The Children's Cancer & Blood Foundation (CCBF) will be hosting its annual “Breakthrough Ball” fundraising gala on Tuesday, October 28, at the newly reopened Plaza Hotel in New York City.
The Foundation expects to exceed last year’s highly successful fundraising gala that raised in excess of $1 million for treatment and research into the causes of childhood cancers and blood diseases.
NFL great Tiki Barber, last year’s honoree and honorary co-chair, will return to award this year’s CCBF Breakthrough Spirit Awards. Charles Grodin will once again serve as Master of Ceremonies. This year’s honorees will include artist, musician and producer, Swizz Beatz; actor/activist Steve Guttenberg; major league star and Yankee analyst Al Leiter; and Laureen Kelley, founder of Save One Life.
Foundation chairperson Les Lieberman said, “Our research and clinical staff are the best in the world, and we are on the cutting edge of developing cures and the best treatments for children suffering from a range of cancers and blood diseases. The money we have raised has gone to building a new state-of-the art laboratory, funding new fellowship positions for young scientists and doctors, and has helped develop new treatments for these serious diseases. These funds also ensure that no child or family is left behind regardless of ability to pay, and that is very important to all of us at CCBF. Our thanks to Charles Grodin, Tiki Barber, and all the people who are committed to making the 2008 gala the best ever.”
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings will provide entertainment. A live auction will be held that will include beautiful DiModolo custom jewelry, a five hour Bombardier Skyjet package, a Caribbean cruise, a personal photo shoot by Heisler Pictures, Inc., a golf package at the top Hamptons’ golf courses, a chef’s dinner for 20 at the winner’s home with ’Cesca chef Kevin Garcia, and much more.
The CCBF supports the pioneering and lifesaving work of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Weill/Cornell Medical Center. Each year they treat thousands of children with an array of pediatric diseases from cancers to sickle cell and HIV/AIDS. They have a truly incredible group of doctors, scientists and staff committed to finding cures, as well as new and better treatments for these youngsters regardless of their ability to pay. They have made great advances in many of these diseases in recent years.
Proceeds from this benefit will ensure that the CCBF continues its exceptional mission to provide the very best up-to-date treatments for young people, as well as engage in breakthrough research that will hopefully lead to improved care and cures.
For more information concerning the CCBF, visit their website.
