News
$1 million matching grant announced at Celebration of Life
MIAMI, FL—“An Attitude of Gratitude” was the theme of the Alpha-1 Foundation’s 9th annual Celebration of Life May 1, and the Foundation had even more than usual to be grateful for.
The highlight of the dinner presentations was the announcement of a $1 million “legacy grant” from Talecris Biotherapeutics. Lawrence Stern, Talecris Executive Chairman and CEO, announcing the grant, pointed out that, “A legacy is more than just a sum of money. A legacy is a passing down of the human spirit.”
Chip Withers, with award
He said that this “legacy of the human spirit” has been a trademark of the relationship between Talecris and the Foundation over nearly two decades.
Foundation President and CEO John Walsh said the Talecris grant makes possible a “Million Dollar Match” of funds donated for research programs this year. “Every dollar donated for research, up to a million dollars, will be doubled this year thanks to this generous grant.” He said all funds raised in the matching grant program will be restricted for research programs, and that all administrative and fundraising costs will be funded by a portion of AlphaNet’s contribution to the Foundation.
Wayne E. (Chip) Withers, Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors, and former Chair and current Board member Edward A. Schuck were both honored for their nine years of service on the board. Both are leaving the board after three terms as required by the Foundation bylaws.
Ed Schuck, leaving board after three terms
More than 20 foursomes played in the annual Celebration of Life golf tournament at Indian Creek Country Club, Miami Beach, and more than 200 attended the evening dinner dance at the country club.
Among the “thank you” presentations during the evening as part of the “Attitude of Gratitude” theme, were the Kushner family, organizers of the John E. Kushner Family Fund; Gordon and Ruth Cadwgan; Leopoldo and Marilina Fernandez; Lawrence and Rebecca Stern; Talecris Biotherapeutics and AlphaNet, Inc.
Presenting sponsors were Centric Health Resources for the golf tournament, and CSL Behring and Talecris Biotherapeutics for the evening dinner.
GOLF WINNERS – The Centric Health Resources Team won the Celebration of Life Golf Tournament with low score of 52. From left: Barry Ash, John Fielder, Craig Kephart and Larry Glascott, with Foundation President and CEO John Walsh
Photos courtesy of Robert Siegel
