Mets raise $838,000 to battle blood cancers

Following an April benefit, The New York Mets organization was able to raise $838,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, far exceeding expectations.
The society’s executive director, Michael Osso, explained that the partnership between the two organizations began because the team’s ownership had close friends who had battled blood cancer, so they were familiar with the society and its work. Osso said that the amount raised this year was $100,000 more than what the original goal was and that it had also surpassed the original goal that was set when the partnership was formed.
“Everybody pulled out all the stops this year,” Osso said.
Osso said that a big part of the success was a $75,000 sponsorship that was received from Consolidated Carpet. Its president and CEO, David Meberg, said that the company already had a partnership with the Mets, who then approached him about getting involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society fundraiser.
“We just thought it was such a great cause we couldn’t say no,” Meberg said, adding that he thought the amount raised was a great achievement.
The money was raised during the Welcome Home Dinner in April. The two organizations work together to hold the dinner.
“The Welcome Home Dinner is a significant event for every member of our organization,” said Jill Knee, Director of Community Outreach of the New York Mets. “The Mets value our relationship with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and we thank them for their assistance in making the dinner such a success.”
The Mets presented the society with a check during an on-field ceremony before the June 25 game. On hand for the presentation was five-year-old pediatric cancer survivor Kayla Cason. She thought what the Mets did was great, gave them two thumbs up, and said thank you to them.
“I think it’s a very important part of their own mission to be giving back to the communities in New York City,” Osso said of the Mets. “To be one of the recipients of so much generosity is just thrilling.”
Along with the Mets having the benefit, some of the pediatric cancer patients get to take part in “Kids Day at Shea.” Osso said that it is very exciting for the children and that it gives them “a bright spot.”
“They’re very appreciative that this team they respect and admire and love and the players that they care so much about are involved in helping them fight their cancer,” Osso said.
Meberg said that he looks forward to collaborating further with the Mets and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He added that next year’s goal should be to raise more than $1 million.
For more information on The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, visit www.ls.org/nyc.