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AWARD WINNING ORIGINAL DREAMGIRL JENNIFER HOLLIDAY TO PERFORM AT LUPUS FOUNDATION BUTTERFLY BALL Nov 26

Anne Bright and Stacie Weisman Chair the "Night of Dreams and Illusions"

(Delray Beach, FL) - November 19, 2007- The Lupus Foundation of America,
Southeast Florida Chapter proudly announces that Grammy and Tony Award
Winning vocalist Jennifer Holliday will headline this years annual Butterfly
Ball on Saturday, February 23 at Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach.

Holliday, best known as the original Dreamgirl and her iconic Grammy winning
R&B/Pop hit "And I am Telling You I'm Not Going" is a legendary Broadway
singer and actress. She landed her first role on Broadway at age 19 in Your Arms Too Short To Box With God. Shortly thereafter, at the age of 21 she won the role of Effie Melody White in the Tony winning Dreamgirls. Holliday went on to win the Tony Award for Best Actress, won the Drama Desk and Theater World awards and a Grammy for the recorded version of her signature song. Her second Grammy came three years later for her rendition of Duke Ellington's Come Sunday.

Mrs. Anne Bright and Ms. Stacie Weisman will serve as chairs of a night aptly entitled "A Night of Dreams and Illusions." Activities at the gala include a dynamic silent auction, live music by the Stephen Chase Band, food
and libations and additional entertainment surprises throughout the evening. Southern Wine and Spirits is the Presenting Sponsor. Mr. and Mrs. Mark B. Templeton and Citrix Systems, Inc. are Grand Benefactor sponsors.
Additional sponsors include Ms. Mary Porter, Mrs. Lorraine Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Martin O'Boyle, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Gove and the Daphne Seybolt Culpeper Foundation.

This black-tie ball is the organization's largest fund-raiser of the year with all proceeds staying in South Florida. Tickets for the Ball are $600. For more information, to become a sponsor or to make reservations for the Ball, call the Lupus Foundation at 561-279-8606.

Proceeds from the gala directly benefit the Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter, a not-for-profit autonomous corporation affiliated with the Lupus Foundation of America. This chapter, founded in
1978, serves Brevard, Broward, Collier, Hendry, Indian River, Martin, Miami/Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties. The chapter is dedicated to improving the lives of persons who suffer from lupus in South Florida by providing counseling and referral, support groups, professional and patient education and training, outreach, public information, advocacy, and support of research. Visit www.lupusfl.org
for more information.

OVER 30,000 DIAGNOSED WITH LUPUS IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Contributed by: Terri Neil on 9/26/2007

Lupus is more prevalent than AIDS, sickle cell, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis combined

NEARLY 30,000 DIAGNOSED IN

SOUTH FLORIDA

Lupus Foundation of America Southeast Florida Chapter

Engaging Community To Help Find A Cure During

October - National Lupus Awareness Month

While most women are aware of the signs and health risks of breast cancer and heart disease, relatively few are aware of another significant health problem that strikes mostly young women between the ages of 15 and 45. The disease is lupus. October is National Lupus Awareness Month and the Lupus Foundation of America Southeast Florida Chapter is undertaking a regional campaign to educate the public and health professionals about lupus and its impact on individuals, families and society. Lupus is incurable and is taking over women's health at an astonishing pace. Lupus deaths have increased 61% since 1980.

Lupus is a chronic (lifelong) disease in which the immune system, for unknown reasons, becomes out of balance, causing inflammation and serious tissue damage to virtually any organ in the body. Even though approximately 1.5 million Americans have lupus, two-thirds of Americans report they are unaware of lupus or its potentially disabling and life-threatening health effects. People of color are at greatest risk for developing lupus. The disease is two to three times more common among African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans than among Caucasians. What is most troubling about the lack of awareness of lupus is that early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of lupus often can prevent serious consequences, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, disability or even, death.

Nationally, nearly 2 million have been diagnosed with lupus. Closer to home, the diagnosis is on the rise with nearly 30,000 in Southeast Florida, which is over 33% of the states diagnosed population. Over 6,100 patients have been diagnosed in Palm Beach County; over 8,700 in Broward and a staggering 12,000 in Miami - Dade County. The problem is, however, that lupus is difficult to detect because many initial symptoms of the disease often are dismissed or go misdiagnosed. Because the disease progresses most often over time, it is not uncommon for people with lupus to suffer several years before doctors can make an accurate diagnosis. Currently, there is no single laboratory test that can conclusively determine whether a person has lupus. Diagnosis is usually made by a careful review of a person's entire medical history, coupled with an analysis of the results obtained in routine laboratory tests and some specialized tests related to immune status. The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter's website includes a short questionnaire that can help individuals determine whether they need to consult with a doctor about lupus. Visit, www.lupusfl.org to download the questionnaire.

The fight to find a cure is aggressively underway in Southeast Florida as the local Lupus Foundation of America chapter, the second largest in the country is planning several walks and fundraising events to raise money and awareness to fight this debilitating disease.

"One in 185 people have been diagnosed with lupus and right now, lupus is winning," said Joshua Estrin, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation, SE Florida Chapter. "We are engaging the local community to open their eyes and take the time to learn about lupus as eventually someone they know either has or will develop lupus."

Other services are also in place regionally to assist those desiring information on lupus. A Patient Navigator is now available Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and Thursdays, 1 PM to 7 PM to answer questions regarding the disease, supply names of doctors who specialize in treating lupus or provide information to patients or family members that have general questions. Twelve regional support groups located throughout South Florida are also meeting regularly to assist patients and their families in coping with lupus. For a complete list of support group meeting times and locations and to learn more about lupus, visit www.lupusfl.org.

The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter, a not-for-profit autonomous corporation affiliated with the Lupus Foundation of America. This chapter, founded in 1978, serves Brevard, Broward, Collier, Hendry, Indian River, Martin, Miami/Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties. The chapter is dedicated to improving the lives of persons who suffer from lupus in South Florida by providing counseling and referral, support groups, professional and patient education and training, outreach, public information, advocacy and support of research. For more information, call 561-279-8606 or 800-339-0586 or visit www.lupusfl.org.

Sweet Leaf Tea Partners With Lupus Foundation

Clayton Christopher and David Smith, creators of Sweet Leaf Tea

Provided by: Sweet Leaf Tea

Contributed by: Britt Monroe on 9/20/2007

Sweet Leaf Tea Partners With Lupus Foundation

Named Official Beverage Sponsor for Broward and
Palm Beach County Lupus Walks

BOCA RATON, FL (September 19, 2007) - Sweet Leaf Tea has partnered with the Lupus Foundation as the official beverage sponsor of Walk for Lupus Now, to take place in October in Delray and Davie. Sweet Leaf Tea will be providing their southern sweet tea, diet and unsweetened iced tea flavors to walkers and supporters at both walks in South Florida, to benefit the Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter.

The Walk for Lupus Now, scheduled for October 14, will start at 8 AM at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. The Lady Chablis, famous for the book and movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, is the Grand Marshall. The Delray walk will take place on October 27 at 8 AM at Anchor Park. Leslie Hunt, American Idol Season 6 finalist, will Grand Marshall and participate in the walk.

"We are very proud to support lupus and awareness across all the communities we serve," says Michelle Weisblatt, Director of Marketing for Sweet Leaf Tea. "It is an honor to be a part of an event to help those who have been affected by this disease."

We are honored and grateful to have entered into this collaboration with Sweet Leaf Tea, remarks Joshua Estrin - CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter. It is rare to find a company such as Sweet Leaf so willing to give and so supportive of our efforts. They personify the core philosophy that embodies social philanthropy and we are thrilled to have them as part of the lupus family. Their generosity will save lives!"

The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter is committed to serving lupus patients and their loved ones in the 11 counties they serve (Brevard, Broward, Collier, Hendry, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie). They understand the isolation and fear lupus patients often feel when they are first diagnosed, and also recognize the impact the disease can have on family members and friends. The SE Florida Chapter is dedicated to improving the quality of life for lupus patients and their loved ones.

Sweet Leaf Tea is made from all-natural, superior-blend black and green teas mixed with 100% pure cane sugar or honey (Splenda for the diet varieties) and carbon-filtered water. Five of their flavors are certified organic by the USDA, and their Green Tea line has more of the antioxidant EGCG than any other bottled tea on the market.

Sweet Leaf is available nationwide at convenience stores, restaurants, supermarkets and specialty grocery stores such as Whole Foods Market, Wild Oats, Costco, Kroger, The Fresh Market, Sprouts, Central Market, 7-Eleven and Albertson's.

About Sweet Leaf Tea

Based in Austin, Texas, Sweet Leaf Tea was founded in 1998 by Clayton Christopher. Using his grandmother's tried-and-true iced-tea recipe, Clayton and his best friend and business partner, David Smith, brewed the original batches of Sweet Leaf Tea in pillowcases, using crawfish pots as brew tanks.

Sweet Leaf Tea is all-natural, made with real cane sugar and is offered in ten traditional iced-tea flavors: The Organic Original Sweet Tea, Diet Original Sweet Tea, Organic Mint & Honey Green Tea, Diet Mint & Honey Green Tea, Organic Peach Sweet Tea, Diet Peach Tea, Raspberry Sweet Tea, Lemon Lime Unsweet Tea, Organic Very Berry Hibiscus Tea, and Organic Half & Half Lemonade Tea. Sweet Leaf Tea can be purchased in the original 16 ounce glass bottle, a 64-oz PET bottle, and now the 12-ounce and 20-ounce plastic bottles. Sweet Leaf Tea also has a line of granny-inspired all-natural, fresh-squeezed lemonades: Organic Original Lemonade, Organic Peach Lemonade, and Organic Cherry Limeade. For more information on Sweet Leaf Tea and its products, visit www.sweetleaftea.com or call Britt Monroe at (561) 998-1995.

About Walk for Lupus Now

The Walk for Lupus Now, scheduled for October 14 at Nova Southeastern University in Davie and October 27 at Anchor Park in Delray, both beginning at 8 AM. Proceeds from the walks benefit the Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter, a nonprofit autonomous corporation affiliated with the Lupus Foundation of America. For more information, call 800-339-0586 or visit www.walkforlupusnowfl.com

Lupus Foundation expands services in Boca Raton - Delray Beach area

FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter, is undergoing major expansion to serve anyone affected by lupus.

The expansion includes larger offices to allow for increased services, community resources and a new staff position to more fully serve the community.

The position of director of community relations was created to bring greater awareness of the foundation throughout the 11 counties that it serves. Kathleen Laca, the former administrative director for the foundation, has been promoted to the new position. Laca has a strong commitment to lupus and will continue to establish, coordinate and promote the mission of outreach services for the Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter.

As part of the accessibility plan to better serve the community, direct phone access to a Patient Navigator will now be available Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m. and Thursdays, 1 to 7 p.m. Anyone who has questions regarding the disease, needs names of doctors who specialize in treating lupus or who are patients or family members will now benefit from this focused, supportive addition.

“One in 185 people have been diagnosed with lupus and right now, lupus is winning,” said Joshua Estrin, executive director of the Lupus Foundation, SE Florida Chapter. “Our growth will enable us to better fight this debilitating disease and better assist the community in their fight as well.”

The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter is a not-for-profit autonomous corporation affiliated with the Lupus Foundation of America. This chapter, founded in 1978, serves Brevard, Broward, Collier, Hendry, Indian River, Martin, Miami/Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties.

The chapter is dedicated to improving the lives of persons who suffer from lupus in South Florida by providing counseling and referral, support groups, professional and patient education and training, outreach, public information, advocacy and support of research.

For more information call 561-279-8606 or 800-339-0586 or visit www.lupusfl.com.

Proclamation to Joshua Estrin

At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on May 1, 2007, Commissioner Mary McCarty presented a proclamation to Joshua Estrin declaring May 10, 2007 as "World Lupus Day" in Palm Beach County.

Fundraising Success 101407

Posted by Lee Rowand at 10/14/2007 6:38 PM and is filed under Fundraising Success

October 14, 2007 Dr. Stephen L. Goldstein is the host and executive producer of “Fundraising Success.” He is the author of 30 Days to Successful Fundraising. For his weekly fundraising column, go to www.fundraisingguru.blogspot.com. This week’s program: 1. CONSULTANT’S CORNER: Beverly S. Bachrach, vice president for university advancement and marketing and communication at St. Thomas University, Miami, FL, bbachrac@stu.edu: how to run the most successful capital campaign! 2. SPOTLIGHT ON A NONPROFIT & ITS SUCCESS: The LUPUS Foundation of America—Southeast Florida Chapter: www.joshua_estrain@lupusfl.com 3. Phil Cubeta, author of the blog gifthub.org—on “extreme philanthropy”: how donors can seize the opportunity to make a difference beyond their wildest imagination 4. Stephen Rockwell, srockwell@mcsorg.org, of Management Consulting Services: how nonprofits can better use CRM to track their Web 2.0 strategies 5. “BLOG BEAT”: Peter Panepento of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, www.philanthropy.com/giveandtake:

Follow link to podcast http://wxelpodcasts.org/2007/10/16/fundraising-success-101407.aspx

Working through a chronic illness - Careers- msnbc.com

Working through a chronic illness. More employees learn to cope with debilitating ... Send them to MSNBC.com columnist Eve Tahmincioglu, PDF version click here