2017 candidates set off to raise $225,000 in 10 weeks
March 6, 2017
2017 Man & Woman of the Year Campaign Launch at Pearlz Oyster Bar
The Midlands Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has announced the eight candidates that think they have what it takes to be Man and Woman (MWOY) of 2017, bringing us one step closer to a world without blood cancers. Year after year individuals take on this challenge, and though only two will win the official title, everyone wins when cancer loses. We have a number of $50K plus candidates who know they may not win, but are participating to see cancer lose. This year is only the second year for MWOY in the Midlands and we have doubled our number of candidates already – eight in total.
The candidates have set a goal of raising $225,000 during their 10-week campaign and have a mission of not only raising funds for lifesaving blood cancer research, but also raising awareness for LLS’s mission: to cure leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. This year’s fundraising is in honor of two patient heroes, the 2017 Boy and Girl of the Year: Trey and Darian.
The campaign will begin and end with two elegant events: the March 7th launch at Pearlz Oyster Bar and the Grand Finale at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia on May 18th.
“What happens between these two events is the heart of the race,” says Paul Jeter, Executive Director of LLS’s Midlands Chapter. “Throughout the 10 weeks, each candidate will host events and motivate their networks to raise money for blood cancer research. The man and woman who raise the most money will be named as the local Man and Woman of the Year and go on to compete for national honors.”
The 2017 roster of candidates is the largest the chapter has seen since the campaign began in 2016. This year’s fundraisers span the Midlands area geographically and professionally, but all have at least one thing in common: a commitment to raising money for the blood cancer research, advocacy and patient services.
The 2017 candidates are:
• Pamela Brubaker, Capital Development
• Blake Buchanan, Columbia Fireflies
• Lisa Hostetler, LawyerLisa, LLC.
• Kelly Singleton Encore Events Rock
• Robert “Rob” R. Smith II, Moore & Van Allen
• John Stackhouse, Modern Family Asset Management
• Heather Vardell, JCI USA
• Ernie Yarborough, Ernie Yarborough Insurance Agency
WHO: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2017 Man & Woman of the Year Campaign
WHAT: Campaign Kickoff Event
WHEN: Tuesday, March 7th from 6:30pm-8:30pm
WHERE: Pearlz Oyster Bar: 936 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
RSVP: The event is open to the public, but RSVP’s are required by March 1st.
For more information, contact Amanda DuPre at (803) 576-4391 or visit www.mwoy.org/sc
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to finding cures for 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, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
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. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
