#United States #New York #LiveOnNY #organ donation #Donate Eight

Donate Eight Spring Reception Unites for Life

On June 10, the 14th Annual Spring Cocktail Reception, organized by the Donate Eight organization, brought together influential members from the real estate, building management, and healthcare sectors in New York City. The grand event took place at Gotham Hall and celebrated the life-changing power of organ donation, successfully raising an impressive $1 million for the LiveOnNY Foundation. This initiative aims to enhance awareness about the significance of organ donation and support both donor families and transplant recipients within the wider community.

A Night of Inspiration

Scott Salmirs, a founding board member of Donate Eight and the CEO of ABM Industries, articulated the collective approach of the attendees. He emphasized the organization's mission, stating, "For fourteen years, Donate Eight has brought together New York's real estate and building service communities to save and improve lives through organ donation." The enthusiastic support from these individuals enables further education, outreach, and advocacy campaigns, inspiring many to register as organ donors, potentially saving lives.

Echoing Salmirs' sentiments, Bill Dacunto, the Chairman of the LiveOnNY Foundation, expressed gratitude for the funds raised. He highlighted the direct ramifications and transformative effect these donations would have on educational initiatives surrounding organ donation, stating, "Every dollar raised helps ensure that more lives can be saved through the gift of organ donation."

Honoring Heroic Stories

Contributing to the evening’s enlightenment was keynote speaker Ken Abbott, a heart transplant recipient who undertook an extraordinary experience prior to the reception—a 3,000-mile bicycle ride across the country. Abbott's journey spanned several states, including California, Texas, and the Southeastern region, promoting organ donation awareness and the life-saving work of the LiveOnNY Foundation. His ride additionally raised over $35,000, underlining the collective effort to honor organ donor heroes.

In his address, Abbott reflected on his personal story and the monumental choices made by his donor, saying, "My life was saved because a 45-year-old New Yorker made the selfless decision to become an organ donor. Every day of my life, I strive to honor his memory." With a stark reminder of the waiting lists, Abbott acknowledged the ongoing need for awareness as 100,000 individuals await organ transplants nationwide, with over 8,000 waiting in New York alone.

A Call to Action

Leonard Achan, President and CEO of LiveOnNY, expanded on the message of organ donation's impact, stating, "Every organ donor has the power to transform not just one life, but entire families and communities." Major emphasis was placed on the brave decisions made by families during critical moments and the cascading effect of these decisions, which renew lives through donation. The partnership with organizations like Donate Eight is pivotal in inspiring individuals to register as organ donors.

The Legacy of Donate Eight

Over the past decade, the Donate Eight organization has successfully raised millions in funds to bolster organ donation and transplantation initiatives throughout New York, highlighting the profound difference that community action can make. With a recognized platform, Donate Eight will continue to push for increased donor registrations in hopes of benefiting numerous individuals and families. For more details about the LiveOnNY Foundation and how to support their mission, further information is available at their website.

About LiveOnNY Foundation

The LiveOnNY Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) philanthropic branch of LiveOnNY, which functions as a federally appointed organ procurement organization. Their mission encompasses the coordination of organ and tissue donations while supporting donor families and transplant recipients in the metropolitan area. To learn more about their initiatives, visit liveonnyfoundation.org.

About Donate Eight

Established by New York City's real estate and service community, Donate Eight is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing education and awareness about organ donation. By advocating for increased registrations and donating opportunities, they aim to save as many lives as possible through transplantation. For more information, check out donateeight.org.

By continuing with their work, Donate Eight and its affiliates strive to ensure that the gift of life remains celebrated and encouraged across the community.