Luke Jaindl and Rita DiBenedetto, both of Orefield, have been chosen by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as 2017 Lehigh Valley Man and Woman of the Year.

The two were named during the society’s grand finale celebration June 6 at DeSales University.

Individual winning totals will be announced this summer after the national titles are awarded to the top fundraisers in the country.

During a spirited 10-week fundraising period beginning with a kickoff celebration, candidates across Lehigh Valley competed in honor of a local boy and girl who are blood cancer survivors to raise the most funds to ensure a world without blood cancers.

Candidates and their campaign teams are judged solely on their success in raising money, each dollar counting as one vote. Their totals are then considered for the national title.

Jaindl’s philanthropic endeavors in cancer research began with his yearly participation in THON at Penn State University.

Watching his mother endure and defeat her cancer gave him the passion and motivation in finding a cure for cancer.

“I have seen the results of not only blood cancer breakthroughs, but breakthroughs in cancer treatments through the research that LLS funds,” Jaindl said. “I am honored to be involved in such a remarkable campaign.”

Jaindl is vice president of Jaindl Farms/ A-Treat Soda. He is also a part of the National Turkey Federation Board of Directors.

DiBenedetto is a fifth-grade teacher at St. Thomas More School, Allentown. She graduated from Penn State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Art’s degree in corporate communications and earned a post-baccalaureate teacher certificate.

DiBenedetto graduated from the Master’s of Education program at DeSales University shortly after.

“I might have earned the title of Woman of the Year, but as you know, everyone wins when cancer loses,” DiBenedetto said. “The efforts from all of the candidates will help fund the therapies and treatments to save lives, not someday, but today.”

The 17 candidates collectively raised a record breaking $728,202 with the incredible support of their campaign teams and community.

“Congratulations to our winners, and to all of our candidates and campaign team members who participated in this year’s campaign,” Executive Director of the LLS Eastern PA Chapter Ellen Rubesin said. “They are all passionate and determined individuals, and leaders in their communities.

“Their efforts really go far in bringing help and hope to patients and their families.”