FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2007 

Dr. Oscar de Leon-Casasola, a senior member of Roswell Park Cancer Institute’s medical faculty, was joined by Marrano/Marc Equity vice president, James Marrano, at a press conference this week to formally announce the renewal of Raising the Roof, an innovative fundraising project to benefit the cancer center. Last year, the Raising the Roof partnership generated $160,000 to fund groundbreaking cancer research at Roswell Park. Now, Marrano and Roswell Park Cancer Institute have teamed up again with a goal of raising another $160,000 through the sale of a new Marrano home.

The press conference took place at the Pleasant Meadows new home community off Pleasantview Drive in Lancaster where Marrano is building one of its most popular new home designs for the fundraiser.  Upon the sale of the home, Marrano will donate the proceeds to Roswell Park to fund cancer research.  Marrano has solicited the support of its business partners including donated products, services and time in order to maximize funds raised for the project. Nearly every Marrano partner from last year’s Raising the Roof project, from material suppliers and framing crews to carpenters and painters, is participating again for the 2007 effort.

"After the incredible success of last year’s effort, we knew we had to repeat this unique program to support Roswell Park’s leadership role in cancer care, research and education," explained James Marrano. "Our business partners, vendors and subcontractors all enthusiastically agreed to participate again, testament to the strong relationships Marrano shares with them, and evidence that everyone involved understands the importance of this cooperative effort."

"Having assisted the Marrano family in the care of Pasquale Marrano, late father of company president, Patrick, I am honored to take part in the next Raising the Roof fundraiser," added Dr. de Leon-Casasola, Chief of Pain Medicine at RPCI. "On behalf of Roswell Park Cancer Institute, I thank the Marrano family and everyone involved for their continued commitment and support."

Raising the Roof is the latest example of philanthropic support from the Marrano family to Roswell Park.  Patrick and Arlinda Marrano chaired the 2003 real estate Industry Campaign, which raised over $130,000 for cancer research and patient care at Roswell Park. Additionally, Patrick Marrano, President of Marrano/Marc Equity Corporation, has served in a leadership role as a trustee for the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation Board, and currently serves on the Foundation’s development committee.

For more information on the Raising the Roof project, visit www.Marrano.com.  Donations to the Raising the Roof project can be made online at www.roswellpark.org/giving or by mailing to: Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Attn. Raising the Roof, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY  14263 (checks made payable to: Roswell Park Alliance Foundation-Raising the Roof).