The Women’s Networking Alliance Hosts Fundraiser for Bay Area Child in Need of Double Transplant49ers Safety Michael Lewis and other local celebrities support the cause.
SAN JOSE, CA – May 18, 2010 -The Women’s Networking Alliance, a Silicon Valley community of women business owners, announced they are hosting “Everyday Superheroes,” a fundraiser on June 6, 2010 at the Santa Clara Convention Center from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. to help raise money for five-year-old Brentwood resident Aaron Tanner who is suffering from kidney and heart failure. 49ers safety Michael Lewis, who suffers from a heart ailment himself called atrial fibrillation, among others will attend the benefit to help raise awareness and funds for Aaron.
Aaron had his first of three open heart surgeries when he was just over a week old. At a time when most parents are celebrating the arrival of their new baby, Aaron’s parents were faced with the overwhelming tragedy of their older son, four-year-old, Ethan dying only a few weeks later from an undiagnosed heart condition, unrelated to Aaron’s. If that’s not enough of a challenge, The Tanner’s tapped medical insurance as hit the ceiling.
Local president of the Women’s Networking Alliance (WNA) and small business entrepreneur, Debbie Quintana, heard of Aaron’s story and decided to pull together the “Everyday Superheroes” event which will include an auction, dinner and dancing. WNA has set up a website (www.wnacommunity.com) for donations and sponsors to help support the cause in addition to attending the benefit.
Along with 49ers safety Michael Lewis, the event will feature local firefighters dressed
in superhero costumes and the San Jose Police Department will attend. The 49ers are also donating a VIP Training Camp Experience for four in Santa Clara. Additional support has generously come in from the Oakland Raiders, San Jose Sharks, the Silvercreek Sportsplex, Best Buy and Comcast is their executive sponsor. The Santa Clara Convention Center even donated their newly remodeled Mission City Ballroom.
The event will feature comedian, actor, keynote speaker and author, Mark Lundholm as well as a local 16 year girl comedian, Sarah Kay. Additional talent donations have come from local bands, Above the Law and The Magnolia Jazz Trio.
“Even people from out of state have shown their support including owner of Organized Management, Al Dias, actor and entrepreneur, most recently co-starring as Big Lou in “The Good Guys” on FOX. This is absolutely amazing and I’m confident we’ll sell out.” said Quintana. “We still need help so my ask is to spread the word.” When Quintana was asked about her reason for driving support for Aaron, her response was personal, “Like Michael Lewis, I suffer from atrial fibrillation and heart disease runs in my family. Aaron has a long life ahead of him and this is just simply the right thing to do.”
The generosity of the community has been overwhelming to Aaron’s mom Elizabeth, “What Debbie and her organization have done for us brings me to tears. She truly is a super woman. I hope that once Aaron is well that I can give back and raise awareness about donor ship.”
Contact: Debbie Quintana
(408) 307-3411
