Kick-Off Party For Queens Light Night

On September 21, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is hosting its annual "Light the Night" walk along the Cross Island Parkway to help fight blood-related cancers. However, on July 17, the society is hosting a kick-off party where local businesses that participate in a "Paper Balloon Pub Challenge" will be honored.
The pub challenge is an annual event in which pubs throughout the five boroughs unite in the fight against blood-related cancer by selling the Leukemia and Lymphoma Societys "Light the Night" paper balloons. Paper balloons are meant to raise the awareness for the event. A $1 minimum donation is suggested for each balloon and customers are welcome to write their own name or the name of the person they want to honor on each balloon. The top fund-raising pub receives a color banner and will be announced at the kick-off party. All establishments raising over $250 will be acknowledged at the Queens "Light the Night" walk site. Over $14 million was raised during last years contest.
The main event, the Queens walk, will be held at Joe Michaels Mile, on the Cross Island Parkway by the Bayside Marina.
This years walk is dedicated to Ami Kizner-Goldstein, who grew up in Bay Terrace. Kizner-Goldstein was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2002. She planned to walk in the 2002 "Light the Night" raising awareness and money to find a cure for the disease. Although she was unable, her friends and family helped raise almost $1,000 for her. Unfortunately, she lost her battle with leukemia in October 2002.
At the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 76 cents of every dollar is used to support patient services, education and resarch. In 2002 alone, the society provided $38 million to more than 460 researchers, 41 of which are in New York City.
For more information, call Daryl Thuroff, volunteer and sponsorship committee chair, at (646) 765-526.