DETROIT, Jan. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) is kicking off its 50th year of “Making Lives Better” with a celebration at the Lawrence Street Gallery in Ferndale on Thursday, January 13 from 5 - 9 p.m.
The evening will be paired with an Opening Reception for an all media exhibition of artworks created by 30 local artists that make up the Lawrence Street Gallery association. Among the artists is Patrice Erickson of Rochester Hills, who specializes in fine art oil paintings. Erickson was the recipient of a kidney transplant in 1999 and wanted to give something back to the organization that was instrumental in the recovery from her illness. In continuing the celebration of the NKFM’s 50th anniversary, the Lawrence Street Gallery will donate a portion of the proceeds from their January sales.
“NKFM is excited to start our 50th year off with the Lawrence Street Gallery,” said Dan Carney, President and CEO of NKFM. “NKFM has worked tirelessly to educate the public of our mission of kidney disease awareness and the ultimate goal -- prevention.”
This event marks the beginning of a landmark year for the NKFM, the largest affiliate in the country of the National Kidney Foundation, and Crain’s Detroit Best-Managed Non-Profit of 2003. The celebration will culminate with the 50th Anniversary Kidney Gala, to be held in December 2005 at the Ritz-Carlton Dearborn.
In 1955, a group of parents of children with kidney disease formed what is today known as the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan in order to educate people on the disease and to help those affected by it. The organization has since grown to include four branches in Michigan -- Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing.
“This is an opportunity for me to raise awareness for this amazing organization,” said Erickson. “NKFM has spent 50 years being a strong supporter of patients and an advocate for the prevention of kidney disease -- I want to help to increase the awareness of what this institution does for society.”
WHAT: National Kidney Foundation of Michigan 50th Anniversary Kickoff WHEN: Thursday, January 13th 5 - 9 p.m., open house format, short presentation at 7 p.m. WHERE: Lawrence Street Gallery 22620 Woodward, Suite A, Ferndale
DETAILS: A gallery opening reception in honor and celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.
The mission of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is to prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it. To learn more about the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan visit their web site at http://www.nkfm.org/ .
Lawrence Street Gallery is located at 22620 Woodward Avenue, Suite A, Ferndale, MI.
For more information please call the gallery at 248-544-0394. Web site: http://www.lawrencestreetgallery.com/ .
National Kidney Foundation of Michigan
CONTACT: Elizabeth Scales of lovio|george|inc, +1-313-832-2210, cell:+1-248-310-9026; or Marcie Gerlach of NKFM, +1-734-222-9800