Lineup Set for NMA's 2016 'Give Kids a Shot' Gala at Sardi's

This May, The National Meningitis Association (NMA) (Lynn Bozof, President) will hold its annual GIVE KIDS A SHOT Gala Celebration honoring Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch (Nancy Ford Springer Award), Carl Buher and Michael Laforgia (T.E.A.M. Outstanding Service Awards), Paul Lee, MD (Health Achievement Award) at The Pierre on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 6:30pm.

To kick off the countdown to the GIVE KIDS A SHOT Gala Celebration, The National Meningitis Association will host a pre-show reception at the legendary Broadway restaurant Sardi's on Thursday, March 24, 2016 from 5-7pm. Expected to attend and offer their support for this year's NMA event are Victor Calise (NYC Commissioner for the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities), Carol Higgins Clark, Rita Cosby, Robert Farber, Paul Hampton, Jeremiah James, James Naughton, Heather Randall, Joe Sirola, Phil Smith (Chairman of The Shubert Organization), Richard Thomas, Frank Wood, and others. The Chairs are Lenore Cooney, Sara Herbert-Galloway, Errol Rappaport and Gary Springer. Honorary Chairs include: Ambassador and Mrs. John L. Loeb, Jr., Liv Ullmann and Donald Saunders and Nick Springer.

"We are so excited to kick-off our largest fundraising event at Sardi's this week. Since we began NMA, the Broadway community has been overwhelmingly supportive and has generously given their time and money. This event is as much a thank you as it is rally toward our Gala on May 9th." - Event Chair, Sara Herbert-Galloway.

To RSVP to the FREE Kick-Off Reception at Sardi's on Thursday, March 24 from 5-7pm, or to purchase tickets for the GIVE KIDS A SHOT Gala Celebration at the Pierre on Monday, May 9 at 6:30pm, contact Heather Prochorchik via Heatherprochorchik@bellevents.com or by calling 212 874 5457.

The National Meningitis Association works to protect families from the devastating effects of meningococcal disease by educating the public, medical professionals and others about the disease and vaccines available to prevent it. NMA was formed in 2002 by parents whose children died or live with permanent disabilities from meningococcal disease. Like many families, NMA's founders were unaware that meningococcal disease vaccination could have prevented their anguish. Since NMA was founded, great strides have been made in meningitis prevention. NMA has supported the creation of broad recommendations for meningococcal vaccines to protect all preteens and teens, worked to advocate for state vaccination requirements and helped increase awareness and vaccine uptake. The organization also provides emotional support for individuals and families who have experienced meningococcal disease. To accomplish its goals, NMA develops programs and resources that reach audiences on national and grassroots levels. Parents, disease survivors and other family members help carry out NMA's mission by conducting community awareness activities across the country through two key programs: Moms on Meningitis (M.O.M.s) and Together Educating About Meningitis (T.E.A.M.). For disease and prevention information, downloadable resources and personal stories from M.O.M.s and T.E.A.M. members, visit WWW.NMAUS.ORG.