LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 9, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Foundation to Support Cell Transplant Research (NFCTR) today announced that a recent fundraiser hosted by Old Louisville Meets New Louisville (OLMNL) succeeded in raising $197,000 for its adult stem cell research and clinical trial initiatives. These funds will be used primarily to cover the uninsured cost of participating in a clinical trial -- costs that would have to be covered by the patients themselves, many of whom are children or young adults.
Over 300 people attended the extraordinarily successful Second Annual OLMNL Charity Event, held March 25th at the home of Laura Frazier and Harry Dennery. In partnership with Dr. Paula Grisanti, Chairman of the National Foundation to Support Cell Transplant Research (NFCTR), the event was held to garner recognition and support for this national non-profit organization headquartered in Louisville.
"This second annual event is just the beginning of what we hope is a long-term investment in Louisville-based philanthropic organizations," states OLMNL Chairman, Cordt Huneke. "Old Louisville Meets New Louisville hopes to bridge the gap between Louisville's existing community leaders and Louisville's future leaders by offering a way to pass insight, inspiration and invaluable experience from one generation to the next. We are very excited about Louisville's future and the multiple opportunities that exist for involvement."
The NFCTR supports research and clinical trials in the field of adult stem cell transplants with the potential to impact multiple conditions affecting people worldwide. In Kentucky, they have focused specifically on generating support for Dr. Suzanne Ildstad and the Institute for Cellular Therapeutics at the University of Louisville.
OLMNL encourages you to learn more about NFCTR research and the clinical trials they support by visiting www.nfctr.org. "If you are interested in the potential for internationally recognized, Louisville-based medical research to grow our community, please spend some time on the NFCTR website. If you would like to stay on top of upcoming OLMNL events, e-mail info@oldmeetsnew.com or visit our website at www.olmnl.com," Huneke adds.
Sponsors for the event included Aesthetics in Jewelry, Brown-Forman Corporation, YUM Brands, Stock Yards Bank, Foxhollow Farms, Food Service Solutions and Vincenzo's Italian Restaurant.
Click here for photo and caption: http://nfctr.org/pressroom_1.php
About the National Foundation to Support Cell Transplant Research (NFCTR)
Formed in late 2005, the National Foundation to Support Cell Transplant Research (NFCTR) was established to support recognized, peer-reviewed research and early stage clinical trials in the field of adult stem cell transplantation. Adult stem cell research has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of a large number of diseases and conditions affecting people worldwide. The NFCTR funds research in a number of strong academic settings and supports both collaboration and information sharing wherever possible. Through the funding of these collaborations, the Foundation hopes to create stronger opportunities for advancements in the field. For more information, visit www.nfctr.org or call (502) 379-8544.
The National Foundation to Support Cell Transplant Research, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6084
About Old Louisville Meets New Louisville (OLMNL)
In 2007, a group of friends came together to identify and support Louisville non-profit organizations with the potential to directly impact large numbers of people in the Louisville community and beyond. Because non-profits often champion causes that affect multiple generations, they hoped to bring existing, emerging and aspiring community advocates together to learn more and think collaboratively. OLMNL's first event to increase awareness and provide fundraising support was a 2007 benefit for Blue Apple Players. For more information, visit www.olmnl.com.