Celebrities Spotlight the Impact of Lupus on Family and Friends During the Lupus Foundation of America's Butterfly Gala in New York City

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Will and Jada Smith, musician and philanthropist Julian Lennon, and Eduardo Xol, ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, were among the honorees and special guests that saluted the millions of family and friends who are touched by lupus during the inaugural Lupus Foundation of America's (LFA) Butterfly Gala in New York City on Tuesday, September 14, 2010. The LFA recognized Julian Lennon, Peggy Conlon, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Advertising Council, and the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation for their unique contributions to advance lupus as a significant public health problem and supporting the millions of people around the world affected by lupus.

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"I thank all of the honorees and guests for being true champions for those living with lupus and their families," said Sandra C. Raymond, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America.  "All proceeds from the Butterfly Gala will be used to further strengthen and expand the LFA's research, education, and support services in the Greater New York Area."

Julian Lennon was recognized for his efforts to bring lupus to the forefront of popular culture, raise critically important dollars for research, and inspire individuals living with lupus and their family and friends to band together and advocate for safer, more effective treatments, and a cure.

The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation was recognized for its support of the LFA mission, raising public awareness of lupus, and its long-standing interest and support of lupus research. Karen B. Evans, Executive Director of the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, and Immediate Past LFA National Board Chair, accepted the award on the Foundation's behalf.

Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of The Advertising Council, was recognized for producing a national multi-media lupus public service advertisement campaign, "Could I have Lupus?" and their partnership and collaboration with the LFA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health, and other major lupus stakeholders, and for shedding light on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

Guests were also treated to a special performance by GRAMMY® award-winning artist Robin Thicke, and Eduardo Xol served as Master of Ceremonies.

About Lupus

Lupus is an acute and chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system is out of balance, causing inflammation and tissue damage to virtually any organ in the body. Lupus can be unpredictable and potentially fatal, yet no satisfactory treatment or cure exists. An estimated 1.5 million Americans and at least five million people worldwide have a form of lupus. Its health effects include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, miscarriages, and organ failure.  For more information, visit www.lupus.org.

About the LFA

The LFA is the foremost national nonprofit health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus, and providing support, services, and hope to all people affected by lupus. The LFA and its national network of chapters, branches, and support groups conduct programs of research, education, and advocacy.  

SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America