Who knew how fun a virtual pajama party fundraiser could be? We certainly found out, when more than 250 members of the vasculitis community donned their favorite PJs and gathered with family and furry friends for an evening of online performances, touching testimonials, and messages of hope on Saturday, June 20, 2020.
The sold-out VF Pajama Party brought in $35,000 for essential vasculitis educational programs and resources.
“We are so grateful to everyone who joined the party, and we’re delighted with the response from the community,” said Joyce Kullman, VF Executive Director. “Thanks to your participation and generosity, our first-ever virtual benefit for vasculitis was a resounding success.”
The VF Pajama Party Facebook Group page was lively all evening, with attendees posting real-time comments during the show.
Co-hosts and young adult leaders Ben Wilson and Kaley Beins kept the party on track throughout the evening, introducing the musical acts and presenters. Several patients offered inspiring testimonials, including Art, Yanique, Elijah and his mom, Myranda. We thank them for their touching stories, which brought heart and soul to the event.
The VF is grateful for special performances and appearances by Hollywood actresses Jamie Lee Curtis and Jennifer Garner; Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jim Peterik; and Italian pianist/composer Andrea Pittini.
Special thanks also to the many talented performers from the vasculitis community:
Dr. Peter Grayson, rockin’ vasculitis researcher from the NIH-NIAMS, and his three daughters; the talented violinist Allison Ross, and her sister, cellist Cori Lint; another amazing cellist and rheumatologist, Dr. Tony Sreih; and Dr. Peter Merkel, well-known rheumatologist and vasculitis expert, whose trademark wit was in fine form.
The VF is grateful to all the sponsors who helped make this event possible:
Jumping on the Bed Sponsors:
- Amgen
- Race for RP
Reading Under the Covers Sponsors:
- Chemocentryx
Pillow Fight Sponsors:
- SolutionsCoach.net
- Arlene and Glennon Kullman Family
- Karen Hirsch
- George Casey
- Kevin Byram, MD, and Ashlea Byram
- Pamela Pekerman and Steve Tenenbayev
- Anisha Dua, MD, and Ashwin Shetty, MD
- GSK
- The Wadler Family
Snack Sponsors:
- Bare Bones
- Real Food From the Ground Up
- Everipe
- Jimmy Bars
If you are still looking for ways to help the vasculitis community, click here to make a donation today!
