03/20/2009
Michael DiGiovanni, the representative of the Central New York Chapter for Cystic Fibrosis, will be the guest speaker at the Second Annual Benefit Dinner for Cystic Fibrosis at the Cortland Country Club on Saturday, April 18.
Titled "65 Roses," the buffet-style dinner, hosted by one of SUNY Cortland's sororities, Delta Phi Epsilon, will begin at 4 p.m. The majority of proceeds from ticket sales at $40 a piece will go directly towards the sorority's major philanthropy. The tickets can be purchased at the door or paid in advance.
The event will also feature guest speakers who will discuss their own personal battles with the disease. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. and about 70,000 people worldwide.
To purchase advance tickets or a t-shirt, contact Shannon Dunne at (631) 513-9775 or at shannon.dunne@cortland.edu. Visit the Web site http://www.cff.org/ for more information about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The dinner is called "65 Roses" because some children find those words easier to pronounce than the actual name of the terminal disease, DiGiovanni explains.
He will speak about cystic fibrosis patients he has met and different success stories in medications and treatments he has encountered. DiGiovanni will also discuss the work that the College's sorority has done to help raise money for the science and research of cystic fibrosis.
"We fundraise throughout the school year for our philanthropy, which includes participating in the ‘Making Strides' walks," said Delta Phi Epsilon vice president Emily Kaufman, a senior communication studies major from North Bellmore, N.Y. "Last year we raised about $800 at the dinner. However we hope to raise much more money this year due to all the prior fundraising and promoting."
A silent auction during the dinner will give attendees the chance to bid on New York Jets paraphernalia donated by Boomer Esiason, the team's quarterback in 1994 and 1995.
"The Boomer Esiason Foundation raises money for the same cause, which was inspired by his son Gunnar, who has cystic fibrosis," said Kaufman. "He has agreed to donate something for the auction, which is greatly appreciated."
A Canon digital camera and gift certificates from local businesses will also be up for auction by the sorority.
Before the event, Delta Phi Epsilon will sell 500 t-shirts that say "No Let Up" for $10 apiece. The shirts were donated from apparel company "No Let Up," which is based in New York City
"The phrase on each t-shirt is geared towards athletes or anyone who is struggling and encourages people to keep pushing to achieve their goals", Kaufman said.
The t-shirts, which are black, will be on sale up until the dinner on April 18. The front reads ‘No Let Up' with a blue ribbon, which represents cystic fibrosis. The back will read ‘Cure CF at SUNY Cortland' small at the neckline.
"All 91 sisters will purchase one and sell one," Kaufman said. "We also have requested a table in Corey Union to sell the remaining ones after Spring Break.