DKMS is proud to announce that they will honor Cindy Crawford at their "Linked Against Leukemia Gala" on Wednesday, May 7th, 2008 at Capitale in New York City. The 2nd annual black-tie affair is a benefit to raise money and awareness for DKMS, the world's largest marrow donor center with more than 1.6 million registered donors, which has helped facilitate more than 13,000 transplants.
The evening will be hosted by actor/comedian Mario Cantone and begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30pm, followed by dinner and entertainment. International superstar and platinum-selling recording artist, Sarah Connor will be among the night's musical performers. Honorees are Cindy Crawford and Emanuel Chirico (Chairman & CEO, Phillips-Van Heusen). The event's Honorary Chairman is Bernd Beetz (CEO, Coty Inc.) and committee members include Lauren Santo Domingo, Vanessa von Bismarck, Viktoria von Wulffen and Tom Murry, President & COO of Calvin Klein, Inc.
"I am thrilled to be a part of this evening," says Crawford. "This is a cause that is very close to my heart and I hope we are able to raise awareness and funds for DKMS."
DKMS has made headlines recently with one of their celebrity supporters, Grammy-winning singer, Rihanna, who helped find a donor for a mom in New York City, who has acute leukemia and in need of a marrow transplant. Rihanna performed as last year's gala.
"We are excited to be celebrating our second annual gala and are grateful for the support we continue to receive. More than 140,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year with life-threatening blood diseases, such as leukemia and lymphoma, and leukemia is the most common disease children in the U.S. die of. Our goal is to raise funds so that we can recruit 30,000 new donors this year," states Katharina Harf, Executive Vice President, DKMS.
Through "Linked Against Leukemia," DKMS (Deutsche Knochenmarkspenderdatei or German Bone Marrow Donor Center) hopes to raise the necessary funds to cover the $65 registration for marrow donors to help blood cancer patients in need of a life-saving marrow transplant. Founded by Coty Inc. Chairman, Peter Harf, DKMS is committed to the fight against leukemia and strives to give every blood cancer patient a second chance at life by recruiting marrow donors from every race and ethnicity. DKMS inspires hope and healing by matching our donors with patients around the world in need of a marrow transplant. For more information, visit www.dkmsamericas.org.
