Ford Dealership Helps Fund Cancer Research with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Northern and Central Florida

Online, December 19, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Northern and Central Florida was presented with a donation of $3,000.00 on December 12, 2012. The charitable contribution was collected though Bartow Ford's first annual After Hours concert event.

The Bartow Ford After Hours event in collaboration with partnered sponsors, 97 Country/ WPCV, featured Atlantic Recording Artist Michael Ray, a supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Funds were raised through event vendors, raffle sales, and company donations with 100% of the proceeds benefitting LLS.

"The funds that were raised from this event with Michael Ray and Bartow Ford are going to basically change the landscape of cancer research as we see it; we are on the precipice of a major breakthrough when it comes to research and treatment options and the timing couldn't be perfect enough." stated Ryan Bumgardner, Campaign Director for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Northern and Central Florida.

Michael's ties to this organization are rooted in a young girl, Elizabeth Pranger, who will be receiving her last chemotherapy treatments in 2013. Bartow Ford's donation will not only aid in cancer research for the remainder of the year but will follow into planning and executing campaigns for 2013.

"It has been a great pleasure to work with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Bartow Ford is proud to be a voice for awareness and a partner in the fight against cancer." stated Benny Robles Sr., President of Bartow Ford.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was founded in the 1960's to create a platform of awareness and research for all blood related cancers. The Northern and Central Florida chapter of LLS is one of many throughout the US and Canada built to establish advocacy in local communities. This chapter serves as a community for over five thousand patients in the Central Florida area, a large portion consisting of children.

Bartow Ford After Hours was sponsored by 97 Country/ WPCV. Generous donations for the event were given by Mid-Florida Credit Union, Bruster's Ice Cream, Wal-Mart Bartow, Pinnacle Central Company, Bass Pro Shop Orlando, Sears Highland City and 97Country/WPCV. Gator's Dockside of Highland City and Oahu Tiki Cone were benevolent givers of food and beverage proceeds.

For more information about this event or to schedule an interview with Benny Robles Sr., please contact Kimberly Vigil at 800-533-0425 ext. 239 or email [email protected]