Seven Local Leaders Seek Fundraising Crown
On Saturday, March 26, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man and Woman of the Year will be honored at a gala event set for the InterContinental Miami Hotel. Seven extraordinary individuals have campaigned for the titles, using their leadership skills and resources to spread the word and fundraise for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The man and woman candidates who raise the most funds before the gala will be awarded the titles of Miami’s Man and Woman of the Year, and they will be in line for consideration on the national level. The seven vying for the titles are inspired by the Boy and Girl of the Year, local blood cancer patient survivors – 8-year-old Victoria Mejia and 11-year-old Alex Aguilera, both Leukemia survivors.
You can cast your dollars – and your votes – for the candidate of your choice. The funds raised will be used for lifesaving blood cancer research, local programs to assist patients and their families, financial assistance to cover patient expenses for medication and testing. Help make a difference!
Call Blair Fogle at 914-216-9760 or Bich-ly Ludwig at 954-744-5313 to learn more, and check out the website, www.lls.org.
Jacqueline Becerra
Jacqueline Becerra is a highly experienced litigator with Greenberg Traurig, representing clients in a broad range of both complex civil and criminal matters. Her practice includes commercial, securities, employment, patent and trademark litigation, as well as criminal matters including internal corporate investigations and advising clients on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
David Fellows
David Fellows is a Vice President of John Moriarty & Associates of Florida, a national construction firm which has been building commercial projects in Miami since 1989. His primary areas of expertise are Preconstruction Services and Contract Negotiations. David’s interest in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society peaked when he learned that friends’ family members had been diagnosed with blood type cancers. Their experience with LLS led him to realize how critical funding is to develop new treatments and to continue the research for a cure.
Amber Hendrickson
Amber Hendrickson is a native Minnesotan who relocated to South Florida five years ago with her fiancé Michael and their 5 1/2 year old Olivia. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion from South Dakota State University and completed an Internship in Melbourne, Australia in 2000. This is Amber’s first fundraising campaign, and she is ecstatic to be part of such a passionate and dedicated group of professionals. Currently Amber is employed by Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour but hopes to one day return to the medical field.
Jen Klaassens
Jen Klaassens is Vice President of Programs for The Wasie Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization that offers grants and support to South Florida non-profits focused on children’s healthcare and education. On a personal level she is involved in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Neighbors 4 Neighbors, Angel’s Pediatric Heart House, 2-1-1 Broward, the Crockett Foundation and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. Jen’s dedication and infectious enthusiasm have made an important difference for many charities in the community.
Roberto Muñoz
Roberto Muñoz, a native of Panama, came to Miami in 1957. Today, Roberto is the Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Professional Bank, headquartered in Coral Gables. Pictured with Roberto is Melanie, an eighth grade cheerleader who was diagnosed with leukemia and is currently undergoing chemotherapy at Miami Children’s Hospital in Miami. Melanie is Roberto’s inspiration to participate in the Miami Man & Woman of the Year campaign.
Keith St. Clair
Keith St. Clair began his business career in the UK with real estate developments in England and Spain. In 1984 he assumed the position of Chairman & Managing Director of Sol Holidays and was responsible for making the Company one of the largest Tour Operators in the UK. He is active in the community, serving on a number of boards, including the British American Chamber of Commerce and the Foundation Board of FIU, and he was Co-Chair for Mercy Hospital Foundation Gala. Currently he is the Advisory Board Chairman for Forum Telecommunications and was awarded the Florida Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2004.
Kimarie Stratos
Kimarie Stratos is Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Memorial Healthcare System, the country’s fifth largest public hospital system. With over twenty years of experience in Health Law, Kimarie provides legal advice on a wide array of issues. Prior to working in the non-profit world, she represented both major sports corporations and professional athletes and was Major League Baseball’s first female agent. Kimarie was supporting a friend whose son has leukemia and responded to a quote that sits on her desk: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” She is humbled and touched by all those who so willingly and generously contribute to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
