The Washington, D.C., area is no stranger to black-tie events. But few are as relevant as this year’s annual Masquerade Kidney Ball.
With the widespread occurrence of kidney disease in the United States, Mark Testoni, President and CEO of SAP National Security Services (SAP NS2), understands the importance of this year’s fundraising effort.
“We often hear about heart disease, cancer and other important concerns, but this event is critical to raising awareness because so many are impacted who are unaware,” says Testoni. “More than nine percent of adults are walking around with kidney disease and most do not know it,” he adds. Learn more about this year’s Kidney Ball – and why your attendance matters now more than ever.
WashingtonExec: How would you describe your role in this year’s Ball? What are you most looking forward to?
Mark Testoni: As chairman, my role is to manage and motivate the Executive Committee to work together to meet our fundraising goals. It’s essential that we retain past sponsors while also securing new ones. I hold weekly conference calls to check in on the Committee’s progress and brainstorm new approaches to sponsorship solicitation. It’s really a team effort, and I’m proud to say that this year’s Committee has been incredibly effective in utilizing their personal and professional contacts on behalf of the National Kidney Foundation.I am really looking forward to having our 20-plus veterans currently training in our NS2 Serves program attend the ball to create further awareness around veteran employment challenges and higher risk for kidney disease in vets. I also took on the chair position because I saw there was a need, to learn more about the issue, and to create more community awareness.
The Kidney Ball profiles a less well-known but substantial health risk issue. We often hear about heart disease, cancer and other important concerns, but this event is critical to raising awareness because so many are impacted who are unaware. I learned that more than nine percent of adults are walking around with kidney disease and most do not know it.
WashingtonExec: How have your fundraising efforts been going for this year’s Ball?
Mark Testoni: Thanks to our hardworking committee and robust support from the business community in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia, we’re on track to raise over $600,000 for the National Kidney Foundation. It’s been great to see so many first-time sponsors participating in the event this year.
WashingtonExec: What are ongoing ways for a smaller business to get involved with this year’s Ball?
Mark Testoni: There are numerous ways to get involved with the Kidney Ball, with options for every budget. Local businesses can sponsor the event at levels ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, purchase ad space in the program, donate to the live or silent auction, or buy a pair of tickets. Funds raised for the Kidney Ball go to support the National Kidney Foundation’s programs and services for kidney patients in the Washington, D.C., area. In our region, more than 700,000 people have kidney disease, 7,000 are on dialysis and 1,700 are awaiting a lifesaving transplant, so the need is acute. The business community can lend their resources and expertise to helping charities like the National Kidney Foundation reach their goals.
WashingtonExec: What differentiates the Kidney Ball from other the black-tie events that we will see this season?
Mark Testoni: The Kidney Ball profiles a less well-known but substantial health risk issue. We often hear about heart disease, cancer and other important concerns, but this event is critical to raising awareness because so many are impacted who are unaware. I learned that more than nine percent of adults are walking around with kidney disease and most do not know it.
WashingtonExec: Why is corporate citizenship important to you?
Mark Testoni: I have many blessings as do many of us in the area and nation. It is important for all of us to give back in whatever ways we are able. It all starts with one person doing just one thing for one other person.
WashingtonExec: What is your favorite part about the event itself? Is there anything you are excited about this year?
Mark Testoni: As a child of the 60s, how can I not be excited about seeing the Temptations! It’s important to be raising money and awareness for an important cause.
Related: SAVE THE DATE: 35th Annual Masquerade Kidney Ball Set for Oct. 24, Mark Testoni Named Chairman
