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AAFA’s Orchid Ball is a premiere black-tie event founded in 1991 by a group of concerned volunteers including Whitney and the late Jane Freund Harris. This event, held in March of each year, traditionally begins with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by a sit-down dinner, live auction and entertainment. The orchid is the symbol of the ball because it is one of the flowers to which no one is allergic.
Three awards are given each year at the Ball. The Orchid Award, the most prestigious award given by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, is presented to an individual who has illustrated a tremendous commitment to the Foundation’s service program, mission and goals. Past recipients include: Irwin Loiterstein, Linda and Cliff Eason, Bill Voelker, Jane and Whitney Harris, Raymond Slavin, M.D., Phillip Korenblat, M.D., Michael Borts, M.D., Marty Hendin, Marilyn Horst, Rowena Simpson, David S. Spewak, W. Randolph Baker and William J. Gleason.
The Jane Harris Memorial Award, presented in memory of Jane Harris, a community leader who devoted her life to the service of others in St. Louis. For more than fifty years, Jane supported dozens of charities through volunteerism, fundraising and philanthropy. The award is presented annually to a volunteer demonstrating exceptional commitment to AAFA. Past recipients include: St. Louis Children's Hospital Healthy Kids Express Asthma Program, The Southwestern Bell Pioneers, Wayne Kaufman, Phillip Korenblat, M.D., Raymond Slavin, M.D., Mimi and Terry Baer, Dave Birkenmeier and Liz Gibbons.
The AAFA Corporate Award is presented annually to a corporation that has distinguished itself with exceptional financial support for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter. Past recipients, who have been instrumental in the growth and success of AAFA, include: Missouri Foundation for Health, Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., Emerson, United Healthcare, Grey Eagle Distributing, Inc., Suburban Journals and Central Business Communications.
See Orchid Ball 2009 for information about this year's event.
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