T.J. Martell Foundation Mourns Passing Of Frances Williams Preston

T.J. Martell Foundation Mourns Passing Of Frances Williams Preston

Music Industry Icon Was Instrumental to Cancer Research Charity


NEW YORK, June 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The T.J Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research is mourning the passing of music industry pioneer Frances Williams Preston, who died early this morning. Frances was a long-time friend and ardent supporter of the T.J. Martell Foundation and she will be sorely missed. "We lost a great lady, someone who has done so much for our Foundation," said Tony Martell, Founder & Chairman of the T.J. Martell Foundation. Frances reigned as President of the T.J. Martell Foundation National Board of Directors for more than 16 years and helped to raise millions of dollars for the Foundation's cancer research programs. Her unwavering support culminated in the creation of the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) of Vanderbilt University.

"What a tremendous loss to the music and medical communities. Frances was instrumental in building the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center through her work with the T.J. Martell Foundation, and contributed greatly to the growth of the cancer center, which is now in the top ten in the country. In recognition of her efforts, the focal point of the center is named for her, the Frances Williams Preston Research Building," says VICC Director Emeritus Dr. Harold Moses.

In 2009, the T.J. Martell Foundation Southern Region created the Frances Williams Preston Lifetime Music Industry Award to honor her incredible contribution to the Foundation's mission. Each year the Foundation bestows this significant award on individuals in the music industry who have selflessly given their time, talent and life to music. Frances presented the 2012 award to Kris Kristofferson on March 24th at the annual Honors Gala in Nashville. The 2013 recipient of the Frances Williams Preston Lifetime Music Industry Award will be Vince Gill.

Frances' favorite event of the T.J. Martell roster was Country in the Rockies held in Crested Butte, CO, one of her most cherished locales. "For 12 years, Country in the Rockies was one of the most fun and significant events that the Foundation produced, bringing singers, songwriters and patrons together to help raise vital funds for Martell supported research programs," shared Laura Heatherly, CEO. "Frances' always sunny demeanor ultimately dubbed the event as a 'FUN-raising' event, because it never felt like work while we were doing it."

The Foundation will continue to do great work and raise funds in her memory for leading research in leukemia, cancer & AIDS. For more information on the T.J. Martell Foundation, please visit www.tjmartellfoundation.org. Join us on www.Facebook.com, www.twitter.com, and www.pinterest.com.

ABOUT THE T.J. MARTELL FOUNDATION
Founded in 1975 by music industry executive, Tony Martell, the T.J. Martell Foundation is the music industry's largest foundation that funds innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer & AIDS; it has provided over $250 million over the past thirty-seven years. The Foundation funds early stage research projects at 11 world-class institutions including the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

PRESS CONTACT:
Kate Fitzpatrick
Communications Manager
T: 917.301.2572
E: kfitzpatrick@tjmartellfoundation.org



SOURCE T.J. Martell Foundation

T.J. Martell Foundation

Web Site: http://www.tjmartellfoundation.org


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