Fundraising
The signature fundraising program, Team in Training (TNT), is the world's first and largest charity sports training program, raising nearly $1 billion for blood cancer research and patient support since its inception 20 years ago. Additionally, there are yearly endurance events run to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, including the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon & ½ Marathon, to be held on June 6, 2010. In previous years, Nike, Inc. has sponsored a Women's Marathon for similarly charitable purposes.
The largest annual fundraiser is the Light The Night Walk, a non-competitive walk held at various sites throughout the US and Canada, raising funds for blood cancer research and patient support. Children, adults, and seniors walk carrying illuminated balloons - supporters carry red balloons, survivors and patients carry white balloons, and gold balloons are held in memory of a loved one.
Additionally each year, candidates from communities across the nation engage in a ten-week fundraising competition to earn the titles of LLS Man & Woman of the Year by raising funds for blood cancer research in honor of local children who are blood cancer survivors, the Boy and Girl of the Year. In 2009, the candidates collectively raised $910,000.
Nearly 50 LLS chapters also hold a Leukemia Cup Regatta. Sailors and local businesses raise funds for the society and then participate in a day or two on the water. In addition to the racing, each Regatta holds several social functions which usually include at least one presentation by a world class sailor. Past speakers have included Russell Coutts, Terry Hutchinson, Anna Tunnicliffe, and Gary Jobson. Jobson has been the national Honorary Chairperson for the Regatta since 1994 and was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2003. The first Leukemia Cup Regatta was held in 1988 by a group of sailors seeking to honor their friend who had lost his battle with blood cancer. Since then it has grown to a series of events that raise over $3.2 million annually.
In 2008, FarmHouse Fraternity adopted LLS as its International Philanthropy.
Read more about this topic: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society