King raising money as Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man of the Year candidate

Inverness area resident Sylvester (Sly) King is in the running for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) 2013 Man of the Year. As a nominee, he has pledged to raise a minimum of $20,000 by May 16.

 “My immediate family has never been directly affected by a blood cancer disease, but I understand that cancer does not care,” King said. “Leukemia does not care how old you are. Lymphoma does not care about race or gender. Myeloma does not care about your wealth or the lack thereof. Statistics show that approximately every four minutes one person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer disease and approximately every 10 minutes someone in the U.S. dies from a blood cancer. That person could be me, my wife, my 3-year old daughter, or it could be you.”

The Grand Finale of the campaign will be May 16, but the competition doesn't end until after a live and silent auction at the event. Campaigners have the option to bring a certain amount of items, either their own or solicited from local business, to auction. The money raised per item also adds to their votes. There will also be dinner, cocktails and music.

The finale will be held at the McWane Science Center from 6-9 p.m. Individual tickets are $100, tables are $600 and patron sponsorship (two tickets and names in program) is $250. Call 989-0098 for more information.

Visit mwoy.org to donate to King’s campaigns. The last day for online donations is May 14.