In the coming months, as the American Cancer Society’s distinguished gala “Imagine…An Evening in Paris” gears up for its August 8 arrival at Robinson Ranch Golf Club, community members will probably have questions about the soiree. Here are some potential gala ponderings, replete with answers:
1. Why the annual gala?
Answer: No matter what its yearly theme, this important event features the American Cancer Society’s prestigious “Legacy of Hope” award being bestowed upon prominent honorees – community leaders, oncology physicians, survivors, business professionals, and others who embody the mission and spirit of the ACS. Those heartfelt ACS goals include helping fund continuing groundbreaking scientific research; helping patients and families affected by the disease through free programs and services; educating people on prevention and early detection; rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat the disease; uniting communities worldwide to join the fight, and last but not least, working to create the glorious day when no one ever again hears those three terrifying words, “You have cancer.”
2. Who will be honored at “Imagine…An Evening in Paris”?
Answer: This year’s esteemed ACS Legacy of Hope recipients are:
• Leadership in Community Awareness:
Jeri Seratti and Carl Goldman, KHTS AM-1220
• Leadership in Mission Support:
Don and Cheri Fleming, Valencia Acura
• Leadership in Health Care:
Roger Seaver, CEO, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital
3: How can I get involved with this event?
Answer: Volunteer committee members (including key committee chairs) are still needed for “An Evening in Paris.” Sponsorship opportunities are available and we are looking for silent and live auction donations.
4. Why support the American Cancer Society?
Answer: The “Official Sponsor of Birthdays” – the ACS is one of the oldest and largest health agencies in America. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and with more than 3,400 offices, it is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. The largest not-for-profit source of funding for cancer research, the ACS has invested $3 billion in research since its 1946 launch, funding the early research of 44 Nobel Prize winners. According to the ACS, it is estimated that in 2010 approximately 133,955 Californians will hear the words “you have cancer” and more than 54,655 Californians (150 per day) will lose their battle. The American Cancer Society is committed to radically changing those tragic odds and saving lives! Proceeds from the gala and other ACS fund-raisers enable all of these crucial endeavors and accomplishments to continue.
5. Who can I contact for information on how to get involved with this event?
Answer: Please contact ACS Community Director Tameka Payne at the American Cancer Society Santa Clarita Valley Unit at 661-298-0886, option three, or email her at Tameka.Payne@cancer.org . You may also contact event chair Candy Spahr at 661-299-5536.