Let the parties begin! The fundraising parties that is for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's rocking series of events surrounding the annual Man & Woman of the Year competition.
More than two months of revelry will culminate on June 5 for the big reveal of which young professional candidates raise the most dinero for the non-profit. The 18 candidates, 10 women and eight men, were introduced recently at a kickoff bash at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Enthusiastic supporters turned out more than 300 strong for the cocktail reception including top earners from the 2014 competition. Last year, the 19 candidates raised a record $900,000. Among them was Hasti Taghi, who this year chairs the effort along with Rosie Murphy.
The fundraising has already begun for the 2015 team who can bring in dollars through third party events, corporate sponsorships, online fundraising, networking and utilizing their talents to create their own fundraising events.
Signing up in the female division are Lindsay Clark, Lauren Finkelstein, Dr. Sheena Garner, Lissa Goldsmith, Jentry Kelley, Imrana Manzanares, Shannon McPartland, Inez Moriarty, Alla Nowowiejski and Stephanie Sanders.
Gents taking on the challenge are James Brock, Arthur Bryan II, Eric Donaldson, John Hite, Chris Mastrangelo, Edward Sanchez, Paul Simmons and Andrew Taleghany. The candidates were introduced by Fox 26's Melinda Spaulding.
Top earners from last year, who were recognized with crystal awards, were Nina Gutierrez, Sam Governale, Nick Stefanakis, Hasti Taghi and Katie Tipper McWhorter.
Top fundraisers for 2014 — Nina Gutierrez Garcia, from left, Sam Governale, Nick Stefanakis, Hasti Taghi and Katie Tipper McWhorter.
