The Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation has always been at the forefront of using new technology, developing new programs and creating new opportunities, all with the focus of saving lives.  On Sunday, June 22nd, Gift of Life took its annual gala to the next level by hosting its inaugural Virtual Gala, a live online global event that participants were able to enjoy from anywhere in the world!

 

Hosted by Gift of Life’s Founder and Executive Director, Jay Feinberg and Chairman of the Board, Bill Begal, the Virtual Gala paid tribute to the organization’s matriarch, Arlene Feinberg.  The online affair also gave viewers a behind the scenes look at how and where Gift of Life staff conduct its life-saving work, featured an emotional donor/recipient meeting and caught up with a donor/recipient pair ten years after the transplant that saved a nine year old boy’s life.

 

Bill said, “I commend Jay and the leadership of Gift of Life for continuing to raise the bar and innovating as was done by this first Virtual Gala.  Jay is always paying attention to where the puck is going, NOT where it is!”

 

During the program, Jay announced the launch of “Arlene’s Vision”, a $4 million campaign to add 70,000 new potential donors to Gift of Life’s registry in memory of his mother.  Jay said, “My mother was the ultimate caregiver, always helping people in need. It was her dream to ensure that no patient die needlessly for lack of a donor. Although we have come a long way, there is still so much more to accomplish.  Only half of the 10,000 people diagnosed each year benefit from the transplant they need, and that’s because they lack their miracle match.  It is our hope that the many hundreds of lives that will be saved through ‘Arlene’s Vision’ will perpetuate her memory and legacy for decades to come.”  Long time Gift of Life supporters, Warren and Mitzi Eisenberg, generously offered to match donations made during the Virtual Gala, up to $100,000, and many participants eagerly took the opportunity to make their contributions.

 

Bill also took a moment to reflect on his own memories of Arlene, explaining, “It was Sunday October 9, 1994, almost 20 years ago when I first met Arlene.  She trusted me to go to Belarus in an effort to find Jay’s match.  Her passion, dedication, and love never wavered in the quest to find Jay’s match, but also for the many others she helped, counseled and served.  May her blessing be for a memory, a true woman of valor.”  He added, “If not for Arlene and her refusal to listen to Jay’s doctors who advised he would never find a donor, over 11,000 matches for others in need would not have happened.  We are a better people because of Arlene's passion and the entire Feinberg family.”

 

During the Virtual Gala, online guests were encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings through a live chat.  The dialogue contained many messages of congratulations for Gift of Life as well as loving thoughts and memories of Arlene.  One user wrote, “This truly affirms my belief in human kindness, thank you Arlene, Jack and Jay.” Another added, “That was wonderfully done! Although I never met Arlene she has changed my life and enabled me to find passion in my career. What a blessing.”

 

If you were unable to join us for the Virtual Gala live and would like to view a recorded version or would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to “Arlene’s Vision” visit gala.giftoflife.org or calling 800-9MARROW.