Swinging Celebration in Kansas City Raises $138,000 for the CF Foundation

December 1, 2008

When it comes to throwing a great party—for an even greater cause, the people of Kansas City can’t be beat. At the Heart of America Chapter’s Breath of Life Ball at the Westin Crown Center Hotel in November, 400 guests dined, danced and auctioned the night away as only Kansas City can, and raised $138,000 to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s search for a cure.

Details That Made a Difference

After Chapter Board Member Jennifer Peavler gave a moving speech about her 16-year-old son Dalton’s battle with CF, mother and son danced to the song, “He’s My Son,” and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Not only did guests honor the twosome with a standing ovation, they came together and raised an additional $25,000 during the Bid for a Cure.

In a town known for its fabulous jazz and Big Band swing, it’s not surprising to find people dancing up a storm. Jitterbugging to the tunes of the David Stephens Swing Band, the black-tie crowd had to be coaxed off the dance floor at the end of the night.

“I am honored to be a part of this year’s Breath of Life Ball,” said Event Chair Bob Page, president and CEO of the University of Kansas Hospital. “Every time I meet a CF patient, I’m reminded what an extraordinary job the Foundation is doing to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. It’s wonderful to contribute to that effort.”

Thanks a Million!

The Breath of Life Ball could never have succeeded without the support of many sponsors and friends. Many thanks to the following sponsors who gave so generously:

Thanks, also, to our wonderful volunteers, Jenny Tucker and Kathy Wolfe Moore.