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Fundraising
The paramount fundraising goal of the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, including the Pacific Meso Center, for 2014 is to increase revenues raised to $1,000,000. We seek to achieve this goal through multiple avenues involving community outreach, including the Internet and social media, various "meso community" inspiring activities, and our flagship event, the Fourth Annual International Symposium on Lung-Sparing Therapies.
Other events, either recurring or new, that we will host in 2014 include the Hike/Walk for Meso, “The Greatest Escape” Motorcycle Ride, Make your Mark For Meso - Casino Evening, and Special Appeals for donations targeting individual and corporate donors as well as friends of our Institute. Additionally, our researchers have submitted grant proposals to various philanthropic funding agencies and the United States Government Federal Grant Programs for research funding to underwrite our critical unmet needs for adequate laboratory equipment.
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The Annual International Symposium on Lung-Sparing Therapies sponsored by the Pacific Meso Center is primarily aimed at doctors and nurses to provide continuing education credits (CME). It was attended by mesothelioma victims, their families, students, and other interested parties as well as physicians, medical students, nurses and other allied healthcare professionals.
THE GREATEST ESCAPE MOTORCYCLE RIDE
In September 2013, the Law Firm of Worthington and Caron, P.C. hosted the Pacific Meso Center’s first annual motorcycle event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the movie, starring Steve McQueen who lost his life to mesothelioma. Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts joined in the scenic 32-mile ride up Pacific Coast Highway that started at Bartels' Marina Del Rey and ended at Sycamore Cove Beach in Malibu.
Escorted by policemen, the parade of motorcyclists cruising under the glittering sunshine drew hundreds of spectators. A dozen California Highway Patrol officers joined the ride. The action-packed day featured auction prizes, the Walking Phoenixes, a Johnny Cash Tribute Band, and the Phoenix Line Dancers. The event generated more than $108,000 to benefit victims of mesothelioma. The nearly $50,000 raised in revenue was matched by Worthington & Caron PC, making it the Pacific Meso Center’s largest fundraising event to date.
ANNUAL 5K WALK/HIKE FOR MESO
In 2013 the Pacific Meso Center hosted the Second Annual 5K Walk/Hike for Mesothelioma Research at the Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. The historic Paramount Ranch movie set is an exquisite nature setting for visitors, and last year’s event was attended by 200 families that joined in the hike. Nearly $76,000 was raised in 2013, surpassing the $67,000 reached in 2012 and even the 2013 target goal of $70,000.
In 2013, the Irish Stampede placed first among the 21 competing teams and 200 supporters, raising $13,460 in memory of Gerald McCarthy and Kevin McCarthy, two brothers who lost their lives to mesothelioma. The event was supported by Worthington & Caron PLC, the Platinum Sponsor; the Michael Mandelbrot Law Firm and the Gold Law Firm Trial Lawyers, Gold Sponsors; and the Johnson Family and Mr. Marc Willick, Attorney, Bronze Sponsors. Luncheon cuisine was donated by the Belvedere family of Ottavio's Italian Restaurant, in honor of Ottavio Belvedere who died from mesothelioma in 2007.
