Legacy e-News, Building A World Where Young People Reject Tobacco And Anyone Can QuitMarch 2007
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Legacy Honors Individuals and Organizations for Their Lifesaving Efforts to Fight Tobacco Use

The American Legacy Foundation® hosted its annual fundraising event on March 12 at the Pierre Hotel in New York City. Each year, the event seeks to shine a spotlight on individuals and groups who have made extraordinary efforts supporting the foundation's mission: to build a world where young people reject tobacco and anyone can quit.

Honorees included:

  • J. Joseph Curran, Jr., Former Attorney General of Maryland — Public Service Award for his pioneering efforts to promote smoking cessation among youth.
  • Lucy Danziger, Editor-in-Chief, SELF Magazine — Leadership in Media Award, for raising awareness among millions of women about the effects of smoking and the importance of healthy lifestyles.
  • Carol McGruder, Project Director of the San Francisco African American Tobacco Free Project — Community Activist Award for tobacco control advocacy at local, state, national and international levels.
  • Bernadette Toomey, Legacy Service Award for extraordinary efforts in forging important alliances and creating initiatives for the foundation, ultimately saving and extending lives.
  • William Weldon, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Johnson & Johnson — Corporate Leadership Award for demonstrated commitment to the issues of cancer and tobacco cessation.

Guests at this event included journalists Jane Hanson (mistress of ceremonies) and Roz Abrams; CEO of the American Cancer Society John R. Seffrin, PhD; "Noah's Arc" actor Doug Spearman; NBC "The Biggest Loser" winner Erik Chopin; and others to shine a spotlight on individuals and groups who have made extraordinary efforts supporting the foundation's mission: to build a world where young people reject tobacco and anyone can quit.

Each year in the US, more than 400,000 Americans lose their lives to tobacco-related diseases, affecting countless families and communities and costing our healthcare system billions of dollars. The annual Legacy Honors ceremony raises funds for the Foundation's lifesaving work: to develop programs and campaigns which educate people about the health risks of smoking, and to provide direct services assisting those struggling to quit.

The event also included a silent auction with items such as a set of two TX Perpetual Calendar watches developed by Timex; Four tickets to Yankees/Red Sox games with accommodations; outfit by fashion designer Tracy Reese; and a Derek Jeter autographed jersey.