Special Events

Thyroid Night Fundraising Events

The fifth annual fundraising event for Kelly's program was held September 17, 2002. There was a new event format following five years of patient-targeted fundraising events: a VIP evening for a select group of corporate sponsors and major patient donors in a more intimate setting. Guests were treated to a reception at Harbor Court Hotel, where they enjoyed dinner with Kelly and Cal, and then adjourned to the Ripken's skybox to enjoy the Orioles game. Major sponsors of this special event were Abbott Laboratories and Genzyme. This event raised a record $61,905 to support Kelly's Program. Furthermore, both logistical planning and expenses were less than in previous years.

Another fundraising benefit was held July 22, 2003: Thyroid Night at Ironbirds Stadium. A select group of corporate sponsors were treated to a pre-game reception with Kelly and Cal and then guests traveled to Ironbirds Stadium to watch the Aberdeen Ironbirds ballgame with Kelly and Cal in the Ripken Skybox. Major sponsors of this special event were Abbott Pharmaceutical and Diagnostics Products Divisions and Genzyme. This event raised $37,500 for Kelly's program, and guests were treated to an evening of great fun!

Past Events

The third annual Kelly G. Ripken Program fund raising event, "A Night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards," was held June 14, 2000. That year a committee of volunteers sold 173 tickets promptly. Knoll Pharmaceutical Co. was a prominent corporate sponsor. Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner, followed by an Orioles vs. Texas Rangers ballgame. Each guest was greeted personally by Kelly, with one special guest, thyroid cancer patient, Melissa Treas, personally escorted by Kelly to throw out the first pitch of the ballgame. A highlight of the year 2000 event was the addition of a silent auction. Guests bid on items such as a jersey autographed by Cal Ripken Jr. and a 1996 World Series autographed hat from Derek Jeter.

The event raised approximately $25,061 for the program and was equally successful in generating public awareness of thyroid disorders. Please check out our scrapbook of photos from the ballpark.

Many thanks to our corporate sponsors:

• Abbott Diagnostics Division
• Abbott Laboratories
• Genzyme Corporation

The Kelly G. Ripken Program
Johns Hopkins Medicine
1830 E. Monument Street Suite 333 | Baltimore, MD 21287
888-595-2131 | 410-614-1174

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