Below the Beltway

Roar for the Cure Raises $19K for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Alexandrians Melinda Long and Tom Ries, along with their friend Dave Thomas, hosted a fundraiser at Riverside Gardens Swim and Tennis Club to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).

Maura Artman, Melinda Long, and Mara Stengler (the 3 Ms) staffing the registration table.
(All photos: Melinda Long)

Alexandria, VA – On May 23, Alexandrians Melinda Long and Tom Ries, along with their friend Dave Thomas, hosted a fundraiser at Riverside Gardens Swim and Tennis Club to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).

Dave Thomas, aka DT, is running for the 2021 LLS Man of the Year. His team, Eye of the Tiger, has hosted several fundraisers to raise money for this important cause over the past two months.

The Ries brothers, Tom and Stefan, grilled for the crowd.
(All photos: Melinda Long)
Bridget Artman performs at “Roar for the Cure.” (All photos: Melinda Long)
Charlie Zdebski of Black Moon Tonic introduces Jess Foss.
(All photos: Melinda Long)

As stated on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s website, the LLS Man & Woman of the Year All Star campaign is a fundraising competition. All Stars conduct their campaigns with their fundraising teams. The male and female All Stars who raise the most funds during the campaign are crowned in a celebratory national webcast in July. Funds raised from the Man & Woman of the Year campaigns help find cures and ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients.

Here in Alexandria, the Roar for the Cure BBQ and Jam Session was held at Riverside Gardens pool on Sunday, May 23, and featured live music from Black Moon Tonic and Bridget Artman, a talented new musician on the scene.

DT and Ella, LLS Girl of the Year, listen as Ella’s mom speaks. (All photos: Melinda Long)
Jess Foss’s grandmothers are all smiles checking in at the event. (All photos: Melinda Long)
Jess Foss helps DT select a raffle winner. (All photos: Melinda Long)

Speakers at the event included the LLS Boy and Girl of the Year, Carter and Ella, and their families. Jessica Foss, Aaron Augustine, and John Crabtree also shared inspirational stories about their battles with leukemia and lymphoma.

Black Moon Tonic mid-set. (All photos: Melinda Long)

Host Melinda Long said, “We had a strong turnout, and everyone enjoyed fantastic music and food. The best part was that we raised $19,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!” If you’d like to support this worthy cause, please go online to www.lls.org.

ICYMI: Calling all Burger Monsters!

Related Articles

Back to top button