Fred Beans and Ding-Shinn Chen at its 2018 Crystal Ball Gala
Evening raised $128,000 to advance research and programs for people with hepatitis B
DOYLESTOWN, PA (April 2018)- The Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) hosted over 230 leaders from academia, industry, government and the community at its annual Crystal Ball Gala on April 6, 2018 at Pinecrest Country Club in Lansdale, PA. The evening also included a ceremony to honor influential scientists in hepatitis B research and leaders in the local community. Over $128,000 was raised to support the organization's valuable research, outreach, public health, and patient advocacy programs.
Guests at the gala enjoyed table casino games by Tumbling Dice, dinner and dancing, a silent auction and an awards ceremony honoring scientist Ding-Shinn Chen, MD; community leader Fred Beans; and featuring the screening of a video from the Foundation’s #justB patient storytelling campaign.
During the evening’s ceremony, the Foundation’s most prestigious award, the Baruch S. Blumberg Prize, was presented to Prof. Ding-Shinn Chen, MD, FAASLD, distinguished chair professor, National Taiwan University College of Medicine. Dr. Chen was recognized for his pioneering work toward prevention and management of viral hepatitis and liver disease. His leadership efforts included identifying hepatitis B as the main cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer in Taiwan, implementation of mass hepatitis B vaccination in Taiwan, and his role in the Hepatitis Control Committee of the Taiwanese government for over 30 years.
Mr. Fred Beans, Founder and CEO of the Fred Beans Family of Dealerships, was honored with the 2018 Community Commitment Award for improving the community through his significant financial support and board service for over 30 years. Among his numerous charitable endeavors, the Fred Beans Family of Dealerships have supported the HBF’s Summer High School Internship program for the past two years.
The ceremony concluded with a screening of a video from the Foundation’s #justB campaign, featuring storytellers Kurt and Janet. The #justB campaign is a national storybank featuring real people living with hepatitis B who share their stories to put a human face on this serious disease. Following the video, Kurt and Janet provided an update on their story of adopting a baby born to a mother with hepatitis B.
The Hepatitis B Foundation's 2018 Crystal Ball Gala was made possible with the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Univest Bank; Platinum Sponsors Arbutus Biopharma, Gilead Sciences, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals; Diamond Sponsors Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Dynavax, and Penn Community Bank; Emerald Sponsors Allure West Studios, de Art Folio Design, High Swartz LLC and Inovio Pharmaceuticals; and Media Sponsor Bucks County Herald.
About the Hepatitis B Foundation: The Hepatitis B Foundation is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life for those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. To learn more, go to www.hepb.org, read our blog at hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter @HepBFoundation, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/hepbfoundation or call 215-489-4900.