Democratic National Convention Events

Democratic National Convention Events

The Foundation participated in two special receptions during the Democratic National Convention:

Taste of the States Reception

Novartis partnered with the American Transplant Foundation for a special event on August 27th during the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Senator Ken Salazar, Foundation board members, Novartis employees, and guests attended the reception at the historic Oxford Hotel in downtown Denver to focus on the importance of transplantation and to celebrate the coming of the DNC. A delicious buffet of hors d’oeuvres from several regions of the United States made this “Taste of the States” Reception an event enjoyed by all.

Senator Ken Salazar, Brenda Luckritz of Novartis, and Steve Farber at the Taste of the States Reception.View more photos.

Celebration of Life Reception

The Creative Coalition, the nonprofit, nonpartisan social and political advocacy group of the entertainment industry, joined Astellas and the American Transplant Foundation for a special reception to celebrate life on August 26th at the Comedy Works club in Larimer Square in Denver. Members of the creative community read inspirational quotes about health and healthcare, and transplant recipients Steve Farber and Kelly Perkins shared their personal stories with the crowd along with a short film about Kelly’s remarkable accomplishments since her transplant. Kelly Perkins became the first ever heart transplant recipient to reach the peaks of some of the world’s most famous mountains, including Mt. Kilimanjaro in Kenya. She and her husband Craig continue to climb in hopes of making a positive impact for organ and tissue donation.

This event drew attention to healthcare issues during the Democratic National Convention and celebrated the lives saved through modern miracles like transplantation. Spike Lee, Susan Sarandon, Dana Delaney, and Richard Schiff, to name just a few, were among the artists who read quotes.

Anne Hathaway reads a quote at the Celebration of Life Reception, dedicated to transplant recipients.View more photos.