The Doobie Brothers to Headline 23rd Annual Kidney Ball; 'Takin' It to the Streets' to Prevent Kidney Disease; Photo Available 10/30/2003
From: Michele Anthony or Darren Luke, both of the National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area, 202-244-7900 WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 -- The National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area (NKF) today announced that the 23rd Annual Kidney Ball, scheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2003, at the Hilton Washington & Towers, will feature an exciting performance by the legendary rock/soul group, the Doobie Brothers. The Kidney Ball is the largest one-day fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation nationwide and has evolved into one of DC's premiere galas, hosting government, business, and community leaders from across the region, as well as kidney patients, transplant surgeons, and nephrologists. The 2003 Kidney Ball theme is "Takin' it to the Streets," borrowed from the Doobie Brothers song of the same name. With this theme, the gala will shine the spotlight on Project Prevention, NKF's preventive screening and education program serving the Washington, DC area. Since its inception, NKF has taken this mobile program "to the streets" and screened 10,000 area residents for the risk factors that can lead to kidney disease, including diabetes and hypertension. The 2003 Kidney Ball will raise over $1 million to support vital programs like Project Prevention, as well as NKF's ongoing work in research, patient services, public and professional education, and organ donation programs. "The Washington, DC metropolitan area leads the nation in the prevalence of kidney disease. Through the generous support of individuals and corporate partners, the Kidney Ball has raised millions of dollars over the years to fight this deadly disease right here in our community," said Samuel A. Schreiber, 2003 Kidney Ball chairman and regional president, greater Washington, D.C., of Wachovia Bank. A highlight of the gala will be a special video presentation featuring Riley Fisher, a 14-year-old high school student who, in the summer of 2002, became the first pediatric kidney transplant patient at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NKF Board Chair Michael O'Grady, senior vice president of SunTrust Bank, also a recent kidney transplant recipient, will honor Fisher on stage. O'Grady underwent his surgery at Inova Fairfax Hospital in September of this year and is making one of his first social appearances at the Kidney Ball. The evening will also feature a reception, silent auction, formal dinner, live auction, entertainment, and dancing. Recognizing the dire need for organ donors in this country, the Doobie Brothers graciously accepted the National Kidney Foundation's invitation to star in two public service announcements focusing on organ donation. Those television and radio spots will air locally to promote the Kidney Ball, as well as nationally during National Donate Life Month in April. "We are delighted to have the Doobie Brothers performing at the Kidney Ball this year and we are grateful that they have lent their celebrity to raising awareness about the critical need for organ donors in this country," said Preston A. Englert, Jr., CAE, president and CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area. The mission of the National Kidney Foundation is to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. ------ Editor's note: High resolution, publication-ready photo(s) supporting this story available for free editorial use at: http://www.wirepix.com/newsphotos/USN | |