Pizza Fusion co-founders lead fundraising team in raising money for blood cancer research though running the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon with Team In Training
Fort Lauderdale, Fla., June 18, 2008 – Pizza Fusion co-founders, Vaughan Lazar and Michael Gordon, recently returned from San Diego with a team of colleagues and friends where they ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in an effort to raise $38,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). After months of physical preparation with Team In Training (TNT), a fundraising arm of LLS, Team Pizza Fusion took on one of the world’s premier marathons that’s recognized as a 26.2-mile block party with live bands, hundreds of cheerleaders, themed water stations and a post-race concert, which featured Pat Benatar this year.
Team Pizza Fusion ran in honor of their hero, Jordan, a 17-year-old survivor of acute myelogenous leukemia, who was there every step of the way motivating the team throughout their rigorous training. “I have learned to appreciate life and make the most of it,” states Jordan. “I have much vision and determination for success in the future and look forward to one day having a biomedical company pertaining to cancer research.”
The $38,000 Team Pizza Fusion raised went toward aiding LLS in fighting blood cancers via research and support. Through Pizza Fusion’s own Little Sprout Foundation, the team held various fundraisers and events around South Florida over the last six months to meet their donation goal.
“I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and excitement my colleagues expressed when I invited them to take on this amazing feat with me,” said Vaughan. “I admire each and every person who spent countless hours training and fundraising to make this all a reality. Not only were we able to raise tens of thousands of dollars to combat a major health epidemic, but we came together as a team of non-athletes and rose to the tremendous challenge of running 26.2 miles. It was truly a rewarding experience on a number of levels.”
About Team In Training
Since its inception in 1988, TNT has prepared more than 340,000 people – approximately 39,000 participants annually – to achieve their dream of completing a marathon, half marathon, triathlon or 100 mile (century) bicycle ride. In that time, TNT participants have raised over $800 million to support blood cancer research and patient services. The enormous success of this program has helped make possible advances in blood cancer therapies and treatments that have prolonged and enhanced the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients. For additional information, visit: http://www.teamintraining.org/.
About Pizza Fusion
Founded in the best interest of the individual and the environment, Pizza Fusion combines an eclectic, organic menu with an industry-leading environmental approach to restaurant service in chic LEED certified dining destinations. Pizza Fusion specializes in gourmet pizzas, ciabatta sandwiches, salads, desserts, beers, wines and more in their purest form – untainted by artificial additives, such as pesticides, preservatives, antibiotics and hormones. Additionally, Pizza Fusion caters to the needs of selective diets with gluten-free, vegan, casein-free and lactose-free menu items. With 75 franchises already in development in 14 states, Pizza Fusion is well on its way to redefining the restaurant industry. For additional information, visit: www.pizzafusion.com.
