Auction Item Commitment Form

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS GALA SPONSORS:

NATIONAL PLATINUM SPONSOR:

www.actelion.com

SILVER SPONSOR:

www.solidsignal.com

BRONZE SPONSOR:
www.unither.com

www.franklinbank.com

Gala Honorees

KEVIN CHAN, M.D.
Spirit of Leadership Award

This award is given to an individual who, through extraordinary dedication to our mission, has demonstrated unparalleled leadership through tireless efforts to advance the treatment of scleroderma and related conditions.

Kevin Chan, MD is the Medical Director of the Lung Transplantation Program in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Michigan. He is also an organizer and active participant in the University of Michigan Multidisciplinary Scleroderma Lung Clinic. Expert in both pulmonary hypertension and fibrotic lung disease, he is a wonderfully effective 'bridge' between scleroderma, pulmonary and cardiology specialists. An excellent scientist and a great clinician, he is recognized as a "Best Doctor in America".

ANNIE VALLE
Lifetime Achievement Award

This award is given to an individual, couple or family who, through extraordinary dedication to our mission, has given significant support, time and resources over a lifetime to advance our mission.

Annie has served the Scleroderma Foundation Michigan Chapter in many capacities for more than two decades including Board President, Vice-President, Support Group Leader and as a member of virtually every Chapter committee. Annie received a diagnosis of scleroderma over twenty years ago in the prime of her life and has since done everything she can to advance our mission of support, education and research. Annie is incredibly passionate about advocating for people affected by scleroderma and is steadfast in her quest to find the cure. Serving this Chapter and championing our cause for as long as she has, Annie is a most deserving and very special recipient of this award.

BARBARA DONOHOE
Spirit of Hope Award

This award is given to an individual, couple or family who, through extraordinary dedication to our mission, gives a sense of ongoing hope in our fight against scleroderma.

Barbara Donohoe is a dedicated and passionate supporter of our Chapter. When Barbara received her diagnosis with scleroderma a few years ago -- a severe form of systemic scleroderma -- she and her family made it their mission to fight and overcome the devastating effects the illness had on Barbara's health and quality of life. Due to the outstanding care and treatment she received from Dr. James Seibold and his team at the University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Barbara has become healthy again and works to help others who are coping with scleroderma. Barbara recently joined the Chapter's Board of Directors, serves on our Gala Committee and works closely with family and friends to raise significant awareness and funding to support our mission. After almost losing her life to the disease, she is truly emblematic of hope for all who are affected by scleroderma.

LINDA KAMINSKI
Spirit of Inspiration Award

This award is given to an individual, couple or family who, through extraordinary dedication to our mission, serves as a tremendous inspiration to others.

Linda Kaminski is a truly inspirational supporter who received her diagnosis with scleroderma a few years ago. Linda sought the best treatment available through Dr. James R. Seibold’s team at the University of Michigan’s Scleroderma Program and began to see major improvements in her health and well-being. She learned about our Foundation and “kicked off” her efforts to become involved with us through a successful and inspiring campaign to raise pledges for our 2007 walk. Through tireless efforts and incredible support from friends, family and loved ones, Linda was our top fundraiser raising over $10,000 in pledges. She has since joined our Development Committee and is actively involved in spreading the word about scleroderma and helping the Chapter raise funds for our mission.

ILENE RINGLE
Volunteer of the Year Award

This award is given to an individual who is exemplary in his/her volunteerism for our Chapter and in advancing our mission.

Ilene Ringle is one of our most involved, most dedicated and most passionate Chapter leaders. She devotes her time, talent and treasure to virtually every activity and event that drives our Chapter’s mission forward each day. Her extraordinary support includes volunteer service as a Board Member, Development Committee Chair and Member of the Finance and Advocacy Committees. Living with scleroderma herself, Ilene wholeheartedly feels that being active through her volunteerism helps her feel empowered by helping herself and others better cope with scleroderma and, ultimately, to helping us find the cure.

MICHIGAN FINANCIAL COMPANIES
Distinguished Corporate Service Award

This award is given to a corporation that has demonstrated outstanding dedication and support to advancing our mission.

Michigan Financial Companies is a generous and involved corporate supporter of the Scleroderma Foundation Michigan Chapter. Committed to becoming the “Firm of Choice” in financial services, Michigan Financial Companies has provided significant funding and personal involvement by the firm’s employees, which have contributed substantially to our Chapter’s ability to serve people affected by scleroderma. Given their strong dedication to our mission, we are proud to honor Michigan Financial Companies with this award..