2016 Evening of Hope Honors Visionaries in the Fight Against Lupus
On the evening of October 20, the Lupus Foundation of America held its 2016 National Gala in New York City.
Richard Rosenbaum, Executive Chairman, Greenberg Traurig, LLP; Tim Nolan, Senior Vice President, Marketing Lifetime, LMN & FYI Networks; and Ian Harding, star of Pretty Little Liars and Celebrity Awareness Ambassador were honored for their efforts to end the devastating impact of lupus on millions of families.
The evening spotlighted the changing landscape of lupus research and awareness with cutting-edge biomedical research and communication platforms opening doors for new opportunities to educate the public about lupus and advance new treatments.
"We look forward to the future with hope, innovation and determination." --Sandra C. Raymond, LFA CEO
Lupus advocate Allie Gutshall shared her personal story and sense of urgency and hope for new treatments that will improve the quality of life for people with lupus. Dr. Susan Manzi, the Lupus Foundation of America’s Medical Director and Chair of the Department of Medicine, and Director of the Lupus Center of Excellence at Allegheny Health Network, highlighted groundbreaking research on stem cells as a potential treatment for lupus.
“Our honorees are true visionaries in the fight against lupus,” said Sandra C. Raymond, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America. “It is only fitting that we honor their many achievements, as we look forward to the future with hope, innovation and determination to end the cruel mystery that is lupus.”
Richard Rosenbaum received the Hope Award for the company’s generosity and long-standing support of lupus research and education. Greenberg Traurig, is a unified international law firm of approximately 2000 lawyers and 38 offices around the globe. Rosenbaum’s support of the cause is also deeply personal as his sister is living with lupus.
Tim Nolan also received the Hope Award. Nolan’s support was driven by his husband who has lupus, and as a leader in the entertainment and media industry he has helped to direct resources and support to increase awareness and understanding of lupus. He was instrumental in the creation of the Foundation’s KNOW LUPUS national multi-media campaign, which to-date has educated more than 625 million about the impact of lupus on individuals and their families.
The Foundation presented the Barlin Family Award to Ian Harding, whose mother is living with lupus. He has been involved with the Foundation for several years participating in public awareness campaigns and Walk to End Lupus Now® events. He has raised more than $100K for lupus research and education.
The program closed with a fun and interactive performance from the acapella group VoicePlay.
The Lupus Foundation of America’s National Gala is an Evening of Hope honoring outstanding individuals who have been champions for those living with lupus and their families.
The Foundation thanks its generous supporters and sponsors including: GreenbergTraurig; Pfizer; InsomniaTV and Piper Jaffray. The Gala raises critically needed funds to advance the Foundation’s mission and its comprehensive programs of research, education, and advocacy. To learn more or make a donation, visit www.lupus.org/gala.