereaux Segers, Esq., Huie Fernambucq & Stewart, LLP.; Sharon Sherrod, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama; Edward L. Smith Jr., Alabama Gas Corporation. Candidates participate in this competition in honor of those afflicted by blood cancers. This year the candidates will be inspired by our Girl of the Year, Katie Whatley and Boy of the Year, Alexander O'Neal. Katie is a sixth grader at Berry Middle School and is currently in treatment for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Alexander is a junior at Homewood High School and plays on the junior varsity basketball team. This fall marked the 3 year anniversary of his ALL diagnosis.

The competition will culminate at the Grand Finale Celebration on May 8, 2008 at B & A Warehouse. This evening will feature entertainment, dinner, silent and live auctions along with the announcement of the winners. Don't miss out on this opportunity to support the candidates and to help in the fight against blood cancers. Sponsors include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Brasfield & Gorrie, Sadler & Sullivan P.C., and Synovus Wealth Management.

Individual tickets are $100 each.  Corporate sponsorships are available for $500, $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000.   Please call Rachel Harris - 989-0098 Ext. 311 or email: rachel.harris@lls.org for more information.