ProstAware’s Sixth Annual Blue Ties Luncheon Raises Over $40,000 for Prostate Cancer Awareness
September 24, 2014 (Atlanta) — More than 250 attendees enjoyed a heartfelt keynote address by Arizona Diamondbacks President and CEO, Derrick Hall, and a rousing introductory speech by legendary Atlanta Braves pitching coach, Leo Mazzone, at the sixth annual ProstAware Blue Ties event on Sept. 12 at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead. Emceed by Jerry Carnes of 11-Alive WXIA-TV, the event raised more than $40,000 in support of ProstAware’s ongoing prostate cancer education initiatives.
Dr. Scott Miller, the founder of ProstAware and a urologic laparoscopist, created the event to bring awareness to the prevalence of prostate cancer in the U.S. During the event, he emphasized the importance of regular screenings with a clever demonstration using oversized building blocks, illustrating how these regular tests are at the foundation of maintaining prostate health.
“ProstAware is the leading source of raising prostate cancer awareness and providing prostate health education in the Greater Atlanta area, a role we take very seriously,” said Dr. Miller. “By using music, technology, and sports — commonly shared interests among most men — as vehicles to generate interest and discussion, I hope that the event will continue to encourage all men to consult with their personal physicians to make the best decisions for their own prostate health.”
This year’s event focused on sports. The Braves’ Leo Mazzone shared humorous insights into his time as coach to celebrated pitchers Tom Glavine and John Smoltz, reflecting on his storied career in his signature no-nonsense style. The Arizona Diamondbacks’ Derrick Hall delivered a keynote address that demonstrated how his community-driven leadership philosophy has turned the organization into a model franchise, and guided him as he faced his own health challenges. As a prostate cancer survivor and tireless advocate of cancer-fighting charities, Hall regularly speaks publicly about his past diagnosis to raise prostate cancer awareness and encourage other men to monitor their prostate health.
Additionally, Blue Ties attendees tried their hand at laparoscopy using demo machines provided by Intuitive Surgical and daVinci Surgical Systems. Three lucky attendees won raffle prizes provided by Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, and Jim Ellis Porsche, who provided a weekend of drive time in a new Porsche model of the winner’s choice.
ProstAware’s 2014 Blue Ties luncheon was sponsored by Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, Northside Hospital, Intuitive Surgical, Lenz, Toyota, daVinci Surgical Systems, three squared, UPS, Coca-Cola, Georgia Cancer Specialists, LapaRobotic Surgery, Saturn 5 Records, and Surgiquest, Media sponsors included11-Alive WXIA-TV, WSB News Radio, 97.1 FM The River, The Weekly Check-Up with Dr. Bruce Feinberg, and Men’s Book Atlanta magazine.
ProstAware is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to educating men in metro Atlanta about prostate health through music, technology, and sports. ProstAware encourages men in metro Atlanta to monitor their prostate health, provides a centralized resource for prostate cancer awareness, and promotes education and awareness through its annual Blue Ties event, local speaking engagements, and other Atlanta area health programs. Visit www.ProstAware.org for more information on how everyone can participate in the battle against prostate cancer.
