( PHILADELPHIA, PA) On March 25, 2011, the HEADstrong Foundation, in association with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, celebrated the inaugural Lime Light Gala at the Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia. More than 300 guests enjoyed an evening of cocktails, dinner, live entertainment and a world-class silent auction in memory of Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori, the HEADstrong Foundation’s fearless founder.
“The Lime Light Gala is an opportunity for the community to gather in memory of Nick and his courageous dedication to making the lives of others living with blood cancer just a little bit better,” said Cheryl Colleluori, President of the HEADstrong Foundation and Nick’s mother.
The inaugural Lime Light Gala raised nearly $150,000 which will support blood cancer research. NBC10 sports anchor, John Clark emceed the Lime Light Gala, along with WMMR’s Casey Fosbenner. Both sported HEADstrong Foundation gear – Clark wore a lime green 27-stamped tie, which was the number on Nicholas Colleluori’s jersey, while Fosbenner sported HEADstrong shoelaces, which were the first items that the HEADstrong Foundation created to tie blood cancer to the lacrosse community.
A special, surprise appearance by Tony Luke, Jr. delighted the crowd, and one lucky bidder won a personalized, in-home dinner hosted by Tony Luke, Jr for $1,327! Other silent-auction items included baskets full of lacrosse gear and a special visit for up to 10 guests to WMMR’s Preston & Steve radio show.
“We were thrilled by the incredible support of our family and Foundation from the community,” said Michael Colleluori, Vice-President of the HEADstrong Foundation and Nick’s brother, “We are already looking forward to the next Lime Light Gala and what this year will bring.”
ABOUT THE HEADSTRONG FOUNDATION
The HEADstrong Foundation is a Philadelphia based non-profit organization created in memory of Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori, who passed away in 2006 after a hard fought battle with Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a vicious type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The HEADstrong Foundation strives to raise funds for blood cancer research and treatment, to raise public awareness about the disease and to educate and encourage others to do the same. For more information please visit www.headstrongfoundation.org.
