Jim Duffey to chair 2008 Kidney Ball
August 21st, 2008 by JD Kathuria
It’s a frightening statistic: The Washington, DC area leads the nation in the prevalence of kidney disease. But there’s hope. The Kidney Ball is the National Kidney Foundation’s largest one-day fundraiser, raising funds to support medical research and other critical initiatives. To keep the momentum going, Jim Duffey, a key voice in the area’s business community, is lending his name to the cause. This fall, Duffey will serve as chair of the 2008 Kidney Ball. In the following Q&A, Duffey shares details about the event and how it will help individuals and families cope with what is one of the most prevalent but overlooked health challenges in the United States today.
Why did you choose to chair the 2008 Kidney Ball?
Jim Duffey: My colleague Donna Morea from CGI asked me to serve on the Kidney Ball Executive Committee and through my involvement I became aware that kidney disease is a very serious public health problem that’s often overlooked. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, more than 13 percent of the population has kidney disease and most people don’t know it. They are also unaware that diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of kidney disease—all three of these diseases are very pervasive in our community. As business leaders we have a social responsibility to the community at large. Working with non-profit partners, we can make a significant difference in the lives of many.
Why is this event important to the Washington community?
Jim Duffey: The Washington, D.C., area has the highest prevalence of kidney disease in the nation. In the easternmost part of the District, the age adjusted rate for new cases of kidney failure is 44 times the national average. Maryland and Virginia don’t fare much better—nationally they rank 7th and 11th respectively in their rates of kidney failure.
Support of the Kidney Ball allows the National Kidney Foundation to prevent kidney disease in our region through the Knock Out Kidney Disease Campaign, which comprises medical screening and follow-up for those at risk, public education, and primary care physician education. In addition to the early detection of kidney disease, the foundation funds research, provides patient services, and sponsors a variety of initiatives designed to increase the number of organ donors in this country. Right now, close to 100,000 Americans are on the waiting list for organ transplants. The shortage of donors is so severe that two-thirds of the people on the list will die before receiving a donated organ.
What can attendees expect to find at this year’s gala?
Jim Duffey: The 2008 Kidney Ball will feature gourmet dining, live and silent auctions, dancing, and a special performance by the legendary Doobie Brothers. A special highlight in 2008 is a video featuring the individuals who were involved in the 12 person kidney swap at Johns Hopkins in April of this year. The Kidney Ball promises to be an inspirational and entertaining evening for corporate sponsors and their guests.
Are there tickets still available?
Jim Duffey: Corporate tables, ranging in price from $5,000 - $50,000, are still available but they are going quickly! Individual tickets are $300. For more information, visit www.kidneywdc.org or call 202.244.7900 ext. 28.
How much money do you expect the Kidney Ball to raise this year?
Jim Duffey: We are setting our sights on $1.35 million through corporate support, tickets sales, and the live and silent auctions. Of course we would love to raise more!
What is something most people don’t know about kidney failure?
Jim Duffey: Many people know that when a person’s kidneys fail they need either dialysis or a transplant in order to live. What they don’t know is that in many cases kidney failure is preventable. If detected in its earlier stages, kidney disease can be treated with medication and lifestyle style changes, thus delaying or even preventing progression to kidney failure. That’s why the Knock Out Kidney Disease initiative is so important to our community.
Interview with Jim Duffey conducted by JD Kathuria
Read more interviews here: http://blog.executivebiz.com/category/interviews/
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- Doobie Brothers at 2008 Kidney Ball
- Alonzo Mourning Will Be a Special Guest at 2008 Kidney Ball
- Photos from Kidney Ball
- Watch Roger Mason, Washington Wizards Guard, bowl for a cause
- Joe Kelley co-chairs Leukemia Ball, to be held Sat., March 29
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