Buckley, Big Bucks and the Chairman of the Board in “The City that Never Sleeps”
Deafness Research Foundation (DRF) hosted its annual “Celebration of Hearing Health” fundraising event on May 3, 2006, at The Maritime Hotel Hiro Ballroom in New York City. The gala event raised more than $620,000 for future research and honored three individuals who have contributed greatly to the field of hearing and balance science.
DRF’s Research Award was presented to William E. Brownell, Ph.D., in honor of his outstanding achievements in the field of research for hearing and balance loss. A DRF grant recipient from 1977-79, Brownell’s studies on the inner ear and research on cochlear biophysics and the mechanism of outer hair cell electromotility have broken ground within the field.
Armand P. D’Amato received the DRF Leadership Award for his 15 years of inspirational leadership, counsel and service to DRF (see “View from the Top”).
Albert L. Lord, chairman of the Board for SLM Corporation, commonly known as Sallie Mae, was given the DRF Corporate Leadership Award for his longtime support of DRF and his commitment to make a difference through supporting and chairing events in the greater Washington, D.C. area and beyond.
Kathy Buckley, “America’s First Hearing Impaired Comedienne” and four-time American Comedy Award Nominee, served as the program’s host. Buckley also provided the evening’s entertainment with material based on, among other things, her own hearing loss.
Event Chair and DRF Board Member Rebecca Ginzburg shared that, having only recently become involved with DRF, she is honored to have been part of such a special evening to recognize those who are tirelessly dedicating their time and energy to DRF’s mission and vision. “DRF’s ‘Celebration of Hearing Health’ was a huge success, raising funds to support research and bringing together many individuals who are passionate and dedicated to hearing health,” Ginzburg stated. n
