“We’re thrilled and honored that John agreed to be our Corporate Chair,’’ Chillemi said. “This is an important position in our fundraising goals, and this cause is important to John. He’s an inspiring person and an inspiring business leader. He was the perfect choice.”
LLS selects a corporate leader each year. Tolomer succeeds Chris Myers, the Managing Principal for Houlihan Lawrence, as the corporate chair.
“Having served on their local board previously, one of the things I learned about LLS is that they do fabulous work,’’ Tolomer said. “LLS was at the forefront of chemotherapy protocols and bone marrow transplants. I had a chance to see that up close and personal when I visited a hospital in Houston. They’ve done a fabulous job. This is the kind of event where we can give back and have fun,’’ Tolomer added. “They do great work and have made inroads, but they need help.”
The Light The Night Walk brings together families and communities to honor blood cancer survivors, as well as those lost to the diseases. The walk helps create awareness on the importance of finding cures and providing access to treatments for blood cancer patients.
Walks are held in nearly 200 communities across North America each fall. Participants carry illuminated lanterns - white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to a blood cancer.
The fundraising goal for the Westchester event is $866,000. Readers can make donations online through the event website.
Tolomer and TWB’s employees have been active in numerous community programs. He has encouraged employees to join the LLS walk as well. “We hope to get out as many as humanly possible, but we also realize it’s at night and it might be harder for young families,’’ Tolomer said. “We’ll have some food, drink and refreshments, and it’s a good family-oriented evening for the employees and their families.”
People can also join The Westchester Bank team for Light The Night by visiting its fundraising page.