On October 15, 2021, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is pleased to host its 31st Annual Torch Gala at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta. The goal: to raise $520,000 through the Gala, with proceeds going toward funding critical research, to better diagnose and ultimately cure, IBD, which include Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis.
Neal S. Maziar, CEO, BE A SPORT, LLC will chair the Gala. That evening, Drs. Ellen and Pip Spandorfer will be recognized as the Volunteers of the Year, for their years of work with the Foundation. In addition, 2021 Torch Gala honorees include: Mark Murphy, MD., Premier Adult Physician of the Year; and Bess Schoen, MD., Premier Pediatric Physician of the Year. The Gala’s Corporate Sponsor: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit voluntary health agency dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improving the quality of life of those affected. The Torch Gala is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Foundation’s Georgia Chapter. In 31 years, the Torch Gala has raised more than $8.5 million.
“Having our children live through Crohn’s disease and seeing other families go through it as well made it an easy choice to get involved with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation,” said Dr. Pip. “For years, our family has participated in the Georgia Chapter’s three biggest annual fundraisers, the ‘Take Steps’ Walk, the Golf Classic, and the Torch Gala. Ellen and I are so honored to be recognized this year.”
“As someone who has suffered for years with this disease, I recognize the importance of events like the Torch Gala to not only raise the much-needed funds for critical research and programs, but also to promote awareness in the community about IBD,” said Maziar. “This event is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and support the Foundation, to find new treatments, and hopefully one day a cure.”
Known collectively as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affects nearly 1 in 100 people. They are painful, medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35; however, the incidence is increasing in children.
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is the leading non-profit organization focused on both research and patient support for IBD. The Foundation’s mission is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life for millions of Americans living with IBD. For over 50 years, they have been inspiring and engaging patients and caregivers in the country’s largest IBD community and helping to dramatically accelerate the pace of research by breaking down traditional barriers to patients, data, funding, and collaborations. They also provide extensive educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public.
For more information, visit: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Torch Gala, or call 404.982.0616.
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Contact:
Emily Richter
(404) 982-0616
erichter@crohnscolitisfoundation.org
