The American Cancer Society is proud to announce that Norwalk resident Joe Passero, chairman and chief operating officer of Klaff’s Inc. has been selected to serve as honoree at the American Cancer Society’s annual “Local Philanthropist Roast” set for September 17, 2014 beginning at 6pm at The Italian Center of Stamford.
Passero, son of Mollie Klaff Passero, president of Klaff’s and grandson of founders Joe and Mary Klaff, is the third generation to operate the family business since 1921.
Eager to learn the trade, Joe joined the company in 1979 and has pioneered some of the industry’s most innovative retail strategies, bringing decades of uninterrupted growth to the specialty store and elevating it to its current leadership position in the industry.
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Headquartered at 165 Water St. in Norwalk, Klaff’s Inc. has three full service showrooms located in South Norwalk, Danbury, and Scarsdale, NY.
Joe has been a member of the board of directors for the Norwalk Chamber for over 30 years including serving 4 years on the board for the Norwalk –Wilton United Way. Currently Joe is working alongside his wife, Allison to increase cancer awareness.
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The Roast of Joe Passero will benefit the American Cancer Society and its cancer research. Proceeds from the event’s unique live auction, Hands Up For Hope, will benefit the Society’s Extramural Grants “Pay-If” Program.
The “Pay-If” grants represent work that passed the Society’s multi-disciplinary review process, but go beyond current funding resources, and will be funded if additional monies become available.
These grants serve as an important reminder that there continues to be promising research that cannot happen with current resources.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please call Kim Maloney at 203-563-1533 or email kim.maloney@cancer.org.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community.
As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates.
Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year.
We're finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more.
For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/fight
Pictured from left to right: Catherine Cleare and Steve Folb (Roast Chair) of Westport alongside Joe and Allison Passero of Norwalk
