Frank Caliendo and Earth, Wind, and Fire to Headline 2009 Leukemia Ball

While my goal at the Dallas Redskins game at FedEx Field had been to get a photo of the John Madden himself (mission accomplished!), I can’t help but think part of my obsession with him has a bit to do with one hilarious man in particular: Frank Caliendo.  I confess, he’s one of the main reasons I watch Fox NFL Sunday’s Pre-Game Show.  This talented man does some of the best and most hysterical impressions on the planet and apparently, he’s getting paid to do them all over the planet. 

(Pictured: Frank perfectly personifying Madden)

Fortunately, those of us who reside in Washington, DC, will get to see him this coming March at the 22nd annual Leukemia Ball.  The Ball holds a special place in my heart as I was the lucky 1st Runner Up in the 2007 Man & Woman of the Year Competition.  Our team raised over $125,000 in just 10 weeks for blood cancer research and patient care.  Talk about an honor. 

Here’s a portion of the media release regarding the March 21st Leukemia Ball:

Saturday, March 21, 2009; Washington Convention Center, 6:30 p.m.
Alexandria, VA – More than 2,500 D.C. business leaders will be entertained by comedian, actor and impressionist Frank Caliendo and legendary American funk band Earth, Wind and Fire, at the 22nd annual Leukemia Ball. The Ball, to be held Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Washington Convention Center is sponsored by The National Capital Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. As Washington, D.C.’s largest non-political fundraiser the Ball is expected to raise $3.5M for blood cancer research, education and patient services in 2009.

The star of Frank TV (TBS Network), Caliendo is a seven-year veteran of television sketch comedy including MAD TV and has appeared on “Late Night with David Letterman,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and “Conan O’Brien.”  His impressions include Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Robert DeNiro, John Madden, David Letterman and Jay Leno.

This year’s Ball’s is co-chaired by Joseph B. Kelly, Vice President, Government and Public Affairs, Eli Lilly and Co.; and Ed Offterdinger, Managing Partner, Beers + Cutler.  The co-chairs lead a stellar Executive Committee of more than 60 of the area’s most talented, dedicated business leaders who volunteer to plan the Ball and raise million of dollars for blood cancer research and patient advocacy activities.

Seventy-five percent of the funds spent go directly to research, patient and community services, advocacy and education. Continued funding of cutting-edge science has contributed to an unprecedented rise in survival rates for some blood cancers.  For example, the relative five-year survival rate for people with leukemia has nearly quadrupled the past 40 years.

The Leukemia Ball is widely recognized as one of Washington’s most popular black-tie galas. The silent auction, which raised $250,000 in 2008, is one of the area’s largest, featuring a variety travel packages, including American Airlines air travel to exotic locations. The event also boasts a Mercedes-Benz raffle featuring two brand new vehicles donated by the Washington Area Mercedes-Benz dealers. Tickets are $100 and only 6,000 tickets are printed.

The event’s unwavering popularity over the past two decades is also largely due to the popularity of the entertainment featured.  Past headliners have included Jay Leno, Bill Cosby, Dennis Miller, John Mellencamp, Liza Minnelli, Jerry Seinfeld, Dana Carvey, Reba McIntyre, Jim Belushi, Dan Ackroyd and Lionel Richie.

For more information please go to www.leukemiaball.org