Go “BIG” or go home.  Well it doesn’t get bigger than the grand ballroom at the Plaza hotel in NYC.  Once again the National Psoriasis Foundation leveled up their (our) fight against psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.  Last night over 400 guests pack into the Plaza.  These guests were from all over the country.  We gathered to honor Dr. Gerald Krueger and Mr. Dale White.  

I wanted to share with you my experience, but first let me introduce our honorees. Dr. Krueger is a Professor of Dermatology, Benning Presidential Endowed Chair University of Utah School of Medicine – Dermatology Former Chair and Chair Emeritus, NPF Medical Advisory Board Member, NPF Research Committee Member, NPF Scientific Advisory Committee.  Honored as the most influential physician.  After hearing him speak last night I can see why. 

And Mr. Dale White, Excutive Vice President, Sales and Account Management, Multiplan, Inc.  Former Chair, NPF Board of Directors.  Honored as the Most Influential Volunteer.  

My role amongst several other outstanding volunteers was to greet and seat the guests as they arrived.  As people enter the reception and registration area they were greeted with drinks and appetizers.  The rooms were magnificently decorated with gorgeous flowers and wall coverings.  All attending were dressed to the nines.  It looked and felt like a red carpet celebration.  The only thing missing was Access Hollywood asking people who designed their wardrobes.  

The NPF is celebrating its 50th year driving, discovering, and creating a community that is patient driven.  We have a common goal and that is to end this insidious disease through research.  Our 50th Celebration Gala Chairs for the evening were Carol Ostrow and Michael Graff.  Two of the warmest people you will ever want to meet.  They are always so generous with their time and money.  They are caring and loving.  We need more people like Carol and Mike in the world.  

The night started off with a speech from the NPF Board of Directors Chair, Colby Evans, M.D.  He touched upon the last 50 years and how we look to a future free of psoriatic disease.  He thanked our long list of Honorary Executive Committee members including; Randy Beranek, Dr. Colby Evans, Dan Farrington, Jodi and William Felton, Dr. Krueger, Mike Laub, Dr. Liu, Carol Ostrow,  Pete Reading, Richard Seiden, Terri Theisen, Karen and Dale White.  

And our Honorary Committee members Dr. Bagel, Dr. Koo, Dr. Lebwohl, Dr. Menter, Dr. Feldman,  Dr. Gelfand,  Dr. Lockshin, Eyal Ofir, Dr. Van Voorhees, and Dr. Williams. 
And none of this would if been possible with out our Premier sponsors; Anonymous,  Mike and Carol Laub, The Ostrow Family. PlatI number Sponsor, Janssen.  Gold sponsors; Abbvie, Lilly, Leo, Novartis, Pete and Lorelei Redding.  Sliver sponsors; Celgene, Pfizer, Sun Pharma.  Bronze Sponsor; Amgen, Dermira, Aqua, Strata, Multiplan, Valeant,  Randy Beranek,  Colby and Sarah Evans, Dan Farrington, The Grau Family, Dr. Krueger,  Dr. Liu,  Richard and Ellen Seiden, Theisen Consulting,  Christina Tom and Family.  And our Corporate Table sponsor; UVBlock. 

We had some great entertainment from the cast of Kevin Can’t Wait.  Christopher Brian Roach, and Lenny Venito.  They served as our Emcees for the evening.  I was fortunate to catch this on video.

Then we proceeded with the live auction where our audience members were most generous.  The Auctioneer was Mark Schenfeld.  He did a marvelous job raising funds for our cause.  

Kathleen Gallant, MPA,  spoke about her struggle with pso/psa since the age of 12.  She formed a support group and was on the board for the NPF.  She is now on the board of the International Federation of Psoriasis.  Her story is unique yet similar and she speaks from the heart.  She goes on to say; “I will never say Psoriasis is a blessing”.  However she embraces the friends and relationships our community has afforded.  I have to agree with Kathleen in that regard.  

The night ended with videos and speeches form our Honorees. Coffee and dessert was served and we wrapped the night up with over 2.2 million dollars raised.  This night was a huge success and I was happy to be invited to serve as a volunteer.  Things ran extremely smooth thanks to our CDM Kimberly Schleyer.  

On a personal note I wanted to thank all those who volunteered their time and participate in this 50th year Gala Celebration.  We are making history and our efforts will curb the suffering for future generations.  

I would also like to thank Healthline.com for voting this best blog of 2017.

This Event was sold out and it took place at the Plaza Hotel in NYC on Thursday June 8th.  Hash tag #NPF50th

NEXT AGENDA:

The National Psoriasis Foundation will also be celebrating their volunteers at the National Volunteer Conference in Chicago on August 3rd to 5th.  I am proud to say I am a finalist for OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER.  This will also fill up so order your tickets here.  We use the hash tag #NPFNVC2017

This month:

NPF #FlauntYourFlares Instagram Campaign: NPF will be launching an Instagram hashtag campaign to coincide with the first day of summer, Tuesday June 20th. The campaigned is called #FlauntYourFlares and is designed to encourage people with psoriasis to not let a flare stop them from enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle. We want people to know that though they are treating their psoriasis with medication flares are a reality of psoriasis and can happen at any time. We are asking people to post a photo of themselves during a flare on Instagram and to include an inspirational quote and the hashtag #FlauntYourFlares. Throughout the summer, NPF will highlight one winner a week via NPF social media channels and a second winner will be selected to receive a summer healthy lifestyle kit. 

 

Men’s Health Week Begins June 12th: In honor Men’s Health Month (June), NPF will share stories of men living with psoriatic disease to inspire men to talk more openly about the disease and to contact the Patient Navigation Center for help finding specialists, getting support and taking charge of their health. Stories will be shared via the NPF Blog and Advance and social channels. Additionally we will be hosting a specialFacebook Live event on Thursday, June 15th at 12pm Eastern / 9am Pacific. During this event, NPF will talk with NPF volunteer Chris Pettit about fatherhood and psoriatic disease. In honor of Men’s Health Month, Chris will share his story about living with psoriasis – from adolescence to parenthood. RSVP for this event at https://business.facebook.com/events/1397886496926495/

#psoriasisinsidestory