Cancer Research Foundation of America Holds Annual Spring Gala to Raise Money for Cancer Prevention

Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation
Monday, 12 March 2001

Over $1.6 million Raised

WASHINGTON, DC – The Cancer Research Foundation of America (CRFA) held its Annual Spring Gala, i tesori di Toscana, Friday, March 9, 2001 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. His Excellency the Ambassador of Italy and Mrs. Salleo served as honorary patrons of the event, which was chaired by Marcia Myers Carlucci. Over $1.6 million in gross proceeds were raised.

The gala was attended by over 1,000 people including Secretary Tommy Thompson, Secretary Norm Mineta, Justice Anthony Kennedy, Commissioner Michael Powell, Senator and Mrs. Pat Roberts, Senator and Mrs. Frank Murkowski, Representative and Mrs. Bob Clement and Representative and Mrs. Billy Tauzin.

Proceeds from the Gala benefited three important CRFA programs: the 21st Century Young Scientists Fund, which provides funding to keep the best and brightest young scientists engaged in cutting-edge cancer prevention research; the CRFA/George Washington University Mammovan, the area's first and only mobile mammography facility, which provides free mammograms to uninsured women in the Washington, D.C. area; and National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which generates widespread awareness about colorectal cancer.

"Prevention is the ultimate weapon against cancer," said Carolyn Aldigé, president and founder of CRFA. "The innovative and successful initiatives that this year's gala will support are critical to providing all citizens of our nation the information they need to live healthier, cancer-free lives."

In addition to supporting the career development of promising scientists, the Gala will ensure that the Mammovan will be able to continue providing free breast cancer screenings to medically underserved women, as well as women at the workplace, throughout the Washington, D.C. area.

Gala funds will also help CRFA continue its aggressive campaign against the number two cancer-killer of men and women combined – colorectal cancer. In 2000, CRFA initiated National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a nationwide educational effort held each March to encourage Americans to reduce their risk for the disease through regular screening.

The Gala hosted a raffle with extraordinary prizes including a Mediterranean sailing adventure, a royal retreat to Ireland's Kilcolgan Castle, an Acapulco vacation in John Wayne's former residence, vacations to Beaver Creek, Colorado and Bermuda, tickets to the 2002 Superbowl and more. Contributions from the raffle will also help support the Mammovan, Young Scientist's Fund and National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

The Cancer Research Foundation of America is a national nonprofit health organization whose mission is the prevention of cancer through scientific research and education. Founded in 1985 by Carolyn Aldigé, the organization's commitment to prevention is fueled by the fact that certain cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes and screening, yet more than 553,000 Americans die from the diseases annually. Since its inception, the Foundation has supported research, education and early detection programs in excess of $50 million.

For more information, or to contact Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, see their website at: www.preventcancer.org