Welcome to the Suncoast Chapter's 2009 Man & Woman of the Year Campaign information page!

Campaign Overview:Candidates competing for the title of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year are judged solely on a philanthropic basis - on their success in generating funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Candidates raise these funds in honor of the Boy and Girl of the Year, local children who have been diagnosed with a blood cancer. The ten week competition begins at the Kick-off Reception and runs thru the Grand Finale Gala. Secured live/silent auction items, sponsorships and fundraising efforts give the candidates an opportunity to increase their fundraising the evening of the Gala Celebration. The male and female candidate who raise the most funds are crowned The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 2009 Man & Woman of the Year. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man & Woman of the Year will receive great prizes, as well as being highlighted on billboards and in various media outlets in the bay area during the 2009-2010 season.

Kick-off Reception: Thanks to  The Palm Restaurant for hosting a wonderful kick-off ceremony on March 19 to offically begin the campaign! Candidates had  the opportunity to meet the "competition," listen to success stories from past candidates and spend time meeting the boy and girl of the year, board members, fundraising teams and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society staff. It was a great evening full of excitement and hope! 

Half Way Event: Twisted Bamboo Bar & Bistro graciously hosted a cocktail "get-together" on April 23 where the 2009 candidates had the opportunity to enjoy a night off from fundraising. This was a great evening spent networking with fellow candidates and encouraging each other to keep up the hard work! Thank you Twisted Bamboo!

Grand Finale: Sponsors, candidates, candidate's campaign team, the Boy and Girl of the Year, friends and family, survivors and other Society supporters will gather for a gala and the announcement of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man & Woman of the Year campaign at TPepin's Hospitality Centre on May 30. Approximately 400 hundred guests will enjoy a fabulous reception, cocktails, live music and an outstanding silent and live auction. The evening culminates with the announcement of the 2009 Man & Woman of the Year. Interested in attending the grand finale gala? See below for more information.

Interested in supporting a 2009 candidate? Click on their name below to visit their online fundraising website. Interested in attending a candidate event? Please click here to see an updated list of candidate events! 

 Carolanne Azan
Associate Director of University Outreach, Argosy University

Ashley Grant
Owner, More Than Photographs

Kristen Muia
Catering Sales Manager, The Palm Restaurant

Sarah Jon Porreca
Sales, South East Personnel Leasing, Inc.

Alison Reteneller
Systems Integration & Technology Recruiter, Accenture

Courtney Simons
Director of Group Sales, Tampa Bay Lightning

Man of the Year Candidates:

Julian Exclusa
Florida Builder Appliances, Regional Builder Representative 

Bill  Gieseking
Director of Marketing, Pepin Distributing Company

George Mantzaris
Collision Center Manager, Toyota of Tampa Bay

Greg Todd
President, Bullioneers, NPO

Randall Williams
Area General Manager, Roberts Hotel Group