Brain Injury Association of Washington Welcomes NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as Honorary Chair for 4th Annual Gala, Auction & Dinner

News provided by

The Brain Injury Association of Washington

Oct 07, 2010, 04:41 ET

SEATTLE, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Brain Injury Association of Washington is pleased to announce that National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell will be attending the 4th Annual Brain Injury Association of Washington's Gala, Auction & Dinner as their Honorary Chair. As a sign of mutual respect for the leadership that both the NFL and the Brain Injury Association of Washington are taking in elevating the discussion and awareness of the effects of concussions on both our youth and professional players, Commissioner Goodell is traveling to Seattle, Washington to participate in the October 9th event at the Grand Hyatt Seattle. In addition, other activities will take place during the day at the Seahawks VMAC Center, which will include the NFL, Seahawks, leading medical personnel, Governor Christine Gregoire, Brain Injury Association of Washington's Chairman Richard Adler, and others leaders involved in taking the "silent" out of this silent epidemic of "concussion injuries."

Former Honorary Chairs include Dr. Richard G. Ellenbogen of the University of Washington's School of Medicine, recently named a co-chair of the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Medical Committee; and Washington's Governor Christine Gregoire.

According to Deborah Crawley, Executive Director of the BIAWA, "We are truly honored that Commissioner Goodell will be here to be part of our annual Gala. The work that we started in Washington State with passage of the Lystedt Law has taken on new meaning and depth with the NFL's ongoing commitment to the health, safety and well-being not only of their players but for all youth to ensure their safety when playing the sports they love. We are excited about moving forward and assisting other states in passing similar legislation and will not stop until all 50 states are on board."

The 4th Annual Gala, Auction & Dinner will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seattle, Saturday, October 9th from 5:30 – 9:30. Major sponsors include: UBS Financial Services; Adler-Giersch P.S.; Nelson, Langer & Engle P.L.L.C.; Messina, Bulzomii & Christensen; X2IMPACT; and Zielke Law Firm.

Founded in 1983 and celebrating its 27th Anniversary, the Brain Injury Association of Washington (BIAWA) is dedicated to providing prevention and support services to all Washingtonians who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. BIAWA is the voice for the hundreds of thousands who are affected and the over 20,000 who suffer a TBI annually in Washington State. For more information about the Brain Injury Association of Washington call 1-877-98BIAWA (982-4292)or the TBI Helpline at 1-877-824-1766

www.braininjurywashington.org

SOURCE The Brain Injury Association of Washington