Annual ‘Visionaries of the Year’ Gala Raises Funds for Leukemia & Lymphoma Research
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society hosted its annual ‘Visionaries of the Year’ event on June 1, 2024, at Clayton House. Seven caring community members put in their all as ambassadors for the cause and a friendly fundraising competition to become the “Visionary of the Year.”
Presenting Sponsor: Lerner & Rowe Gives Back
Event Co-Chairs: Lisa Moore, Hank Arens & John Gray
2024 Visionary of the Year: Marietta Perkins
2024 Visionary of the Year Candidates: Sally Windnagle, Marietta Perkins, Lena Vance, Scott Takinen, Ryan Fritzsche, Brian Carrillo & Ketonya Bankston
Honored Hero Kid: 7-year-old Veronica, Leukemia survivor
Emcee: Nick Ciletti of ABC15 Arizona
Entertainment: Luke Bishop, DJ | Eric Giliam, magician
Auctioneer: Subyn Novelle
Dollars Raised: $379,000+
Notable Moments: This year’s LLS Visionaries of the Year event was nothing short of magical and impactful! Seven-year-old Veronica, the honored hero of the evening, brought excitement as she and her sister shared the joyous news of her recent milestone – ringing the bell and celebrating the end of her cancer treatment on April 26, 2024. Another notable moment was Scott Takinen, a national “All Star Candidate” for LLS, who has beaten cancer multiple times, taking the stage to the famous song “Eye of the Tiger.” The celebration continued with Marietta Perkins being crowned the LLS Visionary of the Year for her incredible efforts as a volunteer fundraiser and advocate. Together, all of the candidates raised an impressive $379,196 in support of leukemia and lymphoma research, making the 2024 campaign a truly wonderful success.
Photos courtesy of Slezak Photography | Bob Wesolowski Photography
