The 29th Annual Leukemia Ball, presented by PhRMA, raised $3.25 million for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). The event was held March 12 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
“The LLS is doing life-saving work, and we’re proud to support them,” Baker Tilly Executive Managing Partner Ed Offterdinger said. “They touch a lot of lives. When I was 13, I had a close friend with leukemia; I couldn’t do anything to help him then, so I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help so many others now.”
Offterdinger co-chaired the event with BDO CEO Wayne Berson.
“The accomplishments of LLS have been amazing. Baker Tilly is proud to play a role in supporting LLS’ mission and Ed’s commitment as this year’s Leukemia Ball co-chair,” Baker Tilly’s office managing partner for the D.C. metro area Todd Stokes said. “The survival rates for blood cancers have increased dramatically over the past two decades, in no small part because of research funded by LLS.”
Baker Tilly was a Mission Sponsor of this year’s ball, which has grown to become the largest non-political black tie event in the national capital region, with more than 2,000 attendees. The society funds research into the causes and treatment of blood cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and Hodgkin’s disease.
This year marked the debut of a less expensive “dessert and entertainment” ticket for younger professionals.
“It helps with fundraising,” Offterdinger said. “But the real goal is to include and motivate the people who will be the next wave of committee members and leaders. It is vitally important that the great work of LLS continues with future generations leading the charge.”
Related: 29th Annual Leukemia Ball Preview with Event Co-Chairman Ed Offterdinger