Published on March 24, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 24, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT:
Apoorva Sabnis-Stull
(703) 837–3687
apoorva.sabnis-stull@preventcancer.org
Funds Raised Support Innovative Cancer Prevention Research and Community Outreach Grants
Alexandria, VA — The Prevent Cancer Foundation — the only organization in the United States solely dedicated to the prevention and early detection of cancer since 1985 — held its 15th Annual Spring Gala at the National Building Museum on March 13, 2009. The Foundation welcomed 900 guests to the gala, this year designed around the country of Peru (last year saluted Turkey; 2007, Ireland). The event was chaired by John and Laura Pemberton. Proceeds from the gala support the Prevent Cancer Foundation 21st Century Young Scientists Fund for research grants and fellowships and community outreach programs. The 2009 gala was held under the honorary patronage of His Excellency the Ambassador of Peru, Félipe Ortiz de Zevallos. Elmer Huerta, M.D., MPH, vice-chairman of the board and scientific director of the Foundation, was honored as the Foundation’s first Cancer Prevention Champion. Dr. Huerta is immediate president of the American Cancer Society.
The glittering event raised more than 1.4 million dollars to further the organization’s mission: the prevention and early detection of cancer through scientific research, educationand community outreach to all populations, including children and the underserved. Instead of holding a raffle at the gala — which the foundation has done in past years — organizers opted to create “The Game of Hope ~ Lighting the Way to Prevention” this year, in which guests could make a direct contribution to a specific cause. More than 82 cents of every dollar raised funds Foundation programs.
“Our annual spring gala gives the Prevent Cancer Foundation the opportunity to raise money for crucial cancer prevention research and thank all our supporters,” explains Carolyn Aldigé, president and founder. The gala included Pfizer as the Exclusive Presenting Sponsor, sanofi-aventis served as the underwriter, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. served as the Premier Benefactor and Roche, Schering-Plough and Southern Company served as Major Benefactors. The event décor was designed by David Tutera, the acclaimed wedding and event designer and host
of My Fair Wedding on WE: Women’s Entertainment and was catered by Design Cuisine. The museum’s internal architecture fused well with the event’s design, as did the food. Design Cuisine caterers included an Inca Sampler as a first course, Peruvian-style beef tenderloin for the main course and a Peruvian Tasting Plate for dessert.
One of Washington D.C.’s most anticipated annual spectacles, the Prevent Cancer Foundation hosted its first gala in 1994 with Former President George H.W. Bush and First lady Barbara serving as its Co-Chairs. Since its inception in 1985 the Prevent Cancer Foundation has funded over $106 million in innovative research and education grants aimed at ensuring that the next generation will not have to suffer from preventable cancers. Visitwww.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 Apoorva Sabnis-Stull 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 $106 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.
