FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Brett Spitale
212-328-3769
bspitale@hemophilia.org
National Bleeding Disorders Foundation raises $200,000 at the
most successful Red Tie Soiree to date.
October 31, 2023
CHICAGO, Ill. — The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) painted the town red at its annual Red Tie Soiree at the Chicago Cultural Center on October 27. The signature fundraising gala raised over $200,000 for the inheritable blood and bleeding disorders community- the most money the event has ever raised.
All of the funds raised through the Red Tie Soiree will go toward NBDF’s education, advocacy, and research efforts.
Benefactors gathered to celebrate the community and support the foundation’s efforts to help the inheritable blood and bleeding disorders community thrive. The evening featured live music, dancing, special guests, an extensive silent auction, a wine pull, and more.
The Soiree also honored remarkable members of the inheritable blood and bleeding disorders community who are leaving their marks on the future of bleeding disorder research, treatments, and more.
NBDF’s Chief Operating Officer, Dawn Rotellini, kicked off the event by honoring Joe, Jenny, Sera, and John Alioto with the Ambassador Award.
Following John’s diagnosis of hemophilia seven years ago, the Alioto family dedicated themselves to raising funds for better treatments and cures. Together, they have raised and given over $200,000 for research.
Next, the two Legacy Awards were presented by Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, Dr. Mike Recht.
The first recipient was Dr. Leonard Valentino. During his time as NBDF’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Valentino catalyzed the creation of the National Research Blueprint and the Wednesday Webinar series. He also oversaw the organization’s rebranding from the National Hemophilia Foundation to the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, as well as the celebration of its 75th anniversary.
Though he will be retiring in December of 2023, Dr. Valentino’s impact has set a standard for patient and family involvement in research and educational efforts.
Joe Pugliese received the evening’s second Legacy Award. During his 43 years of involvement with the community, Pugliese has brought exponential growth to the Hemophilia Alliance, largely expanding the reach and quality of Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) care. He also started the Alliance Pharmacy, a nonprofit pharmacy that reinvests into the community, both locally and nationally.
Pugliese’s impact continues through his board memberships with a variety of blood and bleeding disorder organizations, as well as his five children and 11 grandchildren.
Following the awards presentation, attendees participated in a paddle raise, which raised $90,000. And throughout the evening, donors bid on items in the silent auction, including tickets to a Chicago Bulls game, a virtual meet and greet with actress Jackie Hoffman, and a ski getaway in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
The foundation sincerely thanks the generous sponsors who made the 2023 Red Tie Soiree possible: Rush Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center, Biomarin, Genentech, Hemophilia Alliance, Sanofi, Takeda, the Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center, CSL Behring, Novo Nordisk, Spark Therapeutics, Artia Solutions, CVS Specialty, Impact Education, Medscape, and Schaner and Lubitz.
Inquiries about the Red Tie Soiree should be directed to Brett Spitale, Vice President of Advancement at NBDF.
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ABOUT THE NATIONAL BLEEDING DISORDERS FOUNDATION
For 75 years, the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (formerly the National Hemophilia Foundation) has been dedicated to finding cures for inheritable blood and bleeding disorders and to addressing and preventing the complications of these disorders through research, education, and advocacy enabling people and families to thrive. Learn more at hemophilia.org.
