American Heart Association Gala Raises Unprecedented $3.3 Million
Gil Bashe co-chairs American Heart Association Gala that Raises Unprecedented $3.3 Million Richard Zahn, President, Schering Laboratories Honored by American Heart Association
New York, NY, March 7, 2003 – The American Heart Association in New York City raised an unprecedented $3.3 million at its 12th Annual Heart of New York Gala on February 11. Generous gifts in recognition of the honorees, Richard Zahn, president of Schering Laboratories, and Martin B. Leon, MD, FACS, president and CEO of the Cardiovascular Research Foundation associated with Lenox Hill Hospital, contributed to this record breaking success.
More than 800 people were on hand as the American Heart Association bestowed its Heart of New York Pharmaceutical Partner Award on Mr. Zahn, and its Achievement in Cardiovascular Science and Medicine Award on Dr. Leon. “It is an honor to receive this award,” stated Mr. Zahn. “I am pleased that Schering Plough has been able to work with the American Heart Association over the years to educate the public about the risks of heart disease, and contribute in its own way – through the development of new therapeutic modalities – to the fight against heart disease and stroke.”
Monies raised included a $2,375,000 endowment from Cordis, a Johnson & Johnson company, to establish the American Heart Association Martin B. Leon, MD, Cordis Corporation Research Fellowship, and, $1 million in table sales, including $150,000 from Schering-Plough in support of the dinner.
Monies raised included a $2,375,000 endowment from Cordis, a Johnson & Johnson company, to establish The American Heart Association Martin B. Leon, MD, Cordis Corporation Research Fellowship, and, $1 million in table sales, including $150,000 from Schering-Plough in support of the dinner.
“The research support the American Heart Association has provided over the years has resulted in many advances in cardiovascular science,” stated Bob Croce, company group chairman, Johnson & Johnson. “And, we are honored to present this endowment to the American Heart Association in recognition of the extraordinary contributions Dr. Leon has made in the area of drug-eluting stents.”
“With the continued support of friends and volunteers like Richard Zahn and Dr. Martin B. Leon, and corporate partners like Schering-Plough, Cordis and Johnson & Johnson, we will win our fight against heart disease and stroke and improve the heart health of all New Yorkers,” states Samuel B. Ritter, MD, president, American Heart Association, New York City.
Mike Wallace, Senior Correspondent of CBS-TV’s 60 Minutes, emceed the event. Gil Bashe, executive vice president and Health Practice director, Makovsky & Company, and Jeffrey W. Moses, MD, chief, Interventional Cardiology at Lenox Hill Hospital, served as dinner co-chairs.
The American Heart Association spent about $382 million during fiscal year 2000 - 2001 on research support, public and professional education, and community programs. Nationwide, the organization has grown to include more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters who carry out its mission in communities across the country. The association is the largest nonprofit voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, which annually kill about 950,000 Americans.” For more information about heart disease and stroke, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit our Web site at americanheart.org.
