NFL Star Jim Kelly to Help Noah's Children Hospice and Home Health Fundraiser Gala in Richmond.

Business Editors

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 27, 2001

Noah's Children Event on May 11 Looking to Raise $100,000 for Sick

and Dying Children

In response to a growing need for hospice and home health care for sick and dying children in Richmond, Noah's Children is holding a fundraising gala at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 11 at Willow Oaks Country Club.

Former Buffalo Bills quarterback, Jim Kelly, the only player in NFL history to quarterback his team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, his wife Jill Kelly as well as Dr. Joe Niamtu III, an oral/maxillofacial and cosmetic facial surgeon and his wife April Niamtu, are honorary chairs of the gala.

All proceeds from the gala will offset the costs of providing medical, emotional, social and spiritual support for children facing loss, serious illness or end-of-life issues. As a non-profit organization organized in 1997, Noah's Children provides a broad range of vital services to children in the Greater Richmond area, including home health, hospice & palliative care, illness and bereavement support.

"If anyone ever questions the time, effort and expense of running a pediatric hospice to support a dozen or so children and their families, a year, I encourage them to consider the quality of care that my daughter received before dying," said Susie Nash, the mother of a 12-year-old girl named Tyler who benefited from Noah's Children hospice services before she died recently.

"Words can never fully describe the last 18 months of my family's life," Nash added. "The support and love of Noah's Children employees and volunteers never can be repaid. If you have ever considered being a volunteer or offering other support, do it. Know that there is nothing so important to a child as their home and their ability to live and die in familiar surroundings with their family around them."

The Nash family was one of many to benefit from the $77,000 raised at last year's gala.

For Kelly and Niamtu, the gala's honorary chairs, helping sick children hits close to home. Successful in their respective careers, the two also believe in giving back to their communities - especially to children in need.

The Kelly's young son, Hunter, has a rare genetic disorder called Krabbe disease (Globoid-Cell Leukodystrophy). To foster public awareness of Krabbe disease, as well as providing information and funding research for a cure, the Kelly's started Hunter's Hope (http://www.huntershope.org).

Shortly after Kelly came to Buffalo, N.Y., he decided to do something for the kids of western New York. In 1987, Kelly founded the Kelly For Kids Organization, a not-for-profit organization committed to providing funding and support to organizations serving specially challenged youth. Information on the foundation is accessible at http://www.jimkelly.com/kelly_for_kids.htm.

Like the Kelly family, the Niamtus also have a child with special needs.

Their one-year-old son has recently been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The commitment to the health and well being of children by Nimatu and his wife, April, extends far beyond their son and Richmond-area children. Niamtu has performed facial reconstruction for children from underdeveloped countries with birth defects or diseases through Heal the Children and other children-focused charities.

In 1995, Dr. Niamtu received the Richmond Times-Dispatch's Community Service Award for his work to benefit Third World children. April actively has volunteered with the children's Special Olympics and with SCAN, a local charity organized to help stop child abuse.

The Noah's Children Gala is presented and organized for the fourth year by Bon Air Junior Woman's Club a local civic organization whose mission is to serve and improve the community in which they live. Bon Air Junior Woman's Club has helped to raise more than $220,000 from the past three galas. HCA Hospitals, Carter Ryley Thomas PR and W. Baxter Perkinson, D.D.S. & Associates are major sponsors of this year's event.

With the theme of "A Lighter Than Air Affair" the fundraiser will include silent auctions and a live auction run by Linda J. Staples, CAI, and radio personality Bill Bevins of WTVR Lite-98. Bevins will help auction items including hot air balloon-themed packages, children's artwork, and a commemorative Noah's Children limited edition print. The silent auction will include goods, services and gift certificates donated by area businesses and organizations. Noah's Children hopes to raise $100,000 for its cause.

Joining the Noah's Children Gala for her second year will be, Mistress of Ceremonies, Lisa Schaffner WRIC-TV 8 news anchor.

Tickets for this year's gala are $100 per person. The Walter Bell Latin Jazz Unit and the flute and guitar duo of Scott Cory and Susan Davis will provide music. For further information, please contact: 804/327-8417 or visit http://www.noahschildren.org.