Entrepreneur Mitch McMullen has been nominated for the prestigious Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Los Angeles Chapter Man of the Year Award for the second year in a row. Announcement of the Los Angeles Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Man and Woman of the Year will take place this November 1, 2003, in a ceremony and gala fund-raising event at Union Station in Los Angeles. The nomination of McMullen for the honor of Man of the Year 2003 comes during the month of September, which is designated as Leukemia Awareness Month across the United States.

Mitch McMullen, along with his brother Kyle, are the founders of the Newhall Coffee Roasting Company, a coffee company with a big heart. Last year, McMullen was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Los Angeles. Fifty cents of every bag of the smooth European, South American, and African micro-roasted coffee goes to The Corey McMullen Leukemia Fund, and in turn, is donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Los Angeles. Funds raised are used to provide patient services and funding research for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma cures. The brothers have pledged to raise $1 million dollars for the leukemia cause in memory of their late brother Corey, who died of leukemia when he was just 24.“Corey’s dying wish was that he wanted to be remembered,” said McMullen. “We can’t bring Corey back, but we can keep his memory alive so that his life wasn’t in vain.” Mitch’s brother Kyle acknowledges that it might not be the smartest business decision, but states that “This isn’t our money to begin with, so we’re going to spread it.”

“Many people don’t know much about leukemia or how it can affect anyone, not just children,” said McMullen. “Anyone can get leukemia, as leukemia affects all ages and sexes. It is a malignant disease of the bone marrow and blood, and the cause of leukemia is not known. Leukemia represents 2 percent of all the adult cancers and a third of all childhood cancers. Approximately 21,900 deaths in the United States are attributed to leukemia, and 30,600 new cases of leukemia are estimated to be diagnosed In 2003. I just want to thank everyone who purchases Newhall Coffee Roasting Company Coffee, because by drinking our coffee, you are helping to save lives.”

According to Colleen O’Higgins, executive director of Los Angeles Chapter Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, nominations for the Man and Woman of the Year award are based upon the nominee’s philanthropic endeavors for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society chapter-wide. Additionally those who are selected in regional areas are considered for the national award as well.