| Nation's Capital Hosts Gala to Raise Funds for Melanoma Research |
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One man's dream of making a difference in the fight against melanoma is coming to life through the launch of a fundraising gala that will raise funds for melanoma research. Chad MacDonald lost his wife in 2005 to melanoma, and has since worked to raise funds for a cure through various events and fundraisers. His efforts will culminate with the launch of Washington, DC's First Annual Wings of Hope Gala to be held on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:00 p.m. in Potomac Falls, Va. "When my wife succumbed to melanoma four years ago, I wanted to do something that would truly make a difference," said Chad MacDonald, founder of the Brenda MacDonald Melanoma Research Foundation and gala chair. "With this inaugural event, we're aiming to make a significant donation towards research. We have a fantastic location, great auction prizes, and an outpouring of support from friends and family, local businesses, and corporations." The event will feature diamonds and champagne, "Trump" style casino gaming, both silent and live auctions, music and dancing, as well as exquisite food and drink. There are over 120 auction items that include travel and accommodations to Napa and Sonoma, a Super Bowl package, and wines from some of the world's top vineyards. Corporate sponsors include Genentech, Roche, Merrill Lynch, and Morgan Stanley, among others. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF), an organization that supports medical research for finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma. "The connection is simple. Research leads to new treatments and fundraising events generate more research dollars," said Tim Turnham, executive director for the MRF. "We should not underestimate the impact this week's event will have in helping develop new and meaningful therapies for melanoma." The event will be the first fundraiser gala held at the newly enhanced Trump National Golf Club, located on the scenic banks of the Potomac River. The course was purchased by real-estate developer and celebrity, Donald Trump earlier this year. "It's very moving to see so many friends and colleagues work together to make this event a success," said MacDonald. "From Charles to Loudoun County, the DC area has really stepped up to say that we want a cure for melanoma." To find out more about DC's First Annual Wings of Hope Gala and the Brenda MacDonald Melanoma Research Foundation, visit http://www.brendamacdonaldmrf.org. Members of the media wishing to attend the event should contact Julie Lane at Julie@JonesPA.com. About Melanoma Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike men and women of all ages, all races and skin types. In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, nearly 69,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2009, resulting in 8,650 deaths or one person every hour. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25- to 29-years-old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15- to 29-years-old. About Wings of Hope For the past eight years, MRF has hosted the Wings of Hope for Melanoma fundraising gala in New York City. Inspired by a mother's dream to memorialize her son, this annual event raises awareness and much needed funding for melanoma research. This enormously popular reception, attended by hundreds of professionals from the tri-state area, features a silent and live auction, and a sweepstakes. Gala Chair Persons Natalie and Chad MacDonald Lynn and Bud Wilkinson Michael Esposito Corporate Sponsors Include Alcatel-Lucent Brookfield Homes Champion Title Destination Cellars Dominion Jewelers Genentech Kroll Merrill Lynch Morgan Stanley Nissco Remax Gateway Roche ServiceForce Washington First Bank About Melanoma Research Foundation The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF's Web site is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at http://www.melanoma.org. |
