Published on March 16, 2010
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: | CONTACT: Jim Wood |
| March 16, 2010 | (703) – 837 – 3692 |
| jwood@preventcancer.org |
Funds Raised Support Innovative Cancer Prevention Research and Community Outreach Grants
Alexandria, VA — Celebrating “25 Years of Progress Through Prevention,” the Prevent Cancer Foundation held its 16th Annual Spring Gala at the National Building Museum on March 12, 2010. The Foundation welcomed 700 guests to the gala, whose theme wasIndelible Impressions of India. The glittering event raised 1.3 million dollars to further the organization’s mission: the prevention and early detection of cancer through scientific research, education and community outreach. It was held under the honorary patronage of Her Excellency the Ambassador of India, Meera Shankar.
The event was chaired by Tim Keating of the Boeing Company; Joann Piccolo of Tyco Electronics chaired the Dinner Committee. Celebrity poker players and Bad Beat on Cancer™ Founders, Phil Gordon and Rafe Furst, were honored as the Foundation’s 2010 Cancer Prevention Champions for their outstanding efforts in raising awareness and funds for cancer prevention and early detection.
At the conclusion of dinner, Ron Doornink, former President and CEO of Activision Publishing, Inc., gave a moving speech recounting how cancer has touched his life and that of his family. After Mr. Doornink’s speech, popular WUSA anchorwoman and Prevent Cancer Foundation board member Andrea Roane encouraged attendees to donate and to match a dollar for dollar pledge by Mr. Doornink during the “Lighting the Way to Prevention” portion of the evening. “Lighting the Way to Prevention” refers to the flashing lanyards each donor received after making a contribution.
“Our annual spring gala gives the Prevent Cancer Foundation the opportunity to raise money for critical cancer prevention and early detection programs and to thank all our supporters,” explains Carolyn Aldigé, president and founder. The Exclusive Presenting Sponsor for the event was Pfizer and both Amgen and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. served as Premier Benefactors. Eisai and sanofi-aventis were Major Benefactors.
The event décor was designed by David Tutera, the acclaimed wedding and event planner and host of “My Fair Wedding” on WE: Women’s Entertainment. It was catered by Design Cuisine. The museum’s internal architecture fused well with the event’s design, as did the menu. Design Cuisine caterers included a Tandoori Glazed Black Cod as a first course, Indian Red Curry Duck and Vadouvan Quail for the main course and a Cardamom Ice Cream Stack and Chocolate Coffee Tart for dessert.
One of Washington D.C.’s most anticipated annual events, the Prevent Cancer Foundation hosted its first gala in 1994 with Former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush serving as its Co-Chairs. Since its inception in 1985, the Prevent Cancer Foundation has provided over $113 million in support of its programs, aimed at ensuring that the next generation will not have to suffer from preventable cancers. Visit www.preventcancer.org to learn more about the Prevent Cancer Foundation and its life saving programs.
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Photos from the gala are available upon request. Please email Jim Wood using the contact information listed above.
About Prevent Cancer Foundation
The Prevent Cancer Foundation (formerly the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation) was started in 1985. Today, it is one of the nation’s leading health organizations and has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence. Through healthy lifestyle choices, you can reduce your risk of breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, oral, prostate, skin and testicular cancers.
Since its inception the Foundation has provided more than $113 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education and community outreach programs. The Foundation’s peer-reviewed grants have been awarded to nearly 400 scientists from more than 150 of the leading academic medical centers nationwide. This research has been pivotal in developing a body of knowledge that is the basis for important cancer prevention and early detection strategies. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.
