LANSDALE, Pa. ― The Burn Foundation, a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization dedicated to burn-prevention education and supporting burn victims and their families, celebrated its 34th anniversary on Friday, Oct. 19, at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing. The gala, Picturing Recovery, sponsored by Tyco Fire & Building Products, honored the life of acclaimed photographer and burn survivor John W.H. Simpson.
The gala is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, and this year was no exception with more in attendance than ever before. Events such as this have helped the organization raise nearly $10 million for Philadelphia-area burn centers since 1978.
Anchor Larry Mendte of Philadelphia’s CBS3 served as the master of ceremonies of a program which included Everett Marshall, the former mayor and fire chief of Newfield, N.J., as the keynote speaker. Marshall was severely burned when a petroleum-transporter tank that he was cleaning exploded. As a result, he has devoted his life to building a public awareness of burn injury prevention. Marshall is one of the Burn Foundation’s most passionate supporters.
Honorees included the late Simpson, for his work and support of burn victims’ families, and Philadelphia Firefighters Walter Jackson and Lt. James Williamson. There was also a celebration of the life of the late Cynthia Rauso, the Burn Foundation’s president and chief executive.
Prints by Simpson were auctioned off during the event, contributing to this year’s final total funds raised.
“It was our largest gala ever,” said Scott Cohen, Director of Prevention Education for the Burn Foundation. “Thanks to Tyco Fire & Building Products’ generous support, we were able to raise a record amount of almost $100,000 at the gala. This is more than twice as much as last year and everyone had a great time.”
For those interested in learning more about the Burn Foundation or donating to the worthy cause, please call (215) 988-9882 or visit www.burnfoundation.org.
About The Burn Foundation
The Burn Foundation is a Philadelphia-based, non-profit organization established in 1973 to educate families, emergency workers, and the medical community about burn prevention and care while providing burn survivors and their families support and recovery assistance. The foundation supports the Greater Delaware Valley’s four major burn treatment centers: Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Lehigh Valley Hospital, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and Temple University Hospital.
About Tyco Fire & Building Products
Tyco Fire & Building Products, a division of Tyco International, is a leading manufacturer of water-based fire suppression system components and ancillary building construction products, distributing more than 30 million sprinklers worldwide every year serving customers in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional building projects. It continually expands its capabilities through aggressive research and product development to provide its customers the most effective fire protection and mechanical construction solutions. More information can be found at www.tyco-fire.com.