On Saturday, May 4, the excitement of the Kentucky Derby will come to South Florida, at the American Cancer Society’s Celebration Gala themed “Race for Research,” at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. The one-of-a-kind evening, featuring a cocktail hour, dinner reception, dancing, silent and live auctions and more, will take place from 6:30–11:30 p.m. Celebration Gala donations will support the mission of the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society is honored to announce this year’s event’s Presenting Sponsor and champions in the fight against cancer, The Salah Foundation. The Salah Foundation’s family philosophy has always been that one cannot take from this world without giving back. 2019 marks the third consecutive year that The Salah Foundation has served as the Presenting Sponsor of the Celebration Gala lead by Executive Director, Noreen Salah Burpee.
At the event, City Furniture President Keith Koenig and his wife Kelly Koenig ? longtime supporters in the fight against cancer ? will be honored as the 2019 Celebration Gala Honorees.
Lori Samuels will be the Survivor Speaker, sharing her touching story of her battle with cancer and her life today. Dale McLean, in-arena host for the Miami Heat; and auctioneer Joe Girvan will serve as the event’s hosts.
The event’s chairperson is Lori Castle (who has served as the event chair for three consecutive years), and co-chairs are Peter and LoriAnn Gary (who were the American Cancer Society’s 2018 South Palm Beach Ambassadors.)
Members of the event’s Executive Committee are Stephanie Aragon; Ellen Crane; Eugene Dorfman; Heather Frantz; Lindsay Kunca; Christiana Marron, MD; Heather McQuigg; Ilana Muransky; Anna Noriega; Jenna Reed; Durée Ross; Elaine Simmons; Tracey Stokes, MD; Richard Tommer; Ashleay Vesper; Sarah Whitelock; Michael Wild; Bob Wilson; and Peter Zupcofska.
The Diamond Sponsor is City Furniture, owned by Gala Honorees Keith and Kelly Koenig. Gold sponsors include Pinnacle Advertising, owned by Gala co-chairs Peter and LoriAnn Gary. This is the second year that Pinnacle Advertising has served as a Gala sponsor. The Frantz Family, Mike and Heather Frantz, will also serve as a Gold Sponsor. The Frantz Family has been a sponsor of the event for three consecutive years. Heather Frantz was the event co-chair in 2018 and is Lori Castle’s daughter.
This year’s Silver Sponsor is AutoNation, a longtime partner of the American Cancer Society with many engagement areas throughout the organization. The event’s Mission Sponsor is UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Walls of Bravery Sponsor is Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
Public relations support is provided by Durée & Company, Inc. Event production and decor will be provided by Alorè Event Firm. Current in-kind donors are Lifestyle Magazine, and Optime Consulting (providing event video production.)
Registration will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a cocktail reception that includes a silent auction. At 8 p.m., dinner, the program, the live auction, and a performance by Emmy®-nominated singer, songwriter, and performer Alexander Star will begin. At 10:30 p.m., guests will enjoy snacks, dancing and other fun surprises.
Spirit donors include Zebra Champagne, Islamorada Beer Company and Maison Belle Claire Rosé (who will provide wine and feature a live activation the night of the event). Additional live auction items secured to date are a Red Sox Experience Package, EPSY Awards Experience Package, customized artwork by Josh Leidolf ? The Money Artist, a Celebrity Cruise, a stay in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and a $5,000 shopping spree from Rene Ruiz Collection by Luis Escudero. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a Derby-themed stuffed animal that will be donated on their behalf to a local children’s hospital.
“We are anticipating that this year’s Celebration Gala will be the most successful to date,” said Castle. “Attendees will enjoy an incredible evening, all for the important cause of saving lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer.”
Celebration Gala tickets are $300 per person and $5,000 for a VIP table. To purchase tickets, for more information, and to find out more about sponsorships, visit www.CelebrationGalaFL.org.
The American Cancer Society is available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We're finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/fight
