NATIONAL MENINGITIS ASSOCIATION GALA 2011

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Give Kids a Shot!
National Meningitis Association Gala 2011
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Master Of Ceremonies James Naughton

Ambassador John Loeb Honorary Co-Chair

Honoree Richard Thomas

Olympic Gold Medalist Nick Springer

Give Kids a Shot! National Meningitis Association Gala 2011, A Benefit to Save Lives in the Fight Against Meningitis, a Vaccine-Preventable Disease takes place Monday April 25 at the New York Athletic Club. Honorary Chairs are Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr. & Olympic Gold Medalist Nick Springer; Gala Chairs Gary Springer & Sara Herbert-Galloway; Vice Chairs, Lenore Cooney, Cooney/Waters Group; Barry J. Klarberg Monarch Wealth & Business Management. Honorees are New York Giants Football Legend Bart Oates & his wife Michelle Oates, advocates for pediatric medical research, will receive NMA’s, Children's Advocacy Award; medical pioneer James C. Turner, M.D. Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia will accept NMA's Health Achievement Award; iconic actor Richard Thomas will receive NMA's Nancy Ford Springer Inspiration Award for his long standing support of NMA and pianist Chau-GiangThi Nguyen (Chosan Nguyen) will receive NMA's International Ambassador for Education Through Music Award.

During the 1990’s, there was a significant increase in the number of adolescents and young adults killed or disabled by meningococcal meningitis; young people who were seemingly healthy, vibrant and often athletic. Most of the families were unaware of a vaccine that could have saved their children’s lives or anguish. The National Meningitis Association (NMA), a non-profit organization, was formed in 2002 by parents whose children were killed or disabled by meningitis. Since then, NMA has created educational programs that reach millions of people each year with information about available immunizations and disease symptoms and thoughtful, comprehensive support programs for families devastated by the ravages of the disease.



The evening will begin with Cocktails & Silent Auction at 6:30pm followed by Dinner & the NMA Awards. Master of Ceremonies is two-time Tony Award winner James Naughton who will also perform. This signature fundraising event will help NMA continue and expand its vital work in the fight against meningitis by educating families, medical professionals and others about bacterial meningitis and prevention approaches to the disease.



Honorary Committee includes Michael Badalucco, Lynn Grossman & Bob Balaban, Steve Buscemi, Chau-Giang Thi Nguyen, U.S, Senator Susan Collins, Judy & Rod Gilbert, Adam Graves, Brian Grazer, Amy Madigan & Ed Harris, Lainie Kazan, Felicity Huffman William H. Macy, Congressman Michael Michaud, Congresswoman Shelly Pingree & Heather Randall, Susan Sarandon, Joe Sirola, U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe & Liv Ullman.



Medical Committee includes Richard Besser, ABC News; Paul Offit M.D.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Nancy Snyderman, M.D.NBC News; Dr. Roger W. Yurt Chief of Burn Surgery, NY Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center.


How To Attend This Great Event



Leadership Packages: Heroes for Tomorrow: Four Tables of Ten, Top VIP Seating & Listing in Scroll of Honor $100,000; Life Ambassadors: Three Tables of Ten, VIP Seating & Listing in Scroll of Honor $75,000; Children’s Champions: Two Tables of Ten, VIP Seating & Listing in Scroll of Honor $50,000; Guardians of Life: Table of Ten, VIP Seating & Listing in Scroll of Honor $25,000; Patrons of Hope: Table of Ten & VIP Listing in Scroll of Honor $15,000; Youth Benefactors: Table of Ten & Premier Listing in Scroll of Honor $10,000; Humanitarians for Health: 4 Tickets & Premier Listing in Scroll of Honor, $5,000; Wellness Sponsors: 2 Tickets & Premier Listing in Scroll of Honor $2,500; Ticket & Friend Listing in Scroll of Honor $1,000 & One Ticket, $500



For Leadership Packages, Sponsorships and tickets contact Susan Shattuck/ Laurie Krotman, Special Events Unlimited, 212-244-7333 or email gala@nmaus.org For more information about NMA’s life-saving work please visit www.nmaus.org.


Editors Note: This is a great event to support. Having met Nick Springer several times, I never saw so much courage and a zest for life. Please visit their website to find out how you can help!


Photos Courtesy Of: National Meningitis Association