FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2016
Contact
Jake DiGregorio
508-414-8853
[email protected]
Inaugural Swirl Chicago Wine Tasting Event Raises More Than $105,000
For the Lymphoma Research Foundation in First Year
Lakeview Fundraiser Welcomes 250 Attendees in Support of Blood Cancer Research
Chicago, IL –The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) – the nation’s largest non-profit organization
devoted exclusively to funding innovative lymphoma research and serving the lymphoma community
through a comprehensive series of education programs, outreach initiatives and patient services – hosted
its nationally recognized fundraising series Swirl: A Wine Tasting Event for the first time in the
Chicagoland area at home of LRF Board Member Joseph Ferraro on Thursday, June 2, 2016. The
inaugural event, hosted in partnership with Southern Wine and Spirits of America, Inc., raised $105,760
in support of LRF’s mission to eradicate lymphoma and serve those affected by this disease.
Serafin Alvarado, Master Sommelier and Director of Wine Education at Southern Wine and Spirits of
Illinois presented a selection of world-class wines, featuring some of the world’s most celebrated
vintages from Italy.
“We have seen Swirl events throughout the country raise critical funds and awareness in the past, and
tonight’s event was certainly in keeping with this tradition of excellence and commitment to a cure for
lymphoma,” said Alvarado. “From the wines that were sampled to the funds that were raised, Swirl:
Chicago was a resounding success that we at Southern Wine and Spirits can take great pride in.”
Each year, more than 1,700 people in the state of Illinois alone are diagnosed with lymphoma – the
most common form of blood cancer, and to date, the Foundation’s Swirl event series has raised $263,716
in support of the Lymphoma Research Foundation and its mission to eradicate lymphoma and
serve those touched by the disease. The inaugural Swirl: Chicago event was held the eve of the
American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO’s) Annual Meeting, held each year at McCormick
Place.
“As we’ve seen time and time again, the Chicago lymphoma community has shown a tremendous
strength and resilience in their commitment to our shared mission of eradicating lymphoma and serving
those touched by this disease,” said Meghan Gutierrez, LRF Chief Executive Officer. “Swirl: Chicago
truly represents this remarkable spirit of support of the Lymphoma Research Foundation, as the
Chicagoland philanthropic community stands steadfast in its commitment to a cure for all blood cancers. ”
The evening was generously sponsored by Sheyla Conforte & Joseph Ferraro, Genentech, Pharmacyclics
LLC and Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Laura & Michael Werner, who served as Sommelier Sponsors. Leo I.
Gordon, MD, FACP, Abby and John Friend Professor of Cancer Research, Professor in Medicine,
Director Lymphoma Program at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie
Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chair of LRF’s Scientific Advisory Board
and Sonali M. Smith, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Director, Lymphoma Program at the
University of Chicago Medicine, Member, LRF Scientific Advisory Board, served as the evening’s
Honorary Committee.
About the Lymphoma Research Foundation
The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is the nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted to
funding innovative research and serving the lymphoma community through a comprehensive series of
education programs, outreach initiatives and patient services. To date, LRF has awarded more than $58
million in lymphoma-specific research.
For additional information on LRF’s research, education and services, visit lymphoma.org.
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