Hepatitis B Foundation to Host its 20th Anniversary Crystal Ball Fundraiser on May 13th

Philadelphia-area Nonprofit Dedicated to Eliminating Hepatitis B Celebrates 20 Years of Global Achievements. End Quote

Philadelphia, PA-NJ (1888PressRelease) March 15, 2011 - Celebrating its 20th anniversary as the global authority dedicated to eliminating hepatitis B worldwide, the Hepatitis B Foundation of Doylestown, Pa., will host its 20th Anniversary Crystal Ball on Friday, May 13, 2011 at PineCrest Country Club in Lansdale, Pa. As the Foundation's signature fundraising event, the Crystal Ball attracts hundreds of leaders from the community, academic institutions, government, and industry and biotech executives. All proceeds from the event will support the Foundation's global research, outreach and patient advocacy programs.

An exclusive Pre Event Sponsors Reception will begin at 6:30 p.m., during which the Hepatitis B Foundation will award its inaugural Community Commitment Award to Mr. Brad Segall. Segall is the award-winning Suburban Bureau Chief at KYW Newsradio 1060 in Philadelphia, who has promoted the important work of the Foundation on his popular radio show for many years and served as emcee of the Crystal Ball for the past three years. When he is not breaking suburban Philadelphia news, Segall enjoys spending time with family and friends, rooting for the Philadelphia Phillies and supporting his local community and its nonprofit organizations.

"Reaching our 20th anniversary is a tremendous milestone for the Foundation and we are looking forward to celebrating our many achievements and supporters," said Foundation Executive Director and Co-founder Joan Block. "The Hepatitis B Foundation started in 1991 as a kitchen grassroots effort in New Hope, Pa., and thanks to the many dedicated Foundation staff, partners, and friends like Brad Segall, it has grown into a professional organization with a global reach that brings hope to the 400 million people living with chronic hepatitis B worldwide."

Cocktails will be served at 7 p.m. and dinner at 8 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by local band, Jazz 4 Nothin.' A silent and live auction will be offered throughout the evening with a special raffle for a six- day/night Costa Rica vacation at the premier Arenas del Mar Resort donated by Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP. The Foundation is still accepting live and silent auction items and a range of sponsorship opportunities are available. Univest is this year's presenting sponsor for the Crystal Ball and Bucks County Herald is the media sponsor. Additional major sponsors and donors include Allure West Studios, Furia Rubel Communications, Inc., High Schwartz LLP, Kru Research, Naked Chocolate Café and Tom Donnelly Post & Animation Digital Media Artistry. Tickets for the event are $175 individually and $300 per couple. To learn more about the event, to purchase tickets or to support the Foundation, visit www.hepb.org.

Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection and the major cause of liver cancer worldwide. In the world, two billion people have been infected with the hepatitis B virus (one out of three) and 400 million are chronically infected and live with an increased risk of developing liver cancer. Each year, one million people die prematurely from hepatitis B-related liver disease and liver cancer. In the U.S., it is estimated that up to two million are chronically infected with hepatitis B - that is one in 20 Americans. Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that attacks liver cells and can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Like AIDS, the hepatitis B virus is transmitted through infected blood. However, the hepatitis B virus is 100 times more infectious than the AIDS virus. The good news is that hepatitis B is preventable and treatable. However, for the 400 million people living with chronic hepatitis B infections, there is still no complete cure.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation:

The Hepatitis B Foundation, celebrating its 20th anniversary as the global authority dedicated to eliminating hepatitis B, is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. It is headquartered in the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, which it created to accelerate its research mission. To learn more, visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

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